Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 4 oz Lemonade
Instructions
Fill Glass with Ice:
- Fill a highball glass with lots of ice.
Add Bourbon and Lemonade:
- Pour 2 oz of bourbon whiskey and 4 oz of lemonade over the ice.
Squeeze Lime:
- Squeeze a couple of lime wedges into the glass.
Top with Sprite:
- Fill up with Sprite.
Serve:
- Stir gently and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Nikki Sixx isn't exactly a dusty relic from a forgotten era of mixology. Its namesake points to the rock and roll scene, suggesting it’s a modern creation, likely born in a bar that preferred loud music to quiet contemplation. No clean attribution exists, but it feels right for a party crowd.
At its heart, this is a gussied-up whiskey sour, stretched into a highball. It takes the classic bourbon and lemon combo and then throws in Sprite for an extra layer of sweetness and fizz, making it a little more approachable than its older cousins.
You'll find this drink at backyard barbecues, loud concerts, or anywhere people want something easy to sip without thinking too hard. It’s the kind of order that signals you’re here for a good time, not a history lesson.
What it tastes like
First sip gives you that familiar bourbon hug, quickly followed by the tart, sweet punch of lemonade. The Sprite adds a bright, bubbly lift, keeping the whole thing from getting too heavy. It's a sweet drink, but the lemon and bourbon keep it from tasting like pure sugar water.
With 2 oz of 80-proof bourbon in a glass that probably holds around 10-12 oz once all the liquids are in, you're looking at an ABV of roughly 6.5-8%. That's right in the ballpark of a strong craft beer, so treat it with the same respect. It’s not a lightweight.
The technique
Building a Nikki Sixx is about as complicated as turning on a stereo. Grab your biggest highball glass, fill it to the brim with ice. Pour in the bourbon and lemonade, then give those lime wedges a good squeeze. Top it off with Sprite, then a gentle stir to mix it all without losing the fizz.
The key here is that 'gentle stir.' You want to marry the ingredients, not beat the carbonation out of the Sprite. A few slow turns with a bar spoon is all it needs. Don't go wild, or you'll end up with a flat drink.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Bourbon Whiskey
- Use
- Any reliable mid-shelf bourbon like Maker's Mark, Bulleit, or Wild Turkey 101. Something with a bit of character but not so complex it gets lost.
- Skip
- That dusty bottle of single malt from your uncle's liquor cabinet or anything labeled 'bottom shelf rotgut.' This drink isn't a museum piece, but it deserves better than paint thinner.
- Why
- Bourbon forms the backbone, bringing warmth, vanilla, and a hint of spice. Without it, you just have a fizzy lemonade.
Lemonade
- Use
- Good quality store-bought lemonade or, if you're feeling ambitious, fresh-squeezed. Newman's Own or Simply Lemonade work well.
- Skip
- Powdered mixes or anything that tastes like pure corn syrup. The quality of your lemonade makes or breaks this drink.
- Why
- Lemonade provides the crucial sweet-tart balance. It's half the flavor profile, so don't cheap out.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Motley Crew
- Different spirit, same party.
- Swap the bourbon for vodka for a lighter, more neutral base. It lets the lemon and Sprite really shine through.
Southern Sixx
- Peachy keen.
- Add 0.5 oz of peach schnapps along with the bourbon for a fruity, Southern twist. It makes the drink even sweeter and more summery.
Dark Sixx
- Go to the dark side.
- Replace the bourbon with dark rum for a richer, molasses-infused version. It adds a whole new layer of complexity to the mix.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try rye whiskey for a spicier kick, or a good blended whiskey for a smoother profile.
Mix 1.5 oz fresh lemon juice with 1.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio) for a similar tart-sweet balance.
7-Up works just as well. For less sweetness and more control, use club soda and adjust with a splash of simple syrup.
Any tall, sturdy glass will do the trick. A pint glass or even a large tumbler is fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Nikki Sixx?
A Nikki Sixx contains bourbon whiskey, lemonade, Sprite, and a squeeze of fresh lime wedges.
Is the Nikki Sixx a strong drink?
It's not a lightweight. With around 6.5-8% ABV, it's comparable to a strong beer, so pace yourself.
Can I make a less sweet Nikki Sixx?
Absolutely. Use diet Sprite or top with club soda instead of Sprite. You can also reduce the lemonade slightly.
What's the best bourbon for a Nikki Sixx?
A reliable mid-shelf bourbon like Maker's Mark or Bulleit works well. Don't waste your top-shelf stuff here.
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemonade?
Yes, but you'll need to add simple syrup to balance the tartness. Try 1.5 oz lemon juice and 1.5 oz simple syrup.
What's a good garnish for a Nikki Sixx?
Beyond the lime wedges, a fresh lemon wheel or a few raspberries can add a nice touch. Keep it simple.
Is this a good drink for a party?
Definitely. It's easy to make in batches and most people enjoy the familiar flavors. It's a crowd-pleaser without being boring.
What kind of ice should I use?
Plenty of ice is key. Standard cubes are fine, but larger cubes or spheres will dilute slower, keeping your drink colder longer.
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