Bourbon has long been a beloved staple in the world of cocktails, offering a rich, warm flavor that serves as the backbone for many classic and modern drinks. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of whiskey cocktails, there’s something undeniably inviting about the depth and complexity that bourbon brings to a drink.
Why settle for the ordinary when there are countless ways to enjoy bourbon in a cocktail? From refreshing summer coolers to comforting winter sippers, the versatility of bourbon ensures that there’s a perfect drink for every palate and occasion. Prepare to discover 13 exceptional bourbon cocktails that will elevate your appreciation for this timeless spirit.
1) Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic bourbon cocktail that dates back to the early 1800s. It is simple, yet elegant, providing a strong, smooth drink. You’ll need bourbon or rye whisky, a sugar cube or simple syrup, Angostura bitters, and an orange peel for garnish.
Start by placing the sugar cube in a rocks glass and adding a few dashes of bitters. Muddle the sugar and bitters together.
Add a large ice cube to the glass. Pour the bourbon over the ice and stir for 10-15 seconds. This chills and slightly dilutes the drink.
Express the oil of an orange peel over the glass by gently squeezing the peel. Drop the peel into the glass as a garnish. This adds a hint of citrus aroma and flavor.
The Old Fashioned is best enjoyed slowly. The simplicity of its ingredients highlights the quality of the bourbon.
2) Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail known for its refreshing taste. To make one, start by placing fresh mint leaves in a Julep cup or rocks glass. Add simple syrup and gently muddle the mint to release its flavor.
Fill the glass with crushed ice until it forms a mound. Pour in the bourbon and stir the mixture until the outside of the cup becomes frosty. Top with more crushed ice if needed.
Garnish with a mint sprig for a finishing touch. Some recipes suggest adding a few drops of bitters, but that’s optional. The Mint Julep is traditionally served with a straw to keep the mint leaves at the bottom. Enjoy your Mint Julep at your next gathering!
3) Bourbon Sour
The Bourbon Sour is a classic cocktail that combines the bold flavors of bourbon with the tartness of fresh lemon juice. It’s both refreshing and sophisticated, making it a popular choice for many.
To make a Bourbon Sour, pour 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 ounces of simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. If you want a frothy texture, add 0.5 ounces of egg white or aquafaba.
Shake the mixture without ice for about 10 seconds. This step, called a dry shake, helps to emulsify the egg white and creates a nice froth. Then, add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 15 seconds until the drink is chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. The bigger the ice cubes, the better, as they melt more slowly and keep your drink from getting watered down too quickly.
Garnish your Bourbon Sour with a lemon wheel or a cherry for a classic touch. Enjoy this drink on a warm evening or as a refined choice at a gathering. Its balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors makes it a delightful option.
4) Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a true classic. It dates back to the late 1800s. This drink combines bourbon or rye whiskey with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters.
To make a Manhattan, start by chilling a glass. You can leave it in the freezer or fill it with ice.
Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for about 20 seconds to chill the drink without watering it down.
Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. For the finishing touch, garnish with a cherry. Enjoy your perfect Manhattan!
5) Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that is both simple and elegant. It swaps the gin in a Negroni for bourbon or rye. This gives it a rich, smooth flavor.
To make a Boulevardier, you will need bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The typical ratio is 1.5 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of Campari, and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth.
Start by filling a mixing glass with ice. Pour in all the ingredients. Stir for about 30 seconds, making sure everything is well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist to add a subtle citrus aroma.
You can also serve the Boulevardier in a coupe glass if you prefer it without ice. This choice depends on your personal preference.
The Boulevardier is perfect for those who enjoy robust and bitter flavors. It is a great cocktail to sip on a relaxing evening.
6) Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing bourbon cocktail. It combines simple ingredients for a flavorful drink.
You start by muddling lemon wedges and mint leaves in a shaker. This releases the juices and essential oils.
Next, add bourbon and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill it with ice and shake well until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. For a finishing touch, garnish with a mint sprig.
The result is a bright, citrusy cocktail. The mint adds a cool, aromatic note. It’s an easy drink to make and enjoy.
