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It isn’t summer yet until I have sipped my legendary Bourbon Limoncello Cocktail! This perfect mixed drink combines sharp acidic limoncello and lemon juice with sweet preserves, fresh herbs, oaky bourbon, and a touch of bitters. This cocktail is my husband’s favorite summer drink, and I am sure it will be yours!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Citrusy SMooth Bourbon Limoncello Cocktail
This delicious summer bourbon limoncello cocktail is inspired by one I had out on a date with my husband at a fancy cocktail bar in our hometown of Greenville, SC one evening. I am a big limoncello fan and love that it has a bit of every flavor profile – acid from the lemon and limoncello, sweet from the jam, bitters, fresh herbs, and oaky bourbon. While the jam adds some natural sweetness, I should note this isn’t a really sweet cocktail, the lemon is dominate but the jam helps keep everything in check. This cocktail is super simple and easy to mix up, it has a wonderfully complex flavor though and really can add a wonderful elegance to your party. Everyone who has tried it loves this bourbon limoncello mixed drink, I hope you enjoy it too!
How to Make Refreshing Bourbon Lemon Cocktail
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Lemon juice (1/2 oz) – Adds a bright, citrusy tang that balances the richness of the bourbon and sweetness of the preserves.
- Limoncello (3/4 oz) – Infuses the drink with a smooth, lemony sweetness that enhances the citrus profile.
- Blackberry preserves (1 tablespoon) – Brings fruity depth and a touch of jammy sweetness; feel free to experiment with your favorite preserve/jam flavor.
- Mint leaves (5-6) – Add fresh herbal notes and aroma; lavender, rosemary, or sage offer creative, aromatic alternatives.
- Bourbon (1.5 oz) – Provides warmth, complexity, and a bold foundation for the cocktail.
- Dark Cocktail Bitters (4 dashes) – Introduces subtle spice and bitterness to round out the flavors.
- Garnish: lemon wheel, mint sprig – A visual and aromatic finishing touch that hints at the cocktail’s fresh, vibrant flavors.
Assemble
Assemble all the ingredients. Add lemon juice and peach preserves to bottom of a cocktail shaker.
Combine Ingredients
Stir to break up the preserves. Add limoncello, bourbon, bitters and herb leaves. Add ice and shake for 10-12 seconds.
Pour and Enjoy
Double strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with lemon wheel and mint sprig.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Limoncello Bourbon Cocktail
Use fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness and depth compared to bottled versions.
Warm the preserves slightly – Loosening the jam makes it easier to mix smoothly into the cocktail.
Double strain – Use a fine mesh strainer to remove mint bits and preserve seeds for a cleaner sip.
Muddle gently – Press the mint just enough to release oils without turning it bitter.
Chill your glass – A cold glass helps keep the drink refreshing longer.
Balance sweetness and acidity – Adjust lemon juice or preserves to suit your taste.
Try infused bourbons – A citrus- or berry-infused bourbon can complement the flavors beautifully.
Use quality limoncello – The smoother and more natural the limoncello, the better the cocktail.
Experiment with herbs – Swap mint with rosemary, sage, or lavender for a seasonal twist.
Garnish with intention – A fresh mint sprig and lemon wheel add both aroma and visual appeal.
FAQs
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch—just choose one without additives.
Blackberry preserves add great depth, but you can use raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or even fig for different flavor profiles.
No—herbs like rosemary, sage, or lavender also work beautifully and add unique aromatic notes.
You can mix the lemon juice, limoncello, preserves, and bitters ahead, but add the mint, bourbon, and shake just before serving.
A smooth, mid-range bourbon with vanilla or caramel notes complements the citrus and fruit flavors well.
Yes—serving it over ice makes for a more relaxed, sippable version of the cocktail.
Aromatic or dark cocktail bitters like Angostura work great; for variation, try orange or cherry bitters.
What to Enjoy with Bourbon Lemon Cocktail
This cocktail can be paired with any of your favorite summer dishes or snacks below!
When we host parties, we serve this cocktail alongside my favorite fruit salad, caprese bruschetta, gildas pintxos, caramelized onion brie tarts, or my Nutella fruit tarts for a sweet option.
You can find other cocktail recipes here.
Try these snacks with your cocktail:
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Bourbon Limoncello Cocktail
Ingredients
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz limoncello
- 1 tbsp blackberry preserves
- 5-6 mint, or rosemary, fresh
- 1.5 oz bourbon or rye
- 4 dashes dark cocktail bitters
- lemon wheel, mint spring, to garnish
Instructions
- Add lemon juice and jam to bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Stir to break up the preserves.
- Add limoncello, bourbon, bitters and herb leaves.
- Add ice and shake for 10-12 seconds
- Double strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with lemon wheel and mint sprig.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
