Boomer Recipe

Boomer Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:40

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Boomer cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 1960s. It was popular among the 'baby boomer' generation, hence the name. This cocktail is a favorite among those who appreciate a strong, yet balanced drink. It's perfect for those who enjoy the taste of bourbon, balanced with the sweetness of honey and the tartness of lemon.

  • Origin: 1960s
  • Popular among: Baby boomers
  • Ideal for: Bourbon lovers

How Boomer Tastes?

The Boomer cocktail is a harmonious blend of strong, sweet, and sour. The robust flavor of bourbon is beautifully balanced with the sweetness of honey and the tartness of fresh lemon juice. It's a strong, yet smooth cocktail with a hint of sweetness.

Interesting facts about Boomer

  • The Boomer cocktail was named after the 'baby boomer' generation.
  • It's a bourbon-based cocktail, which gives it a strong, robust flavor.
  • Despite its strength, it's well-balanced with the sweetness of honey and the tartness of lemon.

Ingredients

Bourbon

  • Bourbon is the soul of this shot, providing a beautiful base of caramel, vanilla, and oak. At 2 oz, it's just enough to assert its flavor without overpowering your senses. Use less, and the shot might be too sweet; use more, and you'll be walking sideways—no kidding.

Emma Rose

Honey

  • Our sweet little friend honey is like the bartender’s glue, sticking all flavors together, while adding a touch of sweetness and smoothness. Without it, you'd miss the shot's soothing quality. Too much honey, and you're sucking on a beehive; too little, and the bourbon might bully the other flavors.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

  • This citrus superstar adds a zesty punch, balancing the sweetness with its tartness. One ounce is the perfect mediator in this trifecta of taste. Skip it, and your shot becomes a sugar bomb. Overdo it, and you'll pucker up more than after a first kiss.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Boomer Drink

  1. Pour 2 oz of bourbon into a shaker.
  2. Add 1 tbsp of honey.
  3. Squeeze in the juice of one lemon.
  4. Shake well until the honey is fully dissolved.
  5. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  6. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to shake well to fully dissolve the honey.
  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail for the best experience.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Barbecue: The smokiness of the bourbon complements grilled meats.
  • Spicy Foods: The sweetness of the honey balances the heat from spicy dishes.
  • Citrus-Flavored Desserts: The zesty lemon juice can match well with lemon bars or tarts.
  • Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially more robust ones like blue or aged cheddar can go nicely with the bold flavors of the shot.

Drink Pairings

  • Ale: A nice ale can continue the bourbon's warmth on the palate.
  • Coffee: Coffee could be a great follow-up, especially if you're having the shot as a digestif.

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What you could change in Boomer

If you don't have bourbon, you can substitute it with rye whiskey. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can use a sweetened lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Honey Bourbon Bliss

  • Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, dash of cinnamon.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, substituting honey with maple syrup and adding a dash of cinnamon.
  • This twist offers a deeper, more autumnal profile, perfect for chilly evenings by a fire pit. The maple syrup has a complex sweetness, and the cinnamon spice brings an added warmth that's just right.

Citrus Spike

  • Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz orange juice, dash of bitters.
  • Recipe: Mix bourbon, honey, and both citrus juices. Add bitters. Shake, strain, and shoot.
  • By mixing lemon and orange juice, this shot becomes a little sunnier, a little less sour, and a dash of bitters adds complexity. You’ll get a slightly sweeter ride with hints of botanicals from the bitters.

The Herbal Hit

  • Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1 tbsp honey, 1 oz lemon juice, fresh basil leaves.
  • Recipe: Lightly muddle basil leaves with lemon juice before adding the other ingredients. Shake, strain, and serve with a small basil leaf garnish.
  • The addition of basil introduces a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the sweetness, adding depth and making for a more nuanced sipper—or shooter, if you dare.

In case you forgot basics how to make Boomer

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Boomer

Can I lead the honey out?

Yes, you can, but honey contributes to the unique balanced flavor of the Boomer cocktail — sweet and tart at the same time. It adds depth and balance to the drink.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Boomer cocktail?

Yes, you can replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute or simply use apple cider vinegar for a tart, non-alcoholic variant.

Can I make a big batch of Boomer cocktail in advance?

You can mix the bourbon and honey ahead of time, but it's best to add the fresh lemon juice just before serving to maintain its fresh and tart flavor.

What food pairs well with the Boomer cocktail?

The Boomer goes well with a variety of finger foods like smoked salmon canapés, mini sliders, or even a cheese board due to its strong, yet balanced flavors.

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