Perfect for warm days or casual gatherings, the Whiskey Smash offers a delightful combination of flavors.
7) Bourbon Rickey
A Bourbon Rickey is a classic cocktail that’s both refreshing and easy to make. It combines the smoothness of bourbon with the bright tartness of lime.
To start, fill a highball or Collins glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of bourbon and squeeze the juice from half a lime into the glass.
Next, top the mixture with soda water, filling the glass almost to the top. Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients. If you like, you can garnish your drink with a lime wedge.
The result is a light, thirst-quenching cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather. Its simplicity makes it a favorite for many bourbon lovers. Enjoy your Bourbon Rickey!
8) Bourbon Highball
A Bourbon Highball is a simple and refreshing cocktail. It’s perfect for any warm day or casual gathering.
Start with a highball glass and fill it with ice. Use a jigger to measure 2 ounces of bourbon. Then, pour the bourbon over the ice.
Top off with soda water, usually about 4 ounces. This light and bubbly drink lets the bourbon’s flavors shine.
You can add a lemon twist or a splash of lemon juice to boost its refreshing taste. It’s an easy-to-make cocktail that offers a great balance of flavors.
Enjoy this classic drink at any time. It’s a straightforward way to appreciate good bourbon.
9) Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a refreshing cocktail that combines the bold flavor of bourbon with the zesty kick of ginger beer. It’s a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, which uses vodka instead.
To make a Kentucky Mule, start by filling a glass or copper mug halfway with ice. The copper mug is traditional and helps keep the drink cold.
Add two ounces of bourbon and half an ounce of fresh lime juice to the mug. Pour in ginger beer until the mug is almost full.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint for a fresh finish.
The bourbon gives the drink a rich, warming quality, while the ginger beer adds a crisp, spicy flavor. This makes the Kentucky Mule perfect for any occasion.
10) New York Sour
The New York Sour is a classic cocktail that combines the bold flavors of bourbon with a refreshing twist.
Start by pouring 2 ounces of bourbon into a cocktail shaker. Add 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 ounce of simple syrup. You can also add an egg white for a frothy texture if you like.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Use the back of a spoon to slowly pour 1/2 ounce of red wine over the drink. This creates a beautiful layered effect, with the wine floating on top.
The New York Sour is not only visually appealing but also offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and rich flavors. Enjoy your drink and savor every sip!
11) Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a simple yet sophisticated bourbon cocktail. Created in 2007 by bartender Sam Ross, it has become a modern classic. This cocktail is known for its balanced and refreshing taste.
You’ll need equal parts of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice. This easy-to-make recipe follows an equal-parts formula, making it hard to get wrong.
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1½ ounces each of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Shake the mixture until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
Next, strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. This will give you a five-ounce drink, so make sure your glass is large enough to hold it comfortably.
For garnish, you can keep it simple. A lemon twist or no garnish at all works just fine. The Paper Plane doesn’t rely on embellishments to shine.
The combination of sweet, bitter, and citrus flavors makes this drink versatile and suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re new to bourbon cocktails or a seasoned pro, you’ll enjoy the Paper Plane.
12) Gold Rush
The Gold Rush is a classic bourbon cocktail that is both simple and refreshing. This drink combines bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bold flavors.
To make a Gold Rush, start by making honey syrup. Mix equal parts honey and warm water until the honey is fully dissolved.
Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces of bourbon, ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice, and ½ ounce of honey syrup to the shaker.
Shake the mixture for about 15 seconds, until very cold. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
For a finishing touch, garnish with a lemon twist if desired. This small detail adds a fresh aromatic experience to your drink.
The Gold Rush is a straightforward and enjoyable cocktail that highlights the rich flavor of bourbon without overpowering it. Perfect for any occasion.
13) Brown Derby
The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that’s simple but elegant. You need just three main ingredients: bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. The combination creates a refreshing drink with a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
To make it, start with 2 ounces of bourbon. Add 1 ounce of fresh grapefruit juice and 0.5 ounces of honey syrup. The honey syrup is made by mixing two parts honey with one part water until smooth.
Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until everything is chilled. This usually takes about 20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass. For added aroma and a touch of elegance, garnish with a grapefruit twist or slice. The twist adds a hint of bitterness, which complements the sweetness of the honey well. Enjoy!
History of Bourbon Cocktails
Bourbon cocktails have a rich history marked by innovative recipes and significant cultural shifts. Key events and trends have shaped these cocktails over time.
Origins and Evolution
Bourbon, a distinct American whiskey, has roots dating back to the late 18th century. Early settlers in Kentucky began producing bourbon using corn, which was abundant in the region. The first bourbon cocktails likely emerged in the early 19th century.
One of the oldest known recipes is the Old Fashioned, which dates back to the 1800s. It was initially a simple mix of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. Over time, bartenders started experimenting with more ingredients, leading to the development of new cocktails like the Kentucky Mule and the Manhattan.
Influence of Prohibition
The Prohibition era (1920-1933) had a considerable impact on bourbon cocktails. The ban on alcohol production and sale forced many distilleries to shut down or go underground. Speakeasies, hidden bars operating illegally, became centers for cocktail innovation.
Since quality spirits were hard to find, bartenders often used mixers and other ingredients to mask the poor quality of alcohol. This need to improve the taste of subpar spirits led to the creation of more complex bourbon cocktails. Despite the challenges, Prohibition played a crucial role in popularizing and diversifying bourbon cocktails.
Essential Ingredients for Bourbon Cocktails
Creating a great bourbon cocktail relies on both the bourbon you choose and the mixers or additives you pair with it. Different bourbons and ingredients bring unique flavors to your drink.
Types of Bourbon
Bourbon is the star of any bourbon cocktail. You’ll find different styles that cater to varying tastes.
- Standard Bourbon: This is your go-to for many cocktails. It’s aged in new charred oak barrels, giving it a rich and full-bodied flavor.
- Wheated Bourbon: Replacing some rye with wheat, this bourbon is smoother and softer. It’s ideal if you like a less spicy drink.
- Rye Bourbon: If you enjoy spicier and bolder flavors, this is the choice for you. It has a higher proportion of rye in the mash bill.
Selecting the right bourbon sets the foundation for your cocktail, impacting its taste and complexity.
Mixers and Additives
Mixers and additives complement the bourbon and can turn a simple drink into something special.
- Simple Syrup: Adds sweetness and balances the bitterness or acidity of other ingredients.
- Lemon and Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juices add tanginess and brightness.
- Ginger Beer: Known for its spicy kick, it’s perfect for bold cocktails like the Kentucky Mule.
- Bitters: Just a few drops can dramatically change a cocktail’s profile, adding depth and complexity.
- Vermouth: Often used in more sophisticated cocktails, it introduces a sweet or dry herbal element.
Using quality mixers and additives ensures that your bourbon cocktails taste their best, highlighting the characteristics of the bourbon while enhancing the overall drink.
Techniques for Crafting Bourbon Cocktails
Mastering bourbon cocktails involves understanding when to shake or stir your drink and adding the perfect garnish for flavor and presentation.
Shaking vs. Stirring
Shaking is used when your cocktail contains fruit juices, dairy, or syrups. It combines ingredients thoroughly and chills the drink quickly. To shake, fill a shaker with ice, add your ingredients, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Strain into your glass.
Stirring is ideal for spirit-based cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. This method blends ingredients smoothly without over-aerating. To stir, place your ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 30-45 seconds before straining.
Garnishing Tips
Selecting the Right Garnish: Choose herbs, citrus peels, or cherries to complement the flavors of your cocktail. For example, a twist of lemon or orange adds zest to an Old Fashioned, while a cherry enhances a Manhattan.
Adding Garnishes: Ensure your garnishes are fresh and visually appealing. Lightly twist citrus peels to release oils before placing them on the rim. Float herbs on top or skewer cherries and place them in the drink.
Knowing when to shake or stir and how to use garnishes effectively can elevate your bourbon cocktail experience.
