sharp and shaken Cocktails with Bourbon

If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth or perhaps you just prefer a drink with a kick, a sour bourbon cocktail could be for you. Check out the most popular sour bourbon cocktails below.

Whiskey sharp and shaken

The Whiskey Sour uses lemon juice for a sour zest and combined with simple syrup there’s a sweet element to balance the acidity. A Whiskey Sour, of course, can be drunk any time of year, however, it is particularly popular in the summer due to its refreshing nature and as an aperitif due to the balance of flavors.

New York sharp and shaken

The New York or Chicago Sour is a twist on the above, with the addition of a red wine float on top. Again, it features a balance of sweet and sour, as the warmth from the whiskey, tartness from the lemon juice, and fruit flavors from the red wine create a delicious drink.

Often enjoyed at social gatherings and special occasions due to the visually appealing aspect of the drink, the New York Sour is sure to go down a treat.

Pairings for sharp and shaken bourbon cocktails

Although you should always consider the individual ingredients and flavors in your sour bourbon cocktail, here are some general pairings that contrast and complement.

• Spicy foods – spice is a great balance to the sour flavors, from spiced nuts to meats. 
• Citrus – pair the lemon juice in both bourbon sour cocktails with other citrus foods, from fruits to desserts like key lime pie.
• Seafood – the sweetness and acidity complements a variety of seafood like shrimp and ceviche.
• Chocolate – do you need an excuse to indulge in some chocolate? Chocolate-based desserts like cake and mousse have a rich flavor that contrasts well with the refreshing sour taste.