BOURBON FIX
The Bourbon Fix: A Simple Classic from the 1800s
The Bourbon Fix comes from the Fix family of cocktails that appeared in Jerry Thomas's 1862 "Bar-Tender's Guide," the first cocktail book published in America. Thomas included several Fix variations - Brandy Fix, Gin Fix, Santa Cruz Fix, and Whiskey Fix. The bourbon version follows the same basic formula as the whiskey fix but specifically uses bourbon as the base spirit.
Fixes were popular drinks in the mid-1800s and are essentially spirit, citrus, sugar, and crushed ice served with fruit garnish. They're similar to sours but served over crushed ice with more elaborate fruit garnishes, making them more visually impressive.
The recipe is straightforward: two ounces bourbon, three-quarters ounce fresh lemon juice, half an ounce simple syrup, and crushed ice. The drink is traditionally garnished with seasonal fruit like berries, orange slices, or pineapple.
Any mid-shelf bourbon works here - Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, or Maker's Mark are solid choices. Fresh lemon juice is essential since the citrus is a major component. The crushed ice keeps the drink cold and dilutes it slightly as you sip, making it more refreshing.
Making it is simple. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for fifteen seconds, then strain into a rocks glass or goblet filled with crushed ice. Top with more crushed ice to create a dome, then garnish with fresh fruit.
What makes the Bourbon Fix special is its simplicity and how refreshing it is. The crushed ice and fruit garnish make it feel lighter and more festive than a standard Whiskey Sour, though the flavor profile is similar.
The Fix family of drinks fell out of popularity after the 1800s but deserves more attention. They're easy to make, use ingredients most people have, and work perfectly for warm weather drinking.
RECIPE:
2 oz bourbon
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
Crushed ice
Method:
Build bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup in a rocks glass over crushed ice.
Stir gently to chill.
Top with extra crushed ice to form a dome.
Optional: garnish with a lemon wheel.