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Flavorful Smoked Whiskey Sour Recipe with Fresh Rosemary Twist Made Easy

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A smoky and herbal twist on the classic whiskey sour featuring fresh rosemary and a subtle smoke element, perfect for relaxed gatherings or solo enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Bulleit)
  • 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (about 22 ml), freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 large Fresh Rosemary Sprig (for muddling and garnish)
  • 1 Egg White (optional, for frothiness)
  • Ice Cubes (for shaking and serving)
  • Wood Chips or Rosemary Sprigs for Smoking (or a kitchen torch for charring rosemary)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rosemary smoke: If using a handheld smoker, load wood chips or rosemary sprigs and light according to instructions. If no smoker, plan to lightly char rosemary with a kitchen torch later.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle one fresh rosemary sprig with the simple syrup, pressing about 10-15 times to release oils without pulverizing.
  3. Add bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and egg white (if using) to the shaker.
  4. Dry shake vigorously for about 15 seconds without ice to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
  5. Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again until the outside feels cold, about 15-20 seconds.
  6. Smoke the serving glass briefly using the handheld smoker or by charring a rosemary sprig with a kitchen torch, then place the rosemary in the glass.
  7. Double strain the cocktail into the smoked glass over fresh ice, garnish with a charred or fresh rosemary sprig, and serve.

Notes

Muddle rosemary gently to avoid bitterness. Dry shake before adding ice to create frothy texture if using egg white. Smoke the glass briefly to avoid overpowering flavors. Use fresh lemon juice for best taste. Egg white is optional and can be omitted for vegan or egg-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey sour, smoked cocktail, rosemary cocktail, bourbon drink, easy cocktail recipe, herbal whiskey sour, smoky whiskey sour