Kentucky Sour

Name: Kentucky Sour
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Simple Syrup; 1 slice Orange Slice (optional); 1 Maraschino Cherry (optional)

Ingredients Instructions

The Kentucky Sour is a timeless cocktail that perfectly balances the bold flavors of bourbon with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup. It is a specific and beloved variation of the broader Whiskey Sour category, celebrated for its smooth yet robust character. This drink is shaken until perfectly chilled and served over ice, offering a refreshing and sophisticated experience for any whiskey lover.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Kentucky Sour is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the "sour" family of drinks, one of the oldest and most fundamental categories in mixology, known for their balance of a base spirit, a sour element, and a sweet element.

Serving

The Kentucky Sour is served cold over fresh ice in a rocks (or Old Fashioned) glass. It's a spirit-forward yet well-balanced drink with a moderate alcohol content.

Serving size

Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before ice)

Alcohol content

Approximately 20-25% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Rocks Glass

Glass treatment

None, though a chilled glass is a nice touch.

Backstory

The Kentucky Sour is a direct descendant of the Whiskey Sour, one of the oldest and most fundamental cocktails, first appearing in print in Jerry Thomas's 1862 "How to Mix Drinks." The "Kentucky" designation arose to specify the use of bourbon, the state's signature spirit. This version emphasizes the unique caramel, vanilla, and oak notes inherent in Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, creating a distinctively smooth profile.

Origin

USA. While the base Whiskey Sour dates to the mid-19th century, the "Kentucky Sour" naming convention is a more modern distinction to specify the use of bourbon whiskey.

Kentucky Sour

The drink is primarily known as the Kentucky Sour, which specifies its key ingredient. It is also commonly referred to as a Bourbon Sour, highlighting the type of whiskey used and distinguishing it from the broader Whiskey Sour category that might use rye or other whiskies.

Original name

Kentucky Sour

Alternative name

Bourbon Sour

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a beautiful amber hue and a smooth, silky texture. Its flavor profile is a masterclass in balance, pitting tart citrus against the sweet, oaky complexity of bourbon, creating a refreshing drink suitable for any season.

Flavor

Whiskey, Citrusy, Sweet, Oaky, Vanilla, Caramel

Aroma

Lemon, Bourbon, Oak, Sweet

Taste balance

Sour, Sweet

Aftertaste

Warming, Clean, Lingering whiskey notes

Fizziness

None

Color appearance

Amber, Golden-brown, Slightly cloudy from fresh juice

Texture

Smooth, Silky

Seasonality

Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Kentucky Sour is a flavor-forward drink where the prominent sourness of lemon and sweetness from syrup perfectly complement the moderate strength and complexity of the bourbon. It is a still, non-creamy cocktail with a noticeable fruity character.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need three core ingredients for this cocktail: Kentucky bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. An orange slice and a quality cherry are traditionally used for the garnish.

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
A good quality bourbon with 90-100 proof works best.
Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
Simple Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust quantity to your preferred sweetness.
Orange Slice1 slice(optional)
For garnish.
Maraschino Cherry1(optional)
A quality brandied cherry is recommended over a bright red maraschino.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

The primary equipment needed is a cocktail shaker to properly chill and dilute the ingredients. A jigger for measuring and a strainer are also essential for a well-made drink.

Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing.
Jigger for accurate measurement.
Strainer for pouring without ice shards.

Instructions

To prepare a Kentucky Sour, combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker, shake until very cold, and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Finish with the classic orange and cherry garnish.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.

2. Add the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.

3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled.

4. Fill a rocks glass with fresh cubed ice.

5. Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the prepared glass.

6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Garnishing

The classic garnish is a simple "flag," consisting of a half-wheel of orange and a quality cherry skewered on a pick. A lemon twist is also a suitable alternative.

Orange slice and a maraschino cherry, often speared together on a cocktail pick.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. As distilled spirits are considered gluten-free, it is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, as well as for vegan and vegetarian diets.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The caloric content is moderate, primarily coming from the bourbon and the sugar in the simple syrup. It contains around 15 grams of carbohydrates and sugar per serving.

Calories

Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Approximately 15 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Approximately 14 g

Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile cocktail is perfect for a wide range of occasions, from a casual happy hour with friends to a more formal cocktail party. It's also an excellent choice for a quiet, relaxing evening at home.

Happy Hour
Social Gathering
Cocktail Party
Relaxing Evening

Pairing suggestions

The Kentucky Sour's balance of sweet, sour, and oaky notes pairs well with rich and savory foods. It's an excellent companion for barbecue, grilled meats, and charcuterie boards. Its acidity cuts through fat, while its sweetness complements salty snacks perfectly.

Barbecue dishes
Salty snacks like nuts and pretzels
Charcuterie and cheese boards
Grilled meats

The Kentucky Sour: A Timeless Bourbon Classic

The Kentucky Sour is a quintessential classic that showcases the beauty of simplicity and balance. It's a robust yet refreshing blend of bourbon, lemon, and sugar, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that appeals to a wide audience. Easy to make and universally appreciated, it's a staple for any home bar and a testament to the enduring appeal of the sour cocktail family. It's the ideal drink for both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers looking to explore classic bourbon cocktails.

Variations

Boston Sour

Add 15 ml (0.5 oz) of egg white or aquafaba to the shaker for a rich, frothy texture and creamy mouthfeel.

New York Sour

After pouring the sour into the glass, gently float 15 ml (0.5 oz) of a dry red wine over the back of a spoon onto the top of the drink.

Similar cocktails

Gold Rush

Replaces the simple syrup with honey syrup (typically a 2:1 or 3:1 mix of honey and water) for a richer, more floral sweetness.

Whiskey Sour

The broader category of the drink. While a Kentucky Sour uses bourbon, a general Whiskey Sour can be made with other whiskies like rye for a spicier flavor profile.