A Drambuie Sour is one of those cocktails that feels both elegant and comforting. It’s got a little zing from fresh lemon, a warm sweetness from the Drambuie, and a silky texture if you decide to add the egg white. This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch—it’s refreshing, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Drambuie Sour
Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail | Prep time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
- 45ml (1.5 oz) Drambuie – a sweet, herbal liqueur made with Scotch whisky, honey, and spices
- 30ml (1 oz) fresh lemon juice – squeeze it fresh for the best flavor
- 15ml (0.5 oz) simple syrup – adjust to taste (see tips below)
- 1 egg white (optional) – for a smooth, foamy top
- 1 dash Angostura bitters – adds a lovely depth
- Ice cubes
Equipment:
– Cocktail shaker
– Strainer
– Old Fashioned glass (or a whiskey tumbler)
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, pour in the Drambuie, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- If you’re using an egg white, add it now. It gives the drink a creamy texture and a nice frothy head.
- Fill the shaker with ice. Pop the lid on and shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain the drink into an Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add a dash of bitters right on top. Garnish with a lemon twist or a maraschino cherry.
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference—bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
- Adjust the simple syrup to your liking. If you like it less sweet, try 10ml instead of 15ml, or swap for agave syrup or honey for a different flavor.
- If you’re using egg white, try a dry shake first—shake all the ingredients without ice for 10 seconds, then add ice and shake again. This helps build a better foam.
- Don’t skip the bitters—they balance the sweetness and add a subtle spice that pulls everything together.
Make-Ahead & Storage
– You can mix the Drambuie, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
– Don’t add the egg white or ice until you’re ready to shake and serve.
– For parties, scale up the ingredients and mix in a pitcher (without ice). Just shake individual servings when guests are ready.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
Charcuterie boards
The herbal notes in Drambuie balance well with salty cured meats and creamy cheeses.
Spicy appetizers
Try it with buffalo wings, jalapeño poppers, or spicy shrimp. The lemon cuts through the heat perfectly.
Dark chocolate
Rich, slightly bitter chocolate makes a lovely contrast to the sweet and citrusy drink.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and one little tip I picked up is to chill your glass ahead of time—just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. It helps the drink stay cold longer, especially if you’re sipping slowly.
Variations
Rusty Nail Sour
Add 30ml (1 oz) of Scotch whisky to the classic Drambuie Sour recipe for a smokier, bolder version.
Thistle Sour
Swap out some of the lemon juice for orange juice and add 15ml (0.5 oz) of Cointreau for a citrus-forward twist.
Highland Margarita
Mix Drambuie with 30ml (1 oz) tequila, 15ml (0.5 oz) triple sec, and 20ml (0.75 oz) lime juice. Serve with a salted rim for a fun Scottish-Mexican fusion.
Non-Alcoholic Version
Use lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of non-alcoholic bitters. Shake with ice, strain, and garnish. It’s bright, refreshing, and still feels special.
Common Questions
What makes a Drambuie Sour special?
The Drambuie liqueur—it’s got a rich mix of honey, herbs, and Scotch whisky that brings warmth and depth to the drink.
Do I have to use egg white?
Not at all. It’s there for texture and appearance. The drink tastes great without it too.
What kind of bitters should I use?
Angostura is the classic choice, but orange or walnut bitters can add fun twists.
How can I make it less sweet?
Use less simple syrup or try a less sweet alternative like agave. You can even leave it out entirely if you prefer more tartness.
What’s the best garnish?
A lemon twist is traditional, but a cherry, orange slice, or even a sprig of thyme adds a nice touch.
Can I batch this cocktail for a group?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Add ice and shake individual servings so each one is fresh and chilled.
—
The Drambuie Sour is one of those drinks that feels timeless but still leaves room for creativity. Whether you’re sipping it solo or sharing with friends, it’s a cocktail that brings warmth and brightness in every glass.
