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–+ servings

Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Here’s a bourbon lemonade that’s smoky, tangy, and just right for summer. It’s got that sweet-tart balance, plus the cozy kick of whiskey.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Muddler
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Collins glass or highball glass
  • Ice bucket
  • Bar spoon: for stirring.
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Cutting board and knife for garnishes
  • Cocktail picks for garnish (optional)

Ingredients

For one cocktail:

  • 2 oz bourbon whiskey
  • 4 oz fresh lemonade store-bought or homemade
  • ½ oz simple syrup optional, depending on lemonade sweetness
  • 3-4 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 lemon wheel for garnish
  • Ice cubes

For homemade lemonade (makes about 4 servings):

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 4 cups cold water

Fresh ingredients really do make a difference here.

Instructions

  • Make simple syrup (if needed): Mix equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool down.
  • Prepare lemonade (if making homemade): Combine lemon juice, sugar, and water in a pitcher. Stir until the sugar’s gone, then chill it.
  • Build the cocktail: Drop mint leaves into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle them.
  • Add bourbon, lemonade, and simple syrup (if you’re using it) to the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Shake hard for 15-20 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
  • Fill a collins glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.
  • Serve right away.

Notes

If you want a stronger bourbon kick, bump it up to 2.5 oz. Prefer it milder? Try 1.5 oz instead.
Experiment with different bourbon brands—you might find you like a sweeter one like Maker’s Mark, or maybe you’ll prefer something with a bit more spice.
Add a splash of soda water if you want some fizz. It lightens things up and gives you bubbles.
Making drinks for a group? You can scale this up easily in a pitcher. Just wait to add the ice until you’re ready to serve, or you’ll end up with a watered-down batch.
Big ice cubes or an ice sphere look cool and melt slower, so your drink stays strong longer.