Bourbon and Sprite is a popular drink combination that has been around for decades. The pairing of bourbon, a sweet whiskey, with the lemon-lime flavor of Sprite creates a simple, refreshing highball cocktail. But does this classic combo actually taste good? There are varying opinions on how enjoyable the mixture of bourbon and Sprite truly is. Looking at the flavors involved, the ideal ratios, and some pros and cons can help determine if bourbon and Sprite is a tasty beverage choice or not.
What is Bourbon and Sprite?
Bourbon and Sprite is a simple two-ingredient drink made by mixing bourbon whiskey with lemon-lime Sprite soda. Traditionally, it’s made with these specs:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 6-8 oz Sprite
- Build in a highball glass over ice
- Garnish with lemon wedge (optional)
Bourbon is an American whiskey made from a mash containing at least 51% corn. It’s aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years, though good-quality bourbons are typically aged for four years or more. The aging in oak gives bourbon notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
Sprite is a popular lemon-lime soda. It’s clear in color and has a crisp, refreshing taste with citrus flavors.
The bourbon provides the backbone of flavor in a bourbon and Sprite drink. The Sprite adds carbonation, sweetness, and citrusy notes. The combination is intended to be refreshing and easy-drinking.
What Does Bourbon and Sprite Taste Like?
When you mix bourbon and Sprite, you get a sweet and tangy cocktail with notes of vanilla, citrus, oak, and caramel. The lemon-lime flavors pair nicely with the sweet caramel and vanilla notes of the bourbon.
Here’s a more in-depth look at how the flavors come together:
Bourbon Flavors
The bourbon contributes rich, sweet, and oaky flavors. Notes you may taste include:
- Vanilla
- Caramel
- Butterscotch
- Spice
- Charred oak
- Brown sugar
These flavors add sweetness and complexity. Higher quality, aged bourbons will typically have more pronounced notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
Sprite Flavors
Sprite adds refreshing citrus flavors and carbonation:
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Ginger
- Carbonation
The bright, tart citrus notes balance out the sweetness of the bourbon. The bubbles also make the cocktail light and fizzy.
How the Flavors Mesh
When you mix the rich bourbon with the bright Sprite, you get an enjoyable balance of sweet and sour flavors. The vanilla and caramel notes pair nicely with the lemon-lime. The end result is a refreshing, easy-drinking cocktail.
The ideal combo allows you to taste both the bourbon and the Sprite distinctly, while also getting some complementary flavors as the two mingle. The proportions of the two ingredients have a big impact on the overall taste.
Ideal Bourbon to Sprite Ratio
Getting the ratio right is key to making a properly balanced bourbon and Sprite cocktail. Too much Sprite will make the drink overly sour and diluted. Too much bourbon may result in a cloyingly sweet and boozy drink.
Here are some ideal bourbon to Sprite ratios to aim for:
2:8
- 2 oz bourbon
- 8 oz Sprite
This is a good starting ratio for people who want the bourbon flavor to be present but fairly muted. The Sprite will be the dominant flavor.
3:7
- 3 oz bourbon
- 7 oz Sprite
This 3:7 ratio provides a bit more bourbon flavor for people who want a fuller whiskey taste balanced by Sprite’s sweet-tartness.
4:6
- 4 oz bourbon
- 6 oz Sprite
At a 4:6 ratio, the bourbon steps forward a bit more yet the Sprite still contributes flavor. This works well for bourbon lovers who still want the citrus brightness.
Equal Parts (1:1)
- 1 part bourbon
- 1 part Sprite
Mixing the bourbon and Sprite in equal parts results in much more spiritous, whiskey-forward drink. The bourbon’s caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors dominate over the Sprite.
The takeaway is to use more Sprite than bourbon to achieve balance. For a more bourbon-centric but not overly spirit-forward drink, the 3:7 to 4:6 range is ideal.
Pros of Bourbon and Sprite
There are a few major positives to mixing bourbon with Sprite:
Easy to make
Bourbon and Sprite only requires two main ingredients that most people have on hand. No obscure liquors or mixers required. It’s one of the simplest cocktails to mix up.
