A blackberry bourbon sour is an exceptional cocktail that’s guaranteed to set the tone for any party or gathering! The key to its irresistible flavor lies in the use of perfectly ripe, juicy blackberries, which are expertly blended with zesty, fresh citrus to create a vibrant, tangy base.

Posted April 9, 2022

Modified March 25, 2025

To elevate this mixture, a generous pour of smooth, rich bourbon is added, infusing the drink with a warm, robust character. A few dashes of aromatic bitters bring balance and complexity to the cocktail, ensuring each sip is full of depth and flavor. Once everything is combined, you’ll have a beautifully crafted drink that’s ready to pour and enjoy! And if you are a bourbon sour lover, try our Cranberry Boston Sour Bourbon Cocktail!

Why you will love this Bourbon Sour:

Balanced Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of zesty lemon, sweet orange, and ripe blackberries complements the smooth warmth of bourbon, creating a well-rounded and refreshing taste.
Aromatic Experience: Muddling fresh rosemary with the fruits not only enhances the flavor but also adds an inviting aroma, elevating the overall sensory experience.
Elegant Presentation: Garnishing with a skewer of blackberries threaded through a rosemary sprig adds a sophisticated touch, making it perfect for impressing guests.

This recipe is for a single cocktail, but just multiply this by 4 or 6 to make up a pitcher of them in advance! You can mix up without the bourbon, and let the guests add as little or as much bourbon as they want!

blackberry bourbon sour cocktails sitting in leaves

Ingredients:

Lemon juice – Adds a bright, tart acidity that balances the sweetness and enhances the bourbon’s depth.
Orange juice – Provides a mild citrus sweetness that rounds out the flavors and complements the blackberries.
Blackberries – Infuse the drink with a rich, fruity depth and natural sweetness while also contributing to the vibrant color.
Rosemary – Brings an earthy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the bourbon and citrus.
Simple syrup – Softens the tartness of the citrus and blackberries, creating a smooth and balanced cocktail.
Bourbon – The star of the drink, adding warmth, caramel, and vanilla undertones.
Ice cubes – Helps chill and dilute the drink slightly for a smoother sipping experience.
Large ice cube – Slows dilution while keeping the drink cold, maintaining a consistent flavor.
Orange bitters – Enhances the citrus and bourbon flavors with a subtle depth and complexity.

Bourbon, blackberries, orange, lemon, orange bitters, rosemary

Driscolls blackberries, and hand with rosemary in it

How to Craft a Blackberry Bourbon Sour:

In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, and all but 4 blackberries. Add 4 rosemary leaves. Muddle the mixture to release the flavors.
Add the simple syrup and bourbon to the shaker. Set aside while preparing the garnish.
For the garnish, remove most leaves from a rosemary sprig, leaving a few at the top. Using a metal cocktail pick, skewer through the 4 reserved blackberries. Remove the pick and thread the rosemary stem through the blackberries to create the garnish.
Place a large ice cube into a glass. Add the 3 small ice cubes into the cocktail shaker, then shake vigorously. Strain the mixture over the large ice cube in the glass.
Add 3 drops of orange bitters over the ice cube. Garnish with the prepared blackberry-rosemary skewer.

orange bitters being dropped onto a cocktail

FAQ & Fun Facts:

What can I use instead of rosemary?

I am a big fan of basil or mint in cocktails, so sub out rosemary for either of these for the muddling. For the garnish, simply use blackberries. Orange peel is a nice accent, so you can zig-zag a piece of orange peel onto the skewer along with the blackberries.

Can I use frozen blackberries in this drink?

Yes! You can use frozen for the muddling in this cocktail. For the garnish, fresh blackberries work best. However, just reserve a slice of orange, or an orange peel to add as a garnish.

Can I use whiskey instead of Bourbon?

Of course you can! Just remember….Bourbon is always whiskey, but whiskey is not always bourbon. Bourbon has important distinctions that differentiate it from whiskey: it has to be made in the United States from at least 51% corn, be aged in new, charred American white oak barrels, and the finished product must be at least 80 proof.

Where is most of the worlds bourbon produced?

Ninety-five percent of the world’s bourbon is produced in Kentucky, and if you’re wondering if there’s something in the water, there is. On its way to becoming bourbon, Kentucky’s water flows through limestone reserves – the same mineral said to make horses grow stronger. Oh, and Bruce is from Kentucky, and he knows a thing or two about bourbon.