Classic Bourbon Cocktails
Classic bourbon cocktails have a charm that wins bourbon fans over time and again. Trying out these legendary drinks is a fun way to dive into bourbon’s bold tastes.
The Bourbon Manhattan Recipe
While a traditional Manhattan calls for rye whiskey, giving bourbon a shot here adds a whole new flavor twist. The main players in this mix are bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, creating a classy and smooth sip.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters
- Garnish: maraschino cherry and orange peel
Instructions:
- Mix up the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a glass with some ice.
- Stir it gently until it’s nice and cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Finish with a maraschino cherry and a twist of orange peel.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bourbon Whiskey | 2 ½ oz |
| Sweet Vermouth | 1 oz |
| Aromatic Bitters | 2-3 dashes |
| Maraschino Cherry | 1 |
| Orange Peel | 1 twist |
This fancy take on a Manhattan is meant for sipping, letting the bourbon’s tricky flavors play out. Don’t shake it up, as stirring keeps things from getting watered down (Inspired Taste). Curious about more bourbon classics? Peek at our piece on classic bourbon drinks.
The Old Fashioned Cocktail Variations
The Old Fashioned is another bourbon classic that screams simple yet fancy. It’s made up of bourbon whiskey, sugar, water, bitters, ice, plus a pop of color from an orange slice and a maraschino cherry (Allrecipes).
Classic Old Fashioned Recipe:
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon simple syrup)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- Few dashes of water
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: orange slice and maraschino cherry
Instructions:
- Pop the sugar cube (or simple syrup) into an Old Fashioned glass.
- Bring in the bitters and a splash of water, then mash it up till the sugar’s all gone.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the bourbon over the ice.
- Give it a gentle stir.
- Top with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sugar Cube or Simple Syrup | 1 or ½ tsp |
| Angostura Bitters | 2-3 dashes |
| Bourbon Whiskey | 2 oz |
| Water | Few dashes |
| Ice Cubes | As needed |
| Orange Slice | 1 |
| Maraschino Cherry | 1 |
You can switch things up with the Old Fashioned by trying out different bitters like orange or walnut. Some folks also like a splash of club soda for a slight sparkle. This timeless drink is a breeze to make and packs an air of sophistication, making it ideal for any gathering.
Interested in more about the background and twists on bourbon cocktails? Check out our popular bourbon cocktails area. For help picking top notch bourbons for your mixes, take a look at our article on top-rated bourbons.
Popular Bourbon Cocktails
For those who love bourbon, diving into popular bourbon cocktails is a tasty adventure filled with bold flavors and creative mixes. Let’s shake things up with two well-loved bourbon cocktails: the Kentucky Mule and Bourbon Apple Cider.
Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule swaps vodka for bourbon in the famed Moscow Mule. This version is a refreshing mix of bourbon’s deep flavors with the zingy bite of ginger beer. It’s the drink for anyone who likes a mix of energy and elegance.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- Ice
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for flair
Instructions:
- Pile some ice into a copper mug or a tall glass.
- Pour the bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup over it.
- Splash in the ginger beer.
- Give it a gentle swirl.
- Dress it up with a lime wedge and sprig of mint.
Key Tips:
- Pick a Spicy Ginger Beer: A top-notch ginger beer makes the bourbon shine, creating a sip worth savoring (Oak & Eden).
- Switch it Up: Different bourbons bring different vibes. Check out our list of top-rated bourbons for inspiration.
Bourbon Apple Cider
Bourbon Apple Cider is a go-to during the fall and winter chill. It mixes the spicy warmth of apple cider with bourbon’s rich, smoky notes, perfect for a snug evening at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 4 oz Apple Cider
- 1/4 oz Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Cinnamon Syrup
- Ice
- Apple slice and cinnamon stick to garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Pour in bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon syrup.
- Shake until it’s well-chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Finish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.
Key Tips:
- Fall Favorite: This drink feels like an autumn hug, perfect for warming up during cooler months.
- Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the cinnamon syrup to your liking for the perfect personal twist.
Thirsty for more? Check out our classic bourbon drinks and dive into the how bourbon is made. It’s all about enjoying every drop of bourbon’s rich story and flavor.
Creative Bourbon Cocktail Ideas
Step into the world of out-there bourbon mixes with these wild-and-wonderful recipes. Perfect for bourbon fans wanting to break new ground with their drinks, these cocktails put a fresh spin on the usual tastes.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a crowd-pleaser, famous for its minty-freshness and fruity vibes. It’s like a mint julep and a mojito got together for a fun night out. This cocktail is more than just a drink, it’s a journey, blending the rich bourbon heritage with the zing of blackberries.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 6 Fresh Blackberries
- 4-5 Fresh Mint Leaves
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Club Soda
Instructions:
- Squash the blackberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Pour in bourbon and lemon juice.
- Pack it with ice and give it a good shake.
- Strain into a glass that’s already got some ice waiting.
- Splash on some club soda for fizz.
- Dress it up with a mint sprig and a blackberry.
This drink is a chameleon, fitting in any season, offering a tart and breezy option that shines a light on the top-rated bourbons.
Boulevardier Cocktail and Variations
The Boulevardier is the suave operator of cocktails, marrying the strong notes of a Manhattan with the refined character of a Negroni. It’s the perfect sip for those who favor a drink that’s as solid as it is stylish. Serve it lightly chilled to let its true flavors pop.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
Instructions:
- Mix all the stuff together in a glass with ice.
- Stir till it’s nice and cool.
- Strain into a glass that’s been chilling.
- Twist on an orange peel for garnish.
Variations:
- Spiced Boulevardier: Throw in a dash of Angostura bitters and flaunt a cinnamon stick garnish.
- Smoky Boulevardier: Use a smoked glass and sprinkle a little liquid smoke for that campfire touch.
- Citrus Boulevardier: Squeeze in a bit of fresh orange juice for a sprightly zing.
If you’re after a drink that’s both hard-hitting and classy, the Boulevardier is a gem worth trying among bourbon cocktail recipes.
Playing around with these cool bourbon cocktail ideas lets you turn up the fun on your bourbon game and relish a mix of flavors. For more cocktail creativity, hop on to our articles on classic bourbon drinks and how bourbon is made. Enjoy the style and depth of these standout recipes as you explore bourbon’s rich taste in fresh and thrilling ways.