Zesty Plum Bourbon Sour Recipe: A Fresh Summer Sipper

A classic cocktail with a modern twist, this plum bourbon sour challenges everything you know about traditional drink mixing.

Craft bartenders have been experimenting with unexpected fruit combinations lately.

Each sip promises a complex balance between smoky bourbon and sweet, slightly tart plum notes.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in cocktail creation.

Summer evenings call for something special that tingles your palate and sparks conversation.

Rich bourbon provides a robust foundation for delicate plum nuances.

Shake, strain, and savor this innovative libation that will instantly become your new favorite summer cocktail.

Plum Bourbon Sour Ingredients

• Bourbon: Smooth, rich base spirit with warm caramel and vanilla notes; choose a high-quality whiskey for best flavor.

• Plum Syrup, Simple Syrup: Sweet, fruity liquid enhancers that balance cocktail's strength and add depth; homemade syrups offer fresher taste.

• Lemon Juice, Fresh Plum Slice, Lemon Twist: Bright, tangy acid component that cuts through sweetness; fresh citrus crucial for cocktail balance; garnish provides visual appeal and aromatic hint.

• Fresh Ice: Essential for chilling and diluting cocktail to perfect drinking temperature; use clean, filtered water for best results.

Bourbon Sour Cocktail Mixing Guide

Step 1: Craft the Liquid Base

Combine all the liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker.

Select a smooth bourbon that complements the rich, fruity notes of the plum syrup.

Pour in the homemade or store-bought plum syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a splash of simple syrup if you want additional sweetness.

Step 2: Chill and Shake

Fill the cocktail shaker with high-quality ice cubes.

Hold the shaker firmly and shake with passion and energy for 10-15 seconds.

This vigorous shaking will not only chill the drink but also help blend the flavors and create a smooth, well-integrated cocktail.

Step 3: Prepare the Serving Glass

Select a classic rocks glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes.

This will keep your cocktail cool and refreshing from the first sip to the last.

Step 4: Strain and Pour

Carefully strain the chilled cocktail from the shaker into the prepared glass.

The straining process ensures a smooth texture without any ice shards or pulp.

Step 5: Add a Decorative Flourish

Elevate the visual appeal of your cocktail by garnishing with a delicate fresh plum slice or an elegant lemon twist.

This final touch adds both aesthetic charm and a hint of additional flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Serve the Plum Bourbon Sour immediately while it’s cold and vibrant.

Enjoy the harmonious blend of bourbon’s warmth, plum’s sweetness, and lemon’s bright acidity.

Cocktail Ideas for Plum Bourbon Sour

• Choose a smooth, medium-bodied bourbon like Maker's Mark or Four Roses for a balanced, not overpowering flavor profile.
• Create your own syrup by simmering fresh plums with sugar and water, straining the mixture for a more intense, natural fruit essence.
• Control the cocktail's sweetness by gradually adding simple syrup, tasting as you go to achieve your perfect balance.
• Use crushed ice for a more diluted, refreshing drink or larger ice cubes for a stronger, less watered-down cocktail experience.
• During off-seasons, substitute fresh plums with high-quality plum preserves or frozen plum puree to maintain the fruity character.

Plum Bourbon Sour Stored Right

• Store leftover plum syrup in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Keep ingredients separate to maintain freshness.
• Do not store pre-mixed cocktails, as they lose quality and flavor quickly. Always prepare fresh when ready to drink.
• Wrap fresh plum slices in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Use quickly to prevent browning and maintain texture.
• Discard used ice immediately after serving. Prepare fresh ice when making another cocktail to ensure optimal taste and coldness.

