If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels elegant but is surprisingly simple to make, the Rosemary Bourbon and Cassis Cocktail checks every box. It blends the warmth of bourbon, the deep berry richness of crème de cassis, and the subtle herbal aroma of fresh rosemary.
The result? A balanced drink that’s slightly sweet, lightly tart, and layered with earthy depth.
It’s perfect for fall evenings, winter gatherings, dinner parties, or anytime you want a bourbon cocktail that feels a little special.
Below, you’ll find:
- The exact step-by-step recipe
- Ingredient breakdown and substitutions
- Pro tips for better flavor
- Variations to try
- FAQ answers to help you master it
Quick Recipe Summary
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 5–7 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ½ oz crème de cassis
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz rosemary simple syrup (recipe below)
- Ice
- Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add bourbon, crème de cassis, lemon juice, and rosemary syrup.
- Shake for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig.
That’s it. But the details below are what take it from good to exceptional.
What Is Crème de Cassis?
Crème de cassis is a French blackcurrant liqueur known for its deep ruby color and rich berry flavor. It’s naturally sweet with slight tartness, which makes it perfect for balancing bold spirits like bourbon.
In this cocktail, cassis adds:
- Fruity depth
- Natural sweetness
- A smooth, almost jam-like finish
If you’ve never used it before, it’s also popular in Kir Royale and other fruit-forward cocktails.
Why Rosemary Works So Well with Bourbon
Bourbon already has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. When you add rosemary, you introduce a fresh herbal aroma that cuts through the sweetness and gives the drink structure.
The combination works because:
- Herbal notes balance sweetness
- Citrus brightens heavy flavors
- Cassis softens bourbon’s heat
It’s a layered cocktail, not just a sweet bourbon drink.
How to Make Rosemary Simple Syrup (2 Ingredients)
You can technically skip this, but homemade rosemary syrup makes a huge difference.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 2–3 fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Heat water and sugar in a saucepan until dissolved.
- Add rosemary and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep 15–20 minutes.
- Strain and cool.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tip: Lightly bruise the rosemary before adding it to release more aroma.Related Post
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Flavor Profile: What to Expect
This cocktail tastes:
- Warm and smooth from the bourbon
- Slightly sweet from cassis
- Bright from fresh lemon
- Aromatic and herbal from rosemary
It’s not overly sugary. The lemon keeps everything balanced.
If you prefer stronger drinks, reduce the syrup slightly. If you prefer sweeter cocktails, add an extra ¼ oz cassis.Pro Tips for the Best Rosemary Bourbon and Cassis Cocktail
These small adjustments make a big difference:
1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Bottled juice flattens the drink. Fresh juice keeps it bright.
2. Choose the Right Bourbon
A mid-range bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes works best. Avoid heavily smoky or high-rye options unless you want more spice.
3. Don’t Overdo the Rosemary
Too much herbal infusion can taste medicinal. Subtle is better.
4. Shake Properly
Shake long enough to chill and dilute slightly. Proper dilution improves balance.
5. Express the Garnish
Before dropping the rosemary sprig in, gently clap it between your hands to release aroma.
Variations to Try
Want to experiment? Here are a few ideas:
- Smoked Rosemary Version
Light the rosemary sprig briefly and trap smoke in the glass before pouring the drink. Adds depth and drama.
- Sparkling Twist
Top with a splash of club soda or sparkling wine for a lighter version.
- Berry Boost
Add a few muddled blackberries for extra fruit character.
- Low-Alcohol Option
Use 1 oz bourbon and increase lemon slightly for balance.
When to Serve This Cocktail
This drink shines in cooler months, but it works year-round.
Perfect for:
- Holiday gatherings
- Fall dinner parties
- Date nights
- Thanksgiving or Christmas cocktails
- Small cocktail tastings
It pairs well with roasted meats, cheese boards, dark chocolate desserts, and herb-forward dishes.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute crème de cassis?
You can use Chambord or another berry liqueur, but the flavor will be slightly different. Cassis has deeper blackcurrant notes.
What bourbon works best?
Look for something balanced with vanilla and caramel notes. Avoid extremely spicy or high-proof bourbons if you want smoothness.
Is this cocktail strong?
It’s spirit-forward but balanced. The syrup and lemon soften the alcohol bite.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can pre-mix everything except ice and store in the fridge for a few hours. Shake with ice before serving.
Can I make rosemary syrup in advance?
Yes. It keeps refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Is this cocktail sweet?
It’s moderately sweet but balanced by citrus and herbal notes.
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 190–220
- Carbohydrates: 12–15g
- Sugar: 10–12g
- Alcohol content: ~20–25% ABV (depending on bourbon)
Final Thoughts
The Rosemary Bourbon and Cassis Cocktail is one of those drinks that feels sophisticated without being complicated. It’s layered, aromatic, and balanced, yet simple enough to make at home in under ten minutes.
If you enjoy bourbon cocktails but want something with more personality than a standard Old Fashioned, this is worth trying.
Make it once, and it may become a regular in your rotation.
