Bittermilk No. 3 Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour
Bittermilk No. 3 Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour is a 17 oz bottle of whiskey sour mixer built on bourbon-barrel-smoked Georgia honey: fresh lemon juice, water, the smoked honey, Florida golden cane sugar, and fresh and bitter orange peel, by Bittermilk Bottling Co. of Charleston, South Carolina, husband-and-wife bartenders Joe and MariElena Raya (The Gin Joint), who brought the line to market in August 2013 on the concept "the labor is in the bottle — just add booze," available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Size: 17 oz bottle (~17 cocktails)
- Ingredients: fresh lemon juice, water, bourbon-barrel-smoked Georgia honey, Florida golden cane sugar, fresh/bitter orange peel
- Profile: slightly tart and smoky — honeyed lemon with a frothy shake
- Origin: Bittermilk Bottling Co., Charleston, SC, USA — est. 2013
- Build: shake equal parts No. 3 + whiskey with plenty of ice; rocks glass; pairs with bourbon (or tequila for a smoky Honey Margarita)
- Storage: refrigerate after opening; shake well before using (natural settling)
- Award: 2016 sofi Award, Outstanding Cold Beverage
The Whiskey Sour, Pre-Built
A whiskey sour is three ingredients, and this bottle holds two of them at a higher standard than most bars manage: fresh lemon juice and Georgia honey smoked over bourbon barrel staves — the smoke woven into the honey itself, not added as flavor. Shake equal parts No. 3 and whiskey with heavy ice and the honey does something commercial sours can't: shaken vigorously, it throws a proper frothy head. Bourbon is the intended pairing, but the brand notes tequila works for a smoky Honey Margarita. A 2016 sofi winner for Outstanding Cold Beverage. The old fashioned side of the line is No. 4; the whole range lives at Bittermilk.
Tasting Notes
Slightly tart and smoky — fresh lemon brightness, bourbon-barrel smoke in the honey, orange-peel lift. Shaken hard it goes frothy; the finish is honeyed, not sugary.
How to Enjoy
Shake equal parts No. 3 + whiskey with plenty of ice; pour into a rocks glass. Bourbon first; tequila for a smoky Honey Margarita variation. Shake the bottle well before pouring — natural settling is normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What whiskey works best?
Bourbon is the brand's best pairing; the smoky honey also suits tequila.
What's the ratio?
Equal parts No. 3 and whiskey, shaken with plenty of ice.
Is the smoke artificial?
No — Georgia honey smoked over actual bourbon barrel staves.
Why does it separate?
Natural ingredients settle; shake well before using.
The sour, solved — order Bittermilk No. 3 Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.