Bourbon cocktails offer a perfect blend of rich, warm flavors that can elevate any drinking experience.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply unwinding after a long day, these whiskey-based drinks provide versatile options for every season and occasion.
You can create both classic and creative bourbon cocktails at home. The Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail that’s refreshing and simple to make. It’s the official drink of the Kentucky Derby but can be enjoyed year-round.
To make a Mint Julep, you’ll need bourbon, fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, and crushed ice.
Start by gently muddling mint leaves with simple syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass to release the mint oils. Pour in your favorite bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark or Bulleit.
Pack the glass with crushed ice and stir thoroughly to chill the drink. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig for aroma and presentation.
The combination of bourbon’s warmth with mint’s coolness creates a perfectly balanced cocktail.
1. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail that’s refreshing and simple to make. It’s the official drink of the Kentucky Derby but can be enjoyed year-round.
To make a Mint Julep, you’ll need bourbon, fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, and crushed ice.
Start by gently muddling mint leaves with simple syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass to release the mint oils. Pour in your favorite bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark or Bulleit.
Pack the glass with crushed ice and stir thoroughly to chill the drink. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig for aroma and presentation.
The combination of bourbon’s warmth with mint’s coolness creates a perfectly balanced cocktail.
2. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a timeless bourbon cocktail that showcases the spirit’s rich flavors. It’s simple yet sophisticated, making it perfect for bourbon lovers.
To make an Old Fashioned, you’ll need bourbon, a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and an orange peel.
Muddle the sugar cube with bitters, add ice and bourbon, then stir. The drink is traditionally served in a rocks glass with one large ice cube. This helps keep it cold without diluting it too quickly.
Many consider the Old Fashioned the perfect sipper for enjoying quality bourbon. Its simplicity allows the bourbon’s character to shine through.
3. Bourbon Smash
The Bourbon Smash is a refreshing cocktail perfect for warm days. It combines bourbon with fresh ingredients for a drink that’s both cooling and flavorful.
To make a Bourbon Smash, you’ll need bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint.
Muddle the mint with the lemon and simple syrup before adding the bourbon and ice. Shake everything together and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
The mint gives it a refreshing quality while the bourbon provides a rich base.
This drink works well at dinner parties or casual gatherings. You can easily adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of simple syrup you use.
4. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a classic bourbon cocktail that balances sweet and sour flavors perfectly. You’ll need 2 ounces of bourbon, 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
For the best texture, add an egg white to your shaker. This creates a silky foam on top that makes the drink special.
Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. You can garnish with a lemon wheel or a cherry for a traditional presentation.
This balanced cocktail works well year-round and is perfect for bourbon beginners.
5. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is often called the whiskey lover’s Negroni. It swaps gin for bourbon, creating a rich and complex cocktail.
This classic drink combines bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth in equal parts (1:1:1). Some bartenders prefer a bourbon-forward ratio of 1.5:1:1.
You can use many different bourbons like Woodford Reserve or Bulleit. Each bourbon brings its own character to the drink. For a twist, try using Aperol instead of Campari for a slightly sweeter version.
The cocktail highlights the spicy notes of bourbon while balancing them with bitter and sweet elements.
6. Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a balanced bourbon cocktail that’s both bitter and sweet. It’s made with equal parts of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice.
When choosing a bourbon for your Paper Plane, you have many options. Knob Creek, Weller Antique 107, and 1792 Full Proof are excellent choices. For more affordable options, try Old Grand Dad bottled in bond or Evan Williams bottled in bond.
This cocktail is simple to make but impressive to serve. The equal-parts recipe makes it easy to remember and mix. You’ll appreciate the complex flavors that blend together perfectly in this modern classic.
7. Gold Rush
The Gold Rush is a modern classic cocktail that blends bourbon, honey, and lemon juice. It’s essentially a bourbon version of the Bee’s Knees cocktail, which uses gin instead.
