Popular Bourbon Cocktails
Bourbon brings a whole bunch of fun to the party with its tasty cocktail options. From the old favorites to the fresh hits on the block, there’s something for everyone who loves this rich spirit.
Classic Bourbon Cocktails
These cocktails are the OGs, bringing a touch of class and comfort to your glass.
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Manhattan: This bad boy’s been around for ages! A strong mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Served in a chilled glass, it’s all dressed up with a cherry on top! Find out more in our treasure trove of bourbon cocktail recipes.
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Mint Julep: If the South had a taste, it’d be this refreshing minty combo. Muddle some mint with simple syrup, add crushed ice, and pour the bourbon. Finish it with a mint sprig, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Learn more from Aged and Charred.
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Whiskey Sour: A classic since who knows when! Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup come together to make this sweet yet tangy delight. Top it off with a cherry and a lemon slice for the perfect finishing touch. Check out more classics in our classic bourbon drinks section.
| Classic Bourbon Cocktail | Ingredients | Garnish |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters | Cherry |
| Mint Julep | Bourbon, Simple Syrup, Fresh Mint | Sprig of Fresh Mint |
| Whiskey Sour | Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup | Cherry and Lemon Slice |
Modern Bourbon Twists
Time to shake things up a bit! These modern takes bring new flavors and techniques to the mix.
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Bourbon Smash: This one takes fresh fruit, mint, and bourbon and turns it into a fruity fiesta. Perfect for those who crave something juicy and refreshing. Pop over to The Epicurean Trader for more ideas.
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Maple Bourbon Fizz: Mix bourbon with some maple syrup for a cozy drink suited for chilly nights. It’s smooth, sweet, and oh-so good! (The Epicurean Trader)
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Bourbon Espresso Martini: Espresso and bourbon? Now we’re talking! This drink mixes the smoothness of bourbon with the jolt of espresso, giving you the perfect pick-me-up. Get inspired with our bourbon cocktail recipes section.
| Modern Bourbon Cocktail | Ingredients | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Smash | Bourbon, Fresh Fruit, Mint, Simple Syrup | Summer Gatherings |
| Maple Bourbon Fizz | Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Soda Water | Fall or Winter |
| Bourbon Espresso Martini | Bourbon, Espresso, Coffee Liqueur, Simple Syrup | Evening or Desserts |
Whether you’re a fan of the tried-and-true or eager to taste the new, bourbon cocktails promise a good time for everyone. If you want to learn more about this flavorful spirit, check out our guides on how bourbon is made and top-rated bourbons. Cheers!
Essential Bourbon Cocktail Recipes
Old Fashioned
Ah, the Old Fashioned. This one’s like the granddaddy of all bourbon cocktails, taking us back to the early 1800s. It’s simple but oh-so-elegant, featuring sugar and bitters muddled together, then jazzed up with a twist of orange and a cherry on top. While versions may fancy it up a bit, the soul of this drink is always top-shelf bourbon.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 2 oz |
| Sugar cube | 1 |
| Angostura Bitters | 2 dashes |
| Water | Just a splash |
| Orange twist & Cherry | For pizzazz |
Manhattan
Welcome to the Manhattan—a classic that’s as smooth as Sinatra. Whiskey buddying up with sweet vermouth and bitters, it’s a trio that’ll make your taste buds sing. Serve it cold in a fancy glass, topping it with a cherry for that extra wink.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 2 oz |
| Sweet vermouth | 1 oz |
| Angostura Bitters | 2 dashes |
| Cherry | On top, just because |
Mint Julep
Southern charm at its best, the Mint Julep is like a cool breeze on a hot day. It starts with fresh mint leaves and simple syrup, stirred up with crushed ice and bourbon. Finish it with a fresh mint sprig, and you’ve got yourself a little slice of Southern hospitality.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 2 oz |
| Mint leaves | A small handful |
| Simple syrup | 0.5 oz |
| Crushed ice | Until it smiles at you |
| Mint sprig | Extra fresh |
Whiskey Sour
Here’s the Whiskey Sour, where sweet meets sour and they fall in love. Mixing bourbon with lemon juice and simple syrup, it’s a delicious tango on your tongue. Top it off with a cherry and lemon slice, and let the good times roll.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 2 oz |
| Lemon juice | 1 oz |
| Simple syrup | 0.75 oz |
| Cherry & Lemon slice | As a little extra something |
Boulevardier
Calling all adventurous spirits! The Boulevardier’s got that punchy mix of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It’s bold, with just enough sweetness to keep you guessing. Pop a cherry on top, and there’s no turning back.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bourbon | 1.25 oz |
| Campari | 1 oz |
| Sweet vermouth | 1 oz |
| Cherry | Because why not |
For more bourbon goodness and tidbits on mixing like a pro, check out our guide. Ready to level up? Dive into the kentucky bourbon trail or check out those top-rated bourbons you’ve been hearing about. Cheers!