Smoked Honey Sage Whiskey Sour

Introduction
For those who love a cocktail that leans bold yet balanced, the Smoked Honey Sage Whiskey Sour is an unforgettable experience. It reimagines the classic whiskey sour with layered complexity—sweet honey, tart citrus, savory sage, and just a whisper of smoke.

This cocktail starts with a foundation of smooth bourbon, made bright with fresh lemon juice and softened by a rich honey sage syrup. The herbal element adds an unexpected twist that plays beautifully with the whiskey’s warmth. What sets this sour apart is a final flourish of smoke—subtle, aromatic, and grounding.

Perfect for cooler evenings or upscale gatherings, this drink is for the drinker who appreciates nuance. With its golden hue, herbaceous notes, and gently smoked finish, the Smoked Honey Sage Whiskey Sour makes an impression that lingers—just like its flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz honey sage simple syrup (see note)
• 1 egg white (optional, for silky texture)
• Smoke from a wood chip or rosemary sprig (see note)
• Ice
• Garnish: sage leaf or lemon peel

Instructions

1. If using egg white, start with a dry shake: add bourbon, lemon juice, honey sage syrup, and egg white to a shaker. Shake vigorously without ice for 10 seconds.
2. Add ice and shake again for another 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
4. Use a smoking gun or light a rosemary sprig/wood chip and capture smoke in the glass before pouring, or lightly smoke the finished cocktail under a cloche.
5. Garnish with a fresh sage leaf or lemon peel.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the layers of flavor.

Smoked Honey Sage Whiskey Sour

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz honey sage simple syrup
• 1 egg white optional
• Smoke from rosemary or wood chips
• Ice
• Garnish: sage leaf or lemon peel

Method

 

1. If using egg white, start with a dry shake: add bourbon, lemon juice, honey sage syrup, and egg white to a shaker. Shake vigorously without ice for 10 seconds.
2. Add ice and shake again for another 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
4. Use a smoking gun or light a rosemary sprig/wood chip and capture smoke in the glass before pouring, or lightly smoke the finished cocktail under a cloche.
5. Garnish with a fresh sage leaf or lemon peel.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the layers of flavor.

Notes

• To make honey sage syrup: simmer ½ cup honey, ½ cup water, and 4–5 fresh sage leaves for 5–10 minutes. Let steep, then strain.
• Don’t have a smoking gun? Light a rosemary sprig, blow it out, and cover your glass with it under an inverted glass dome to trap the smoke.

The Smoked Honey Sage Whiskey Sour is a conversation starter—a cocktail with layers of flavor and a sense of occasion. It’s warm, bright, and herbal with just the right touch of smoke to make each sip feel intentional.

Whether you’re building your cocktail menu for an event or treating yourself to something elevated at home, this sour goes far beyond the basics. Consider pairing it with charcuterie, roasted nuts, or citrus-forward dishes for a full flavor experience.