Drinks That Fit With Plum Bourbon Sour

• Savor Complementary Appetizers: Pair this bourbon cocktail with charcuterie boards featuring aged cheddar, salami, and smoky prosciutto to match the drink's rich, complex flavor profile.
• Create Harmony with Grilled Dishes: Serve alongside barbecued meats like smoky beef brisket or honey-glazed pork ribs that echo the bourbon's warm, caramelized undertones.
• Match Sweet and Tangy Flavors: Complement the cocktail with blue cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon or spicy-sweet chicken wings to highlight the plum's fruity notes and bourbon's depth.
• Elevate with Decadent Desserts: End the meal with dark chocolate truffles or salted caramel cheesecake that resonate with the cocktail's sophisticated and slightly sweet character.

Plum Bourbon Sour Cocktail Blends

• Mocktail Magic: Swap bourbon for non-alcoholic bourbon alternative or apple juice, use zero-proof spirits for a family-friendly version.
• Spiced Plum Fusion: Infuse syrup with cinnamon stick or star anise during preparation for warm, aromatic undertones.
• Low-Sugar Lifestyle: Replace simple syrup with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use fresh plum puree instead of sugary syrup for diabetic-friendly option.
• Herb-Infused Remix: Muddle fresh mint or rosemary in the shaker for an herbal complexity that complements plum's natural sweetness.

FAQs

• What is plum syrup made of?

Plum syrup is created by simmering fresh plums with sugar and water, then straining the mixture to create a sweet, fruity liquid that adds depth to cocktails.

• Can I use a different type of bourbon?

Yes, you can experiment with various bourbon styles, but choose a quality bourbon with smooth caramel and vanilla notes that complement the plum flavor.

• Is this cocktail strong?

The cocktail has a moderate alcohol content, typical of bourbon-based drinks. The added sour elements and syrup help balance the bourbon’s strength and create a smooth drinking experience.

• What are the key flavor profiles in this cocktail?

This drink combines the rich warmth of bourbon, the tartness of lemon, the sweet-tangy plum syrup, creating a complex and balanced cocktail with fruity and whiskey undertones.

Plum Bourbon Sour With a Bold, Smooth Finish

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this refreshing drink in under 5 minutes, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings, summer parties, or after-work relaxation.
• Seasonal Flexibility: Utilize fresh summer plums or store-bought plum syrup, allowing year-round enjoyment and versatility in ingredient selection.
• Elegant Customization: Easily adjust sweetness with optional simple syrup and experiment with bourbon varieties, creating a personalized cocktail experience that suits individual taste preferences.

Plum Bourbon Sour Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Sweet-tart plum bourbon sour cocktails dance with whiskey’s warmth and ripe plum’s juicy essence, creating a sophisticated libation. Balanced complexity and smooth character invite sophisticated sippers to savor each nuanced, spirited moment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Spirits:

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) bourbon

Syrups and Juices:

• 1 ounce (30 milliliters) fresh plum syrup
• 0.75 ounces (22 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.5 ounces (15 milliliters) simple syrup

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• Ice cubes
• Fresh plum slices
• Lemon twist

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Instructions

1. Pour bourbon, plum syrup, lemon juice, and optional simple syrup into a cocktail shaker, creating a vibrant flavor foundation.
2. Introduce a generous handful of ice cubes to the shaker, then execute a powerful, rhythmic shake for approximately 15 seconds to thoroughly chill and combine the liquid components.
3. Position a strainer atop the shaker and carefully pour the frosty mixture into a rocks glass generously filled with fresh ice cubes.
4. Enhance the cocktail’s visual appeal by adorning the surface with a delicate plum slice or an elegantly twisted lemon peel, which will subtly infuse additional aromatic notes.
5. Present the drink immediately to capture its optimal temperature and effervescence, inviting the recipient to savor the harmonious blend of bold bourbon and sweet-tart plum essence.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting simple syrup amount for balanced flavor profile.
• Select high-quality bourbon with smooth caramel notes to complement plum’s natural sweetness.
• Homemade plum syrup elevates cocktail authenticity; use ripe, seasonal plums for intense fruity depth.
• Experiment with alternative spirits like rye whiskey or brandy for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for plum syrup)
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg