Rosemary Whiskey Sour: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Cocktail

If you’re looking to impress friends at your next gathering or simply treat yourself to a refreshing drink, the Rosemary Whiskey Sour is a fantastic choice. It combines the smoothness of whiskey with the herbal notes of rosemary, balanced by the tartness of lemon juice. From my own personal experience, this cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy evening at home. Let me show you how to make this delightful drink.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes (for infusing rosemary)
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: Approximately 200 calories
• Cost of Ingredients: $8-$12 (depending on your whiskey choice)
• Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, muddler (or spoon), strainer, jigger, and glass
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful  #Rosemary Whiskey Sour  now.

Ingredients

For the Cocktail:

• 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon or rye work great)
• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water)
• 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
• Ice cubes

For the Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful  #Rosemary Whiskey Sour  now.

Method

Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine equal parts sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Cool Down: Remove from heat and allow it to cool before using. You can store any leftover syrup in the fridge for about a month.

Step 2: Infuse the Rosemary

1. Muddle the Rosemary: In a cocktail shaker, add 1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary and gently muddle them to release their oils. This step is crucial for infusing your cocktail with rosemary flavor.
2. Add the Other Ingredients: Pour in the whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Step 3: Shake It Up

1. Add Ice: Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the top.
2. Shake: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

1. Strain the Cocktail: Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into an ice-filled glass.
2. Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary for garnish. Optionally, you can also add a lemon slice for extra flair.

Variations and Substitutions

• Herbal Infusion: Try using different herbs such as thyme or basil instead of rosemary for a unique twist.
• Sweetener Alternatives: For a healthier option, replace simple syrup with honey or agave syrup. For a low-calorie option, use a sugar substitute like Stevia.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace whiskey with sparkling water and increase the lemon juice for a refreshing mocktail.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste. If it’s too tart, add more syrup gradually.
• Freshness Counts: Fresh ingredients will give the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
• Chill Your Glass: For an even more refreshing drink, chill your glass in the freezer beforehand.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a delightful  #Rosemary Whiskey Sour  now.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 200
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Sugars: 18g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Nutritional Breakdown

Total Per Serving:

• Calories: 172
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Serving Suggestions

• Glassware: Serve the Rosemary Whiskey Sour in an old-fashioned glass or a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Garnish: Enhance the visual appeal and aroma by garnishing with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a lemon wheel.
• Pairing Options:
  • Savory Dishes: This cocktail pairs well with grilled meats, such as rosemary marinated chicken or steak, enhancing the herbaceous flavor.
  • Salads: Try it with a citrus salad that includes ingredients like arugula, feta, and walnuts for a refreshing contrast.
  • Desserts: Enjoy alongside lemon tart or vanilla ice cream, as the tartness of the drink complements sweet flavors beautifully.

Notes

• Versatility: The Rosemary Whiskey Sour can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can experiment with various whiskeys (bourbon, rye, or even a smoky Scotch) to find your preferred flavor profile.
• Infusing Flavors: If you’re preparing this cocktail for a gathering, consider making a larger batch of rosemary-infused simple syrup ahead of time. Just double or triple the simple syrup recipe and store it in the refrigerator.
• Seasonal Twist: In the summer, you might add muddled berries or even a splash of sparkling water to the drink for a refreshing, fruity variation. In the winter, you can warm the ingredients and serve it as a cozy hot cocktail, adjusting the sweetener to taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make a Rosemary Whiskey Sour in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the simple syrup and rosemary infusion ahead of time. Just store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to a month. For best flavor, mix the cocktail ingredients just before serving.

2. What type of whiskey is best for this cocktail?

While bourbon and rye whiskey are both excellent choices, the best whiskey ultimately depends on your taste preference. Bourbon tends to be sweeter, while rye has a spicier profile. Feel free to experiment and find what you enjoy most!

3. Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?

Absolutely! For a mocktail version, replace the whiskey with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. Increase the lemon juice to maintain the refreshing tartness.

4. Can I substitute other sweeteners in the recipe?

Yes, you can use honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute to make the cocktail more tailored to your dietary needs. Just be mindful that the sweetness level may vary depending on the sweetener used.

5. How do I store leftover simple syrup?

Store any leftover simple syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about a month. You can use it for other cocktails or even in coffee and tea!

6. What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

If fresh rosemary isn’t available, you can use dried rosemary, but use it sparingly, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Alternatively, consider using other herbs like thyme or basil for a different twist.

Final Words

The Rosemary Whiskey Sour is not just a cocktail; it’s a delightful experience that brings together the robust flavors of whiskey with the refreshing essence of rosemary and citrus. This drink is perfect for various occasions, whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a quiet evening at home.

From my own personal experience, experimenting with ingredients can lead to delightful surprises, so don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Whether you stick to the classic method or venture into variations, you’re bound to impress your guests and treat yourself to something special.

So, gather your ingredients, shake things up, and savor each sip of this aromatic, refreshing cocktail! Cheers to good times and great flavors! Enjoy your Rosemary Whiskey Sour!