This simple drink requires no garnish or frills, making it easy to prepare at home. The high-proof bourbon provides a warming base, while honey adds sweetness and lemon brings a bright, citrusy balance.
To make a Gold Rush, you’ll need to create honey syrup by mixing honey with warm water. Then combine it with bourbon and fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
The result is a well-rounded, soul-warming cocktail that’s perfect for bourbon lovers looking for something straightforward yet delicious.
8. Kentucky Buck
The Kentucky Buck is a refreshing bourbon cocktail created by bartender Erick Castro at Rickhouse in San Francisco. It combines bourbon with fresh strawberry, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer.
To make this cocktail at home, muddle a medium strawberry with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and simple syrup. Add 2 ounces of bourbon and 0.75 ounces of lemon juice, then shake with ice.
Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass and top with ginger beer.
This drink proves that bourbon cocktails can be fruity and refreshing, perfect for warmer weather when you want something lighter than traditional whiskey drinks.
9. Peach & Iced Tea Bourbon
Peach and bourbon are a natural pair that works even better with sweet tea. This refreshing cocktail combines Southern classics into one perfect summer drink.
You can make this at home by mixing bourbon with peach-infused sweet tea. Add fresh peach slices, brown sugar, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
For extra flavor, consider adding a few dashes of peach bitters or a sprig of fresh thyme. Some recipes include Aperol for complexity.
This drink works well with mid-range bourbon like Bulleit. Serve it over ice in a tall glass for the ultimate summertime refreshment.
10. Banana Boulevardier
The Banana Boulevardier is a tasty twist on the classic Boulevardier cocktail. It adds sweet banana flavor to the traditional mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
To make this drink, you’ll need 1 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz Campari, and 0.5 oz banana liqueur. These amounts can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a coupe glass.
The result is a balanced cocktail with hints of banana that complement the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth.
This cocktail offers a unique flavor profile that whiskey lovers will appreciate. The banana adds a fun tropical twist to a sophisticated drink.
11. Black Manhattan
The Black Manhattan is a modern twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail. Instead of traditional sweet vermouth, it uses amaro, typically Averna, for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
To make this sophisticated drink, combine 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey with 1 ounce of Averna amaro and a dash or two of Angostura bitters.
Some recipes call for a touch of chocolate bitters to enhance the rich flavors. Others might include a small amount of sweet vermouth (about 1/2 ounce) alongside the amaro.
Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry for a perfect finishing touch.
12. Rose Petal Rush
The Rose Petal Rush is a refreshing bourbon cocktail that combines Four Roses Bourbon with bright, zesty flavors. This drink balances the warmth of bourbon with the bitterness of Campari and the tang of fresh lime juice.
To make this cocktail, add bourbon, Campari, and lime juice to a shaking tin filled with ice. Shake vigorously until cold, then double strain into a highball glass.
Top it off with ginger beer for a spicy fizz that complements the other flavors.
The combination creates a complex yet approachable drink that’s perfect for dinner parties or evening gatherings.
13. Lynchburg Lemonade
Lynchburg Lemonade is a refreshing bourbon cocktail perfect for warm days. It’s named after the Tennessee town where Jack Daniel’s whiskey is made.
To make this drink, you’ll need 2 ounces of bourbon or Tennessee whiskey, 1 ounce of triple sec (orange liqueur), 1 ounce of lemon juice, and about 4 ounces of lemon-lime soda.
Start by filling a tall glass with ice. Pour in the whiskey, triple sec, and lemon juice. Top with lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up and give it a gentle stir.
The result is a bright, citrusy drink that balances the warmth of bourbon with refreshing lemon flavors.
14. Benton’s Old Fashioned
The Benton’s Old Fashioned is a modern classic cocktail that sparked the fat-washing trend in mixology. Created by bartender Don Lee in New York, this drink puts a savory spin on the traditional Old Fashioned.
