The Orange Bourbon Sour is a bold yet balanced take on a classic. Fresh orange juice softens the bourbon’s warmth, while a splash of lemon keeps things bright. It’s smooth, slightly tangy, and just sweet enough to round it all out. This cocktail is great for cooler nights or when you want something that’s both strong and easy to drink. The citrus brings a lighter twist without losing that deep bourbon flavor. Whether you’re a whiskey fan or just want to try something new, the Orange Bourbon Sour keeps things simple and satisfying.

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Tasting Notes

This Orange Bourbon Sour is smooth, citrusy, and just a little bit rich. The bourbon gives it warmth and depth, while orange juice adds a bright, fruity base. Lemon juice brings balance with a sharp, tart edge, and maple syrup softens everything with a light sweetness. Orange bitters add a bit of spice and aroma, while the egg white makes the drink feel silky with a soft foam on top. Each sip is a mix of sweet, sour, and mellow whiskey flavor, topped with a touch of citrus and herbs from the garnish.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a cocktail shaker and a strainer for this one. A jigger will help you measure everything accurately, and a citrus press makes juicing faster and easier. Because of the egg white, you’ll do both a dry shake (no ice) and a wet shake (with ice), so make sure your shaker seals well. A coupe or rocks glass works great for serving, depending on whether you like it neat or over ice. Use a fine mesh strainer if you want an extra smooth pour.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
2 oz orange juice
0.5 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz maple syrup
2 dashes orange bitters
1 egg white
Garnish: Orange slice and thyme leaves

Instructions

Add bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, orange bitters, and egg white to a shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to build foam.
Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled.
Double strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
Top with a orange slice and a thyme leaves.

Pro Tips

Dry shaking first (without ice) helps the egg white foam up properly.
For a stronger citrus punch, use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice.
Grade A maple syrup blends easier and has a lighter flavor than darker syrups.
Shake hard during both rounds to fully mix and chill the drink.
If you want to keep the foam thick, let it rest for 15–30 seconds after pouring.
Don’t skip the garnish—the thyme adds a subtle aroma that pairs well with the bourbon.

When to Serve

This Orange Bourbon Sour drink works well in fall and winter, thanks to the bourbon and maple combo, but it’s just as good in the warmer months with fresh citrus. It’s a nice choice for dinner parties, brunches, or cozy nights at home. It also makes a great first cocktail if you’re hosting and want to serve something with a little more character. Because it’s not too strong or too sweet, it suits a wide range of guests.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Choose a smooth, mid-range bourbon like Bulleit, Elijah Craig, or Maker’s Mark.
These hold up well with citrus and still let the whiskey shine.
Use fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juice for the best flavor.
For maple syrup, go with a pure, light-to-medium grade syrup that won’t overpower the drink.
Angostura orange bitters or Regans’ No. 6 are both solid choices.
If you’re using dried orange slices, make sure they’re not too bitter or overly chewy.

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