Vanilla Bourbon Sour Cocktail Recipe Guide
#Vanilla Bourbon Sour
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, strainer, measuring jigger, glass (preferably rocks or coupe)
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup or to taste
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract or a vanilla bean if you’re feeling fancy
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Fresh lemon juice is key here for a bright flavor, so if you have lemons, juice them right before mixing.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and vanilla extract. If you’re using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the shaker.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes. This will chill the cocktail and dilute it slightly, which is essential for balancing the flavors.
- Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This action not only chills the mixture but also helps incorporate the vanilla flavor throughout.
- Strain and Serve: Using a strainer, pour the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. For a smoother presentation, you can serve it straight up in a coupe glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon wheel or a cherry on top for that finishing touch.
- Variations
- Sweetness Adjustment: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup based on your preference.
- Flavor Infusion: For a more complex flavor, consider infusing the simple syrup with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- For a lower-calorie version: Use a sugar substitute in place of simple syrup.
- For a non-alcoholic option: Substitute the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey or a combination of apple cider and a splash of vanilla extract.
So, let me jump to making a delightful Vanilla Bourbon Sour, a cocktail that perfectly balances the warmth of bourbon with the creamy sweetness of vanilla. This drink is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a great choice for various occasions from casual gatherings to more elegant soirées. Here’s a detailed guide to help you craft this tasty cocktail, complete with variations and tips to suit different dietary needs.
Notes on What to Expect
When making a Vanilla Bourbon Sour, expect a beautifully balanced cocktail that highlights the rich notes of bourbon complemented by the zesty brightness of lemon and a hint of sweet vanilla. The result is a refreshing drink with a silky mouthfeel, perfect for sipping on a warm evening or serving to guests.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract (or a vanilla bean if you’re feeling fancy)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or cherry (for garnish)
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #VanillaBourbonSour here
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Time to Stand: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 1
- Calories: Approximately 220 calories
- Cost of Ingredients: $8 – $12, depending on the brand of bourbon
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Beverage
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, strainer, measuring jigger, glass (preferably rocks or coupe)
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #VanillaBourbonSour here
Step-by-Step Method
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Fresh lemon juice is key here for a bright flavor, so if you have lemons, juice them right before mixing.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and vanilla extract. If you’re using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the shaker.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes. This will chill the cocktail and dilute it slightly, which is essential for balancing the flavors.
- Shake It Up: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This action not only chills the mixture but also helps incorporate the vanilla flavor throughout.
- Strain and Serve: Using a strainer, pour the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. For a smoother presentation, you can serve it straight up in a coupe glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon wheel or a cherry on top for that finishing touch.
Variations
- Sweetness Adjustment: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup based on your preference.
- Flavor Infusion: For a more complex flavor, consider infusing the simple syrup with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- For a lower-calorie version: Use a sugar substitute in place of simple syrup.
- For a non-alcoholic option: Substitute the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey or a combination of apple cider and a splash of vanilla extract.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #VanillaBourbonSour here
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 0g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Sour: If the cocktail is too sour for your liking, add a bit more simple syrup to balance it out.
- Overly Sweet: If it’s too sweet, add a splash more lemon juice to cut the sweetness.
- Vanilla Flavor Too Strong: If the vanilla flavor is overpowering, reduce the amount used next time or omit it completely for a classic bourbon sour.
Final Thoughts
From my own personal experience, this Vanilla Bourbon Sour is a cocktail that never disappoints. It’s easy to make, and you can customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a refreshing drink that you’ve crafted yourself. Cheers.
