Golden Bourbon Finch

The Golden Bourbon Finch is a smooth mix of bourbon, pineapple juice, and a splash of amaro. Lime adds brightness, and a little simple syrup brings it all together. It’s an easy drink to enjoy, with rich flavors and just enough depth. Whether you’re sipping on a warm day or staying cozy inside, this golden-colored cocktail fits the mood and lives up to its name.

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Tasting Notes

The Golden Bourbon Finch brings together the richness of bourbon with the bright acidity of pineapple and lime. The amaro adds depth, giving the drink an herbaceous, slightly bitter finish that keeps it grounded. Pineapple juice leads the flavor with its tropical sharpness, softened by a touch of simple syrup. Lime juice adds a clean, crisp edge while enhancing the fruit notes. The bourbon anchors everything with smooth warmth, and the amaro lingers gently on the back of the palate. Served over fresh ice, this cocktail strikes a balanced contrast between refreshing and robust.

Equipment and Glassware

To make the Golden Bourbon Finch, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, a jigger for precise measurements, and a strainer to remove ice shards when pouring. A citrus press or reamer is helpful for extracting fresh lime juice. Use a rocks glass to serve the drink it’s the right size for the volume and supports the flavor with slow dilution. A bar spoon or cocktail pick can help position your lime wedge garnish neatly. For best results, have fresh ice cubes ready for both shaking and serving.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 0.75 oz amaro
• 1.5 oz pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Garnish:

• Lime wedge

Instructions

• Add bourbon, amaro, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake firmly for about 10–15 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Finish with a lime wedge garnish.

Pro Tips

• Use a bourbon with mild spice and vanilla notes for better balance
• Fresh pineapple juice gives more brightness than bottled versions
• Adjust the simple syrup slightly depending on the sweetness of your amaro
• Shake until the shaker feels icy cold to ensure proper chilling
• For a stronger herbal finish, try a more bitter amaro like Cynar or Montenegro
• Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel for longer-lasting aroma
• Fine strain if you want a cleaner presentation without pulp
• Pre-chill your rocks glass to keep the cocktail colder longer
• Swap lime juice with lemon for a different citrus profile
• Serve with large ice cubes to slow dilution and preserve flavor

When to Serve

The Golden Bourbon Finch works well for late afternoon drinks, fall gatherings, or early evening cocktail hours. Its mix of whiskey warmth and tropical fruit brightness makes it versatile across seasons cool enough for summer, layered enough for colder weather. It’s a great choice for bourbon fans who want a fruit-forward option without going overly sweet. Serve it at backyard barbecues, casual dinner parties, or any setting where a refreshing yet spirit-forward cocktail fits the mood.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Bourbon:
  • Elijah Craig Small Batch
  • Buffalo Trace
  • Woodford Reserve
• Amaro:
  • Amaro Montenegro
  • Averna
  • Cynar

Similar Cocktails

• Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour
• Passion Fruit Bourbon Sour
• Tamarind Whiskey Sour
• Ox Blood
• Bourbon Spritz