How to Make Athena Calderone's Chamomile-Honey Whiskey Sour

An herbaceous, refreshing take on the classic libation.

By Lauren WicksPublished: Jul 21, 2021

Courtesy of Basil Hayden

"Both refreshing and unexpected, it has been a go-to, and my guests love it," says tastemaker and author Athena Calderone. "The cocktail embodies the summer season with a fresh, herbaceous simple syrup that compliments the light-bodied nature of Basil Hayden's."

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Yields:: 1 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 1 hr 15 mins
Total Time:: 1 hr 15 mins

Ingredients

2 tbsp.
dried chamomile flowers, plus more for garnish
2 c.
honey
1 c.
boiling water
2
parts Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1
part fresh lemon juice
1
part chamomile simple syrup, store-bought or homemade (recipe follows)
2
dashes citrus bitters

Directions

1. Step 1To make the chamomile simple syrup: Mix boiling water and chamomile flowers in a medium bowl and let stand for 2 minutes.
2. Step 2Muddle the chamomile with the back of a wooden spoon, releasing its fragrance.
3. Step 3Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the chamomile to release all water.
4. Step 4Immediately stir honey into the chamomile mixture and stir until well combined. Let cool.
5. Step 5To make the cocktail: Combine bourbon, lemon juice, citrus bitters, and chamomile simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and vigorously shake with ice.
6. Step 6Pour cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and into a coupe glass.
7. Step 7Garnish with gently crushed dried chamomile flowers.

You can find chamomile simple syrup online via Co-Op Market and Yummy Bazaar.

Lauren Wicks

Lauren Wicks is a Birmingham-based writer covering design trends, must-have products, travel inspiration, and entertaining. She’s obsessed with globally inspired textiles, hosting dinner parties, and French cocktails.