Bourbon Lemonade

Bourbon lemonade is the ideal two-ingredient summer cocktail: sweet-tart fresh lemonade with a warm whiskey finish. Here’s how to make it by the glass or a pitcher!

Here’s a refreshing summer cocktail that’s so simple to whip up: my favorite bourbon lemonade! Make up a big pitcher of fresh squeezed lemonade, refreshing and sweet tart, then swirl it with bourbon in a glass so you get all that boozy, spicy finish to each sip.

Alex recently made this spiked version of our favorite summer drink, and it was so great for a summer evening on the porch. This one’s quick and easy, it goes down easy. Here’s how to make this bourbon lemon cocktail!

What’s in Bourbon Lemonade?

Bourbon lemonade is exactly what it sounds like: fresh squeezed lemonade with bourbon whiskey. It’s part of a tradition of two ingredient cocktails named for what’s in them, like the Gin and Tonic or Vodka Cranberry.

You might also hear this drink called Kentucky lemonade, a reference to the state where bourbon was born (some versions add a splash of soda or mint).The ingredients you need are:

• Fresh squeezed homemade lemonade: just lemons, sugar, and water
• Bourbon whiskey: I like using a mid-range whiskey, like Bulleit or Elijah Craig (see below).

I’ve got two variations: pitcher style, and by the glass. You can use any type of whiskey, if you like, for a Whiskey Lemonade.

How to Make Bourbon Lemonade (By the Glass or Pitcher)

You can mix up a big pitcher of lemonade for this bourbon lemonade recipe, which comes out to about 8 to 9 cups of lemonade. That’s enough for 16 servings of bourbon lemonade! You can either refrigerate the remainder to drink off of all week, or if you can make lemonade by the glass. Here’s what you’ll do in either case:

• Juice the lemons. This is the most time consuming part of the process…by far! A citrus press juicer makes quick work of it.
• Mix the sugar with warm water. There’s no need to make a simple syrup on the stove. Just mix sugar and warm water.
• Add the cold water and lemon juice. Voila! Go to our homemade lemonade for more: it has the ingredients for pitcher style and by the glass.
• Mix with bourbon. Pour 4 to 6 ounces lemonade and 2 ounces bourbon over ice, then garnish with fresh mint and a cocktail cherry.

The Best Bourbon for Bourbon Lemonade

You’ll want to use a good brand in this bourbon lemonade. My rule of thumb is: buy good liquor to make a good drink! This drink is not quite as whiskey-forward as the Old Fashioned or Mint Julep, but the bourbon needs to hold its own.

Use a mid-priced bottle: anything in the $25 to $35 range for a 750ml bottle. Some brands I like are  Bulleit Bourbon, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Four Roses Small Batch or Woodford Reserve.

Make It Sparkling (If You Like!)

Once you’ve got your lemonade and bourbon: this drink is as easy as mixing the two together. Yes, no tricks: it really is that simple. Some people like to top off their bourbon lemonade with bubbles.

It’s a matter of taste, but I’m always up for a little bubbly! I like to use soda water because it’s unsweetened, but you could also try ginger ale if you like your drinks extra sugary.

Also try: Spiked Lemonade, made boozy with vodka and limoncello, Sparkling Lemonade, or any of my other Homemade Lemonade Recipes.

Fun Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, here are a few fun spins:

• Pink bourbon lemonade: Use Raspberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade or Pink Lemonade as the base for a pink spin.
• Herbal: Muddle fresh mint or basil in the glass first, or use Mint Lemonade.
• Vodka version: Try my Spiked Lemonade, made with vodka and limoncello.
• Extra lemony: Browse all 20 Zesty Lemonade Recipes for more base ideas.

When to Serve Bourbon Lemonade

This bourbon lemonade is tangy and bright; it’s a perfect party drink! Try it as a:

• Summer drink
• Cookout or barbecue cocktail
• Brunch drink
• Before-dinner aperitif
• Dinner party pitcher cocktail
• Derby weekend party alternative to the Classic Mint Julep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bourbon and lemonade drink called?

There’s no single official name, but it’s most often called bourbon lemonade, Kentucky lemonade, or a whiskey lemonade.

Does bourbon taste good with lemonade?

Yes! The caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon balance the tart lemon. It’s the same combination as a whiskey sour, just lighter and more sippable.

Can I make bourbon lemonade ahead for a party?

Yes! Make the lemonade pitcher up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. I like adding the bourbon glass by glass so each drink is perfectly proportioned, but you can also follow the pitcher variation in the recipe card below.

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Bourbon Lemonade

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Bourbon lemonade is a perfect summer drink! Make fresh squeezed lemonade and swirl it with whiskey for a spicy finish.

• Author: Sonja Overhiser
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 drink 1x
• Category: Drink
• Method: Poured
• Cuisine: Cocktails
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

For the homemade lemonade (8 servings)

• 1 ½ cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (7 to 8 large lemons)*
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 7 cups water, divided
• Ice
• Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)

For the bourbon lemonade (by the glass)

• 4 to 6 ounces (1/2 to 3/4 cup) homemade fresh lemonade
• 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) bourbon
• For the garnish: Fresh mint, cocktail cherry

Instructions

1. Make the lemonade: Juice the lemons. Add the sugar and 1 cup warm water to a large pitcher and stir until it is dissolved. Add 6 cups cold water and lemon juice. Refrigerate until serving. 
2. Serve by the glass: In a glass, pour in the lemonade and bourbon. Add ice and garnish with fresh mint and a cocktail cherry. (If you like bubbly drinks, you can always top off with soda water or ginger ale.)
3. Pitcher variation: Combine the 8 cups chilled lemonade in a pitcher with 2 cups bourbon.

Notes

*Want a bigger serving and serve in a highball glass? Use 1 cup lemonade and 2 ounces bourbon.

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More Bourbon Lemon Cocktails

Lemon and bourbon are an age old combination! Here are some popular bourbon lemon cocktails to try:

• Best Whiskey Sour The most famous pairing of lemon and bourbon is in the whiskey sour! My recipe is a fan favorite.
• Bourbon Smash A refreshing bourbon cocktail that’s balanced and lemony, with a hint of mint.
• Gold Rush Cocktail Tangy, refreshing and classy: a spin on the whiskey sour using honey.
• Bourbon Sidecar Bright and classy, a variation on the classic Sidecar.

from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/nt3RLzm