Oh, there are some drinks that just sing of summer, aren’t there? And for me, the Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail does just that. It’s got this amazing mix of sweet, tart, and a little something unexpected from the basil. I first stumbled upon a similar recipe years ago and have been tinkering with it ever since.
There’s something so satisfying about muddling fresh fruit and herbs. It fills the kitchen with the most wonderful smells! This drink isn’t just delicious; it’s also a little adventure in a glass. The bourbon gives it a warm depth, while the plums and basil keep it bright and refreshing. It’s become my go-to for warm evenings on the patio.
Making cocktails at home is one of my favorite ways to unwind. It feels a bit like being a kitchen chemist, mixing and matching flavors until you find that perfect balance. This Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail is one of my proudest creations. It’s simple enough for anyone to make but feels fancy enough for a special occasion. Get ready to fall in love with this tasty blend!
Why You’ll Love This Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail
This Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail is truly special. Here’s why I think you’ll adore it too:
- It’s incredibly refreshing, perfect for a hot day.
- It uses seasonal plums, bringing that fresh summer flavor.
- The basil adds a surprising, lovely twist.
- It’s surprisingly easy to whip up!
- It’s a fantastic way to use ripe plums from your garden or market.
It’s just a delightful combination all around.
What You Need for a Perfect Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this fantastic drink. You’ll need two plump, ripe plums. Make sure they’re pitted and roughly chopped, so they’re ready for muddling. You’ll also need four to six fresh basil leaves; the fresher, the better for that aromatic kick.
Of course, you can’t have a bourbon sour without the bourbon! You’ll need two ounces of your favorite kind. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for that bright, sour note, so have one ounce ready. To balance the tartness, grab 0.75 ounces of simple syrup. You can make your own by combining equal parts sugar and water. And don’t forget plenty of ice!
For a beautiful finishing touch, you’ll want a thin plum slice and a little sprig of basil to garnish your finished cocktail. It makes it look extra special.
Essential Equipment for Your Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail
To mix up this deliciousness, you’ll need a few basic bar tools. A cocktail shaker is a must for getting everything nice and cold. You’ll also need a muddler to crush those plums and basil. A jigger or measuring tool helps get the liquid amounts just right. Finally, a double strainer ensures a smooth drink without any bits.
Crafting Your Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail: Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this beautiful Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail! It’s really quite simple once you break it down.
First, toss those roughly chopped plums and fresh basil leaves into your cocktail shaker. Now, grab your muddler and gently press down on the fruit and herbs. You want to release their juices and oils, but don’t pulverize them completely. A few good presses should do it.
Next, pour in your two ounces of bourbon. Add the one ounce of fresh lemon juice and the 0.75 ounces of simple syrup. Make sure your simple syrup is well mixed too.
Now, fill your shaker about two-thirds full with ice. Put the lid on tight! Hold both ends of the shaker and give it a really good shake. I usually shake mine for about 15-20 seconds. You’ll feel the shaker get nice and frosty on the outside. That’s how you know it’s chilly enough.
Prepare your serving glass by filling it with fresh ice. Use a double strainer to pour the mixture from the shaker into your glass. This catches any small bits of plum or basil you don’t want in your drink.
Finally, add your garnishes! A thin slice of plum perched on the rim or floating in the drink looks lovely. A little sprig of basil tucked in next to it adds a nice aroma as you sip. And there you have it – your perfect Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail is ready to enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail
Getting the most out of your Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail is easy with a few pointers. Always use really ripe plums; they have more juice and flavor. Fresh basil is a must too; dried just won’t give you that bright, herbal note.
Taste your plums before you start. If they’re super sweet, you might need a little less simple syrup. If they’re quite tart, you might need a touch more. Adjusting the simple syrup is key to balancing the drink to your liking. Shake it hard and fast for a perfectly chilled cocktail. Don’t be shy with the ice in the shaker!
Variations on the Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail
Want to play around with your Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail? You totally can! Try swapping basil for mint or even a sprig of rosemary for a different herbal note. You could use peaches or nectarines instead of plums for a different fruit base.
For a sweeter drink, use a richer simple syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water). If you like it less sweet, use less simple syrup or none at all if your plums are sweet enough. You could even try a flavored simple syrup, like honey ginger, for an extra layer of taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail
Got questions about whipping up this delightful Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail? I get it! Here are a few common ones I hear:
Can I use frozen plums? Yes, you can! Thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid. Ripe fresh plums are best for flavor, but frozen ones will work in a pinch for your bourbon sour.
What if I don’t have a muddler? No problem! You can use the back of a wooden spoon or even a sturdy fork to gently press the plums and basil in your shaker or glass.
Can I make a batch of this cocktail ahead of time? I wouldn’t recommend making the full Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail too far ahead. Muddling releases fresh flavors that are best enjoyed right away. You could prep the simple syrup and have your plums chopped, though!
What kind of bourbon should I use? Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking neat or in other cocktails. A mid-range bourbon works wonderfully here. It doesn’t need to be super fancy.
Is this drink very sweet? It’s designed to be a balance of sweet and sour. You can adjust the simple syrup to make it sweeter or more tart, depending on what you like in a sour cocktail.
Serving and Storing Your Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail
Once you’ve made your beautiful Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail, it’s time to enjoy it! Serve it immediately over fresh ice in a rocks glass. The garnishes of a plum slice and basil sprig really make it special and add to the aroma as you sip.
Since this drink is best enjoyed fresh, I don’t recommend storing the finished cocktail. The flavors from the muddled plums and basil are most vibrant right after mixing. If you have leftover simple syrup or chopped plums, store those separately in airtight containers in the fridge for a few days. That way, you can easily whip up another Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail whenever the mood strikes!
Estimated Nutritional Information for the Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail
Just a quick note about the nutrition for this Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail. The numbers you see are just estimates.
Things like the exact size and sweetness of your plums, how much simple syrup you use, and the specific brand of bourbon can all change the final values. Think of it as a helpful guide, not a strict rulebook.
Enjoy your delicious cocktail mindfully!
Print
Perfect Plum Basil Bourbon Sour Cocktail in 5 steps
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and sour cocktail featuring plums, basil, and bourbon.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plums, pitted and roughly chopped
- 4–6 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- Ice
- Plum slice and basil sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the chopped plums and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Double strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a plum slice and a basil sprig.
Notes
- Adjust the simple syrup to your preferred sweetness.
- Use ripe, juicy plums for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Plum, Basil, Bourbon, Sour, Cocktail, Drink, Summer, Fruit