The key ingredient is bacon-washed bourbon, which infuses the whiskey with smoky, meaty flavors. This unique spirit is paired with maple syrup instead of sugar, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
To make this cocktail, combine 2 ounces of bacon bourbon with 0.25 ounces of grade B maple syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Add a large ice cube, stir for about 10 seconds, and finish with an orange peel expressed over the drink.
15. Rose Julep
The Rose Julep is a creative twist on the classic Mint Julep, featuring Four Roses bourbon. This refreshing cocktail has become popular enough to inspire its own annual competition in Kentucky.
To make a Rose Julep, you’ll need Four Roses bourbon, fresh mint, and often a special syrup. Some versions use rose-flavored syrup for a floral note that complements the bourbon.
Bartenders get creative with this drink. The “Aztec Julep” and “The Scarlett Rose” have won awards in past competitions. These winning cocktails often mix unique ingredients with the bourbon base.
Serve your Rose Julep in a traditional julep cup filled with crushed ice for the best experience.
16. Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a simple twist on the classic Moscow Mule that swaps vodka for bourbon. This drink combines bourbon whiskey, lime juice, and ginger beer for a refreshing cocktail with a spicy kick.
To make this drink, you’ll need 2 ounces of Kentucky bourbon, 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice, and about 4 ounces of ginger beer.
Pour the bourbon and lime juice into a copper mug filled with ice, then top with ginger beer. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a lime wedge.
For an extra flavor boost, you can muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of the mug before adding other ingredients.
17. Bourbon Honey Gold Rush
The Gold Rush is a simple yet delicious bourbon cocktail. It combines bourbon, honey, and lemon juice for a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
To make this drink, first dissolve honey in water to create a honey syrup.
Add your favorite bourbon and freshly squeezed lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake everything well and serve over ice.
The sweet oak and caramel notes in bourbon work perfectly with the honey and citrus.
This modern classic is essentially a whiskey sour made with honey instead of sugar. It requires no garnish or frills, letting the quality ingredients shine through.
18. Man O’War
The Man O’War is a classic bourbon cocktail named after one of the greatest racehorses in American history. It features a balanced blend of flavors that come together beautifully.
To make this drink, you’ll need bourbon, orange curaçao (or triple sec), sweet vermouth, and fresh lemon juice.
The standard recipe calls for 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, and 1/2 ounce each of sweet vermouth and lemon juice.
Simply add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled glass.
Some versions include a touch of Luxardo cherry juice for added sweetness.
Garnish with a lemon peel to finish this perfect bourbon classic.
19. Bourbon Sidecar
The Bourbon Sidecar is a tasty twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, swapping out brandy for bourbon. This Prohibition-era drink combines bourbon whiskey, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
To make a Bourbon Sidecar, fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add 2 ounces of premium bourbon, 1 ounce of Cointreau or orange liqueur, and ½ ounce of fresh lemon juice.
Shake the mixture well until chilled.
Strain into a martini glass or old-fashioned glass. For an elegant touch, garnish with a lemon twist or peel.
If you enjoy tart, refreshing drinks, you’ll love this energizing cocktail. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want a bourbon drink with bright citrus flavors.
20. Honey Thyme Lemonade
Honey Thyme Lemonade offers a refreshing twist on a bourbon cocktail. This drink combines fresh lemonade with bourbon and a special thyme honey syrup.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 2 oz of bourbon, 3 oz of fresh lemonade, and about ½ oz of thyme honey syrup.
The lemonade base typically uses 2 cups sugar, 8 cups water, 1½ cups fresh lemon juice, and fresh thyme.
This drink is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. It’s ideal for sipping on the porch while relaxing outdoors.
The herbal notes from the thyme complement the sweetness of honey and the rich flavors of bourbon beautifully.
21. Berry Mint Bourbon Popsicles
These adult popsicles blend summer berries with bourbon for a refreshing treat. They’re perfect for warm spring and summer gatherings.