Refreshing
The lemon-lime flavors and fizz from the soda make bourbon and Sprite a fresher-tasting highball. The citrus livens up the bourbon.
Versatile
Bourbon and Sprite works well in any season. It’s crisp enough for summer yet warming from the bourbon for winter. You can enjoy it year-round.
Customizable
The basic two-ingredient recipe is highly adaptable to individual tastes. Add more bourbon for a stronger whiskey kick or more Sprite for extra sweet-tartness. Adjust ratios to suit your preferences.
Cons of Bourbon and Sprite
A few of the downsides of mixing bourbon with Sprite include:
Can be too sweet
Depending on the bourbon used and proportions, the cocktail can become cloyingly sweet and syrupy, especially if you use a sweeter bourbon. The sugariness overwhelms other flavors.
Bourbon taste gets lost
With too much Sprite, the subtleties of good bourbon can get drowned out. You lose the vanilla, caramel, and oak notes that make it enjoyable.
Gets watery
Since Sprite is soda with ice added, it quickly waters down the bourbon and cocktail. After a short time, you’re left with a diluted, bland-tasting drink.
Hangover potential
Too much bourbon and not enough Sprite can make this cocktail hit hard in the morning. Beware of the sugar/alcohol combo.
Tips for Making Better Bourbon and Sprite
Use these tips to make the tastiest bourbon and Sprite combinations:
- Choose a good, aged bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Bulleit. Avoid bottom-shelf whiskies.
- Use cold Sprite, not flat soda.
- Pour bourbon first then add Sprite.
- Start with a 3:7 to 4:6 bourbon to Sprite ratio.
- Add citrus like lemon or lime wedges.
- Skip the straws and ice for a less watery drink.
- Mix small batches instead of large quantities.
- Sip and adjust the proportions to taste.
What Type of Bourbon Works Best?
Bourbon and Sprite allows you to taste the bourbon, so a quality whiskey is recommended. Here are ideal bourbon styles:
Wheated Bourbon
Wheated bourbons like Maker’s Mark have a sweeter, softer taste thanks to use of wheat in the mashbill. This smooth sweetness complements the Sprite.
Caramel and Vanilla-Forward Bourbon
Bourbons aged for long periods in charred new oak have more pronounced caramel and vanilla. These sweet, oaky notes pair nicely with Sprite. Look for bourbons aged over 7 years.
Higher Proof Bourbon
Bourbon bottled at 100 proof and above will maintain its flavor integrity when diluted with Sprite. The whiskey notes won’t get lost.
Avoid Young, Harsh Bourbons
Cheap bourbons aged only 2-3 years tend to taste hot, sharp, and aggressive. They clash with Sprite’s flavor. Stick to mellower, smoother bourbons.
Other Bourbon and Sprite Variations
The basic bourbon and Sprite combo is highly customizable. Some tasty variations include:
Bourbon, Sprite, and Bitters
Add 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters like Angostura. Provides depth and balances sweetness.
Bourbon, Sprite, and Citrus
Add wedges of lemon, lime, grapefruit, or orange to play up the citrusy soda flavors.
Bourbon, Sprite, and Mint
Muddle fresh mint leaves in the glass before building the drink. Adds herbaceousness.
Bourbon and Sprite Zero
Swap regular Sprite for zero-calorie Sprite to make a low sugar version.
Spiced Bourbon and Sprite
Use a cinnamon, clove, or vanilla-infused spiced bourbon for warmth.
Should You Drink Bourbon and Sprite?
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of drinking bourbon and Sprite:
Pros
- Refreshing and citrusy
- Easy to mix
- Highly customizable
- Versatile for any season
Cons
- Can become overly sweet
- May water down quality bourbon
- Hangover potential if overconsumed
- Too much Sprite drowns out bourbon
Conclusion
Bourbon and Sprite can be a tasty, refreshing cocktail when made properly. With the right bourbon to soda proportions and a quality bourbon that tastes good even when diluted, the classic combo delivers a nice balance of sweetness, citrus, and oak flavors. Avoid making the drink too syrupy sweet or drowning out nuanced bourbon tastes. When done right, bourbon and Sprite is the perfect casual whiskey cocktail.