Kentucky Sour Recipe

Make honey syrup

If you don’t have honey syrup prepared: combine equal parts honey and very hot water (by volume). Stir until fully blended and let cool. Measure 0.75 oz for this recipe.

Dry shake

Add 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz honey syrup, and 1/2 egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker. Seal and shake vigorously without ice for 15–20 seconds to build a creamy froth.

Wet shake

Open the shaker, add a large handful of ice (about 1 cup). Seal and shake hard for 12–15 seconds until the shaker becomes very cold and well chilled.

Strain

Double-strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to remove ice shards and any coagulated egg bits, leaving a silky foam on top.

Express oils from the lemon peel over the drink by holding peel skin-side down over the glass and giving it a quick twist, then run the rim of the peel around the glass and drop it into the drink or rest it on the edge.

Thread 1 Luxardo cherry on a cocktail pick (or drop it directly into the drink) and place it on the foam as a finishing touch.

Serve immediately. Sip and enjoy the balance of rich bourbon, bright lemon, and mellow honey with the Luxardo cherry adding a deep, sweet note.