Start by muddling fresh berries with mint leaves and a splash of lemon juice.
Mix in bourbon and a touch of mint simple syrup for sweetness.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours. Remember that alcohol doesn’t freeze completely, so these will be slightly softer than regular popsicles.
You can customize these treats with different berries like blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries. The mint adds a refreshing contrast to the rich bourbon flavor.
History of Bourbon Cocktails
Bourbon cocktails have evolved from simple concoctions to sophisticated drinks enjoyed worldwide. The journey of bourbon-based drinks reflects changing American tastes and cultural developments across several centuries.
Origins of Bourbon
Bourbon whiskey emerged in the late 18th century in Kentucky. Settlers used corn to make whiskey, creating what would eventually become America’s native spirit. The name “bourbon” likely comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky, though some historians debate this origin.
Early bourbon was often consumed straight or with simple additions like sugar and water. The Mint Julep, dating back to the 1700s, stands as one of the earliest bourbon cocktails.
Southern gentlemen would enjoy this refreshing mix of bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice as a morning drink.
By the 1800s, bourbon had established itself as a distinctly American product. The drink gained popularity as production methods improved and transportation networks expanded.
Evolution of Cocktail Culture
The mid-19th century saw the birth of classic bourbon cocktails that remain popular today. The Old Fashioned emerged in the 1870s-1880s, initially called the “Whiskey Cocktail.”
It represented a return to simpler drinks during a time of increasingly complex mixtures.
Prohibition (1920-1933) forced cocktail culture underground but sparked creativity. The Boulevardier, a bourbon variation of the Negroni, emerged during this era.
Speakeasies became hotspots for cocktail innovation despite legal restrictions.
Post-Prohibition, bourbon cocktails continued evolving. The whiskey sour and Manhattan became staples in American bars. More recently, modern classics like the Paper Plane (created in 2007) show how bourbon cocktails continue to adapt to contemporary tastes.
Today’s craft cocktail movement has renewed interest in both classic recipes and innovative bourbon drinks.
Key Ingredients in Bourbon Cocktails
Creating great bourbon cocktails depends on two main factors: selecting quality bourbon and pairing it with the right mixers. The right combination will enhance bourbon’s natural flavors while creating a balanced drink.
Choosing the Right Bourbon
When selecting bourbon for cocktails, consider the proof and flavor profile. Higher-proof bourbons (90-100 proof) stand up better in mixed drinks, ensuring the whiskey flavor doesn’t get lost.
Look for bourbons with notes that complement your cocktail. For fruit-forward drinks like a Bourbon Smash, choose bourbons with vanilla and caramel notes. For spicier cocktails like a Boulevardier, bourbons with rye in the mash bill work well.
Bourbon Price Points:
- Mixing bourbon ($20-30): Four Roses Yellow Label, Buffalo Trace
- Premium cocktails ($30-45): Woodford Reserve, Maker’s Mark
- Sipping bourbon ($45+): Best enjoyed neat or with minimal mixers
Don’t use your most expensive bourbon in cocktails with strong mixers. The nuanced flavors will get lost.
Classic Cocktail Mixers
The best bourbon cocktails use fresh, quality mixers that complement the spirit’s characteristics.
Essential Mixers:
- Bitters: Angostura bitters add depth to classics like the Old Fashioned
- Citrus: Fresh lemon juice brightens a Whiskey Sour
- Sweet vermouth: Creates balance in a Manhattan or Boulevardier
- Simple syrup: Made from equal parts sugar and water for sweetness
Fresh ingredients make a significant difference.
Always use freshly squeezed citrus juice rather than bottled versions.
For sweeteners, consider alternatives to simple syrup like honey syrup (in a Gold Rush) or maple syrup for fall cocktails. These add complexity beyond basic sweetness.
Aromatic garnishes like expressed orange peels or cherries aren’t just decorative—they add crucial aroma elements.
