The Forbidden Sour is one of those cocktails that hits just the right balance-bright, fruity, and just a little mysterious. It’s got enough zing to wake up your taste buds, but still feels smooth and sippable. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it always gets a “What is this? It’s so good!” from friends. So I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails-easy to make, easy to love.
Forbidden Sour
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Whiskey glass or highball glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) bourbon
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) pomegranate juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Ice, for shaking and serving
– Optional garnish: lemon twist or pomegranate seeds
Method
- Grab a cocktail shaker and add the bourbon, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice-about halfway is perfect-and shake it well. You’re aiming for a good 15-20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain the drink into a whiskey glass filled with fresh ice. If you like a cleaner look, use a fine strainer to catch any pulp or ice shards.
- Top it off with a lemon twist or a few pomegranate seeds for a little extra flair.
Tips for the Best Flavor
– Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice-it makes a huge difference in brightness and flavor.
– If your pomegranate juice is on the tart side, taste before shaking and add a little extra simple syrup if needed.
– Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder, longer.
– Want it a touch less sweet? Cut the simple syrup down to 0.25 oz (7 ml) or swap in a drizzle of honey or agave.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can batch this cocktail in advance for a party-just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need. Mix everything except the ice and garnishes, and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. When ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish.
Substitutions
– No bourbon? Try rye whiskey for a spicier edge, or even dark rum for a twist.
– Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a brighter, tangier version.
– Out of simple syrup? Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved, or use agave nectar or maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
– For a non-alcoholic version, skip the bourbon and top with ginger ale or sparkling water.
What It Tastes Like
It’s a little tart, a little sweet, and super refreshing. The pomegranate gives it a deep fruitiness, while the lemon adds a crisp edge. Bourbon brings warmth and richness without overpowering. The result? A cocktail that’s bold but balanced, with a gorgeous ruby-red color that’s just as fun to look at as it is to drink.
Food Pairings
– Spicy starters: Think jalapeño poppers, spicy wings, or Thai spring rolls. The citrus cuts through the heat nicely.
– Grilled meats: Try it with BBQ ribs or steak-the smoky char pairs beautifully with the fruitiness of the cocktail.
– Dark chocolate: For dessert, a square of dark chocolate or a flourless chocolate cake really brings out the richness of the bourbon.
Variations to Try
Midnight Sour
– Replace pomegranate juice with blackberry liqueur for a deeper, darker fruit flavor.
Golden Sour
– Swap in apple juice instead of pomegranate for a crisp, autumn-inspired take.
Herbal Sour
– Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary and muddle it with the lemon juice before shaking. It adds a fresh, earthy aroma.
Virgin Forbidden Sour
– Skip the bourbon and top with ginger ale or sparkling water. Still tart and fruity, with a fizzy twist.
Bartender’s Notes
– Don’t overdo the shaking-20 seconds is plenty. Over-shaking can water it down.
– Taste before serving. Depending on your juice and bourbon, you might want to tweak the sweetness or acidity.
– Keep an eye on your lemon juice: bottled versions can taste flat or overly sharp. Fresh is always best.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice has a brighter, cleaner flavor. It really makes a difference.
What’s the best bourbon to use?
Go for something smooth and balanced. Too smoky or too sweet can throw off the harmony. Try a classic like Maker’s Mark or Bulleit.
Can I make a pitcher of this?
Yes! Just mix everything (except ice) in a pitcher and chill. Shake or stir individual servings with ice to keep it fresh.
How do I cut down on sugar?
Use less simple syrup or try a natural sweetener like honey. The pomegranate juice adds natural sweetness, too.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Mix and chill the ingredients in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Forbidden Sour is easy to fall in love with-simple to mix, pretty to look at, and full of bright, bold flavors. Whether you’re sipping it on a patio in summer or cozying up by the fire in winter, it fits the mood. It’s been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends, and I hope it becomes one of yours too.
Try it your way, tweak the sweetness, play with the garnish, and make it yours. Cheers!
