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. 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!
We just love using additional Driscoll’s blackberries to make the cutest garnish with rosemary! All you have to do is poke through with a metal skewer and then insert the rosemary! The scent of the rosemary in this blackberry bourbon sour is dreamy!
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!
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.
Equipment
- Garnish skewer
Ingredients
Ingredients for blackberry bourbon sour
- Juice of 1 lemon 1 ounce
- Juice of one small cutie orange 1 ounce
- 12 Driscoll’s blackberries
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3 ice cubes
- 1 large round or square cube of ice
- 3 drops orange bitters
Instructions
- Add lemon juice, orange juice and all but 4 blackberries to cocktail shaker. Add in 4 leaves of rosemary. Muddle the fruit and juices and rosemary. Add simple syrup and bourbon. Set aside while you make the garnish.Juice of 1 lemon, Juice of one small cutie orange, 12 Driscoll’s blackberries, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, 2 ounces bourbon
- Remove most of the leaves from a rosemary sprig, leaving enough on the end as shown in photo. Use a metal cocktail pick to stab thru 4 blackberries. Remove the pick and poke the rosemary stem through the berries to create a garnish. Set aside.2 sprigs of rosemary, 12 Driscoll’s blackberries
- Place large ice cube into glass. Add smaller ice cubes into the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain over the ice cube in the glass. Drop in 3 drops of orange bitters over the ice cube. Add the blackberry garnish.3 ice cubes, 3 drops orange bitters
Nutrition
If you are a bourbon cocktail fan, give these a try….
Cranberry Boston Sour Bourbon Cocktail
Apple Cinnamon Bourbon Sour Cocktail: A Sip of Fall
This is such a fun and refreshing drink for summer!! We served it up when we had some friends over for happy hour and everyone loved it!
Anjali,
Yay! I got a mini watermelon yesterday, so gonna make some tonight!
Dina and Bruce
Wonderfully refreshing! The flavors go really well together!
Lima,
Thank you so much!
Dina and Bruce
The fresh fruit flavors go perfectly with the bourbon in this unique cocktail. Perfect for summer!
Sharon,
Awe thank you! Enjoy!
Dina and Bruce
Obsessed with this drink! Love the combo of bourbon with fruit. This is going to be my new go-to cocktail for sure. Thanks for the great recipe!
Angela,
We are so happy to hear! For sure it is a pop of color!
Dina and Bruce
I’ve just recently developed a palate for bourbon and I’m so glad, because I was missing out on drinks like this for a long time! Love the flavors in this. Rich, but so fresh. Thank you!
I love the sweet-tart taste of blackberries in this cocktail. It’s one of those drinks that’s perfect year-round, too!
This is great for the holiday season. I love the beautiful color and the flavor is perfect. I can’t wait to share with guests on Christmas Eve.
MacKEnszie
Yay! So happy! Enjoy!
Dina and Bruce
Gorgeous and refreshing. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Kushigalu,
We love the brightness of this drink!
Thank you,
Dina and Bruce
We just made these with whisky and loved them. I have added Kentucky bourbon to my shopping list for next week – I bet the original recipe with bourbon is even more delicious. Can’t wait for more recipes from you – always enjoy everything I make from your blog 🙂
Leva,
Y’all just SERIOUSLY made our DAY!! Thank you!!!
Dina and Bruce
The flavor of the blackberries and rosemary were amazing together!
Such a beautiful and delicious cocktail! I absolutely love that color and all the tips to help make it perfect. Yum!
Served this drink for some friends last night and they loved it! Great combination!
Absolutely gorgeous drink and I LOVE the blackberry-rosemary combo!