Share Post:
The Bourbon Renewal is a refreshing twist on a classic bourbon cocktail. It balances the richness of bourbon with a pop of citrus and a hint of blackcurrant sweetness from crème de cassis.
This cocktail is perfect for when you want something bold but with a fruity edge. It’s super easy to make, so you can whip it up in just a few minutes.
The Creation of the Bourbon Renewal
It was created in 2001, was Morgenthaler’s first cocktail to gain wide recognition. While some of his later creations, like the reinvented Amaretto Sour, went on to achieve greater fame, the Bourbon Renewal marked the beginning of his influence on cocktail culture. Invented at the Bel Ami Lounge in Eugene, Oregon, it was crafted at a time when New York City’s cocktail renaissance was in full swing. Long before iconic bars like PDT or Death & Co. opened, Morgenthaler was using fresh ingredients and perfecting balance in cocktails in a quiet college town in the Pacific Northwest.
A Whiskey Sour with a Cassis Twist
At its core, the Bourbon Renewal is a Whiskey Sour, enhanced with crème de cassis and a dash of bitters. This combination creates a drink that’s reminiscent of both the Bramble and the classic New York Sour, bringing out the boldness of bourbon while adding a juicy, refreshing twist. The tartness of the cassis complements the lemon, making the cocktail perfect for warm weather. It’s simple, elegant, and easy to make with readily available ingredients—a true bartender’s cocktail made to stand the test of time.
Bourbon Renewal Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
- 1 Jigger (for measuring)
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Rocks glass (or any preferred glass)
- Ice cubes
Ingredients
- 2 oz of bourbon
- 0.5 oz crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur)
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or twist (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add ingredients: Measure out 2 oz of bourbon, 0.5 oz crème de cassis, 0.75 oz lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Pour them into the shaker.
- Shake: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish and enjoy: Optionally, garnish with a lemon wheel or twist for extra citrus aroma, and enjoy your Bourbon Renewal.
Video
Notes
- Balance the sweetness: If the cocktail tastes too tart, adjust with a bit more simple syrup or crème de cassis.
- Crème de cassis substitute: If you don’t have crème de cassis, use a blackberry or raspberry liqueur as a substitute for a different fruity spin.
- Fresh lemon juice: Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Pre-bottled juice tends to be less vibrant.
Bottom Line
Give the Bourbon Renewal a try next time you’re in the mood for something different but not overly complicated.
It’s a great way to mix things up with your usual bourbon, and you can easily adjust it to your taste. Let me know what you think!
