Bourbon Renewal recipe
A modern craft cocktail balancing robust bourbon with tart lemon and rich blackcurrant.
Method: Shaken and strained ·
Glass: Rocks glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: Modern Classics
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon (high-rye preferred)
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Creme de cassis
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
How to make a Bourbon Renewal
- Combine bourbon, fresh lemon juice, creme de cassis, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, preferably a single large clear cube.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel and a skewered blackberry on top.
Garnish
Lemon wheel and blackberry
Pro tip
Use a high-rye bourbon to cut through the rich sweetness of the creme de cassis and provide a spicy backbone.
History of the Bourbon Renewal
Created by bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler in 2004 at Clyde Common in Portland, Oregon, the Bourbon Renewal was designed as a sophisticated, tart alternative to traditional whiskey drinks, though its instant popularity quickly propelled it across craft cocktail bars worldwide. Modern bartenders still keep Bourbon Renewal in circulation because the recipe shows a clear point of view without needless decoration.
Flavour profile
Tart, Fruit-Forward, Complex
Variations
- Scotch Renewal — Substitute blended Scotch whisky for the bourbon for a peaty, earthy profile.
- Rye Renewal — Use straight rye whiskey instead of bourbon to add dry, spicy punch.
- Blackberry Bramble Bourbon — Muddle fresh blackberries directly into the shaker with the base spirits.
Practise making the Bourbon Renewal in the free Virtual Bar game.