Bourbon cocktails are some of the best drinks out there. They’re easy to make, perfect for summer sips or cozy Christmas evenings, and here’s how to enjoy them even more.
Step aside, Scotland and Ireland; bourbon is America’s whiskey champ! Did you know it’s made mostly from corn and can only be named ‘bourbon’ if brewed in the U.S.? Some even say its name comes straight from Bourbon County in Kentucky. Whether that’s a tale or truth, bourbon’s magic in drinks is undeniable. Imagine sipping a sweet Old Fashioned on a chilly winter evening or enjoying a Kentucky Mule under the summer sun. When fall arrives, the bourbon Sidecar is the drink everyone wants. And when Christmas bells ring, bourbon cocktails are the heart of the party.
The 40 Best Bourbon Cocktails
Our DrinksWorld experts have put together a list of famous bourbon cocktails for you to try. We’ve personally mixed and tried each one, focusing on recipes that bring out the best mixes.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that takes you back to the basics. It’s made with whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters. Many enjoy it because it’s straightforward yet full of rich flavors.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a refreshing drink especially loved in the South. Fresh mint leaves, sugar, and water are its main ingredients. It’s famously linked to the Kentucky Derby horse race, where it’s the official drink.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a delightful mix that perfectly balances sweet and sour. It combines whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. Some even like to add an egg white to give it a smooth, frothy top. It’s a drink that’s both simple and full of zest.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classy cocktail named after the famous New York City area. It’s made sweet vermouth, and bitters. Many say it captures the city’s elegance and energy in a glass.
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is like the American cousin of the Negroni. It blends whiskey with sweet vermouth and a splash of Campari, an Italian liqueur. Its vibrant red color and unique taste make it a favorite for those looking for something different.
Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a fun twist on the famous Moscow Mule. Instead of vodka, this drink uses whiskey mixed with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime. It’s often served in a cool copper mug, making it a hit at summer parties.
Brown Derby
The Brown Derby is a delightful cocktail that combines the sweetness of honey with fresh grapefruit juice and whiskey. Named after the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, this drink is a taste of Hollywood’s golden age.
Bourbon Smash
The Bourbon Smash is a citrusy and refreshing drink perfect for warm days. It’s made fresh lemon, and mint, all muddled together. Think of it as the cooler, more laid-back cousin of the Mint Julep.
Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is like a warm hug in a mug. Made with whiskey, honey, lemon juice, and hot water, it’s a go-to drink for cold nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. Some even swear by its magical cold-curing powers!
Bourbon Rickey
The Bourbon Rickey is a bubbly and bright drink. It’s a simple mix of whiskey, lime juice, and club soda. It’s said to have been a favorite of many writers and politicians in Washington, D.C., back in the day.
Check out: more Simple Mixed Cocktails.
Gold Rush
The Gold Rush is a sweet and tangy mix that’s hard to resist. Made with whiskey, lemon juice, and honey syrup, it’s like liquid gold in a glass. The name might make you think of the famous gold-seeking adventures of the past!
Lynchburg Lemonade
Lynchburg Lemonade is a zesty and refreshing drink named after the hometown of a famous whiskey brand. It combines whiskey with lemon-lime soda, triple sec, and a splash of lemon juice. Perfect for sipping on a porch swing!
Seelbach
The Seelbach is a sparkling and sophisticated cocktail. Made with whiskey, Cointreau, champagne, and a dash of bitters, it’s named after the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, where it was first created. It’s like a party in a glass!
Bourbon Lift
The Bourbon Lift is a creamy, dreamy drink that will lift your spirits. It blends whiskey with coffee liqueur, almond syrup, and a touch of cream. It’s like a dessert and a drink all in one. Perfect for those who love a hint of sweetness!
Bourbon Daisy
The Bourbon Daisy is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that’s a burst of citrusy goodness. Made with lemon juice, and grenadine, it’s like a blooming daisy in a glass. The “daisy” in cocktail language often refers to a mix of spirit, citrus, and a sweet element, making this drink a classic example.
Revolver
The Revolver is a cocktail with a bang! Combining whiskey with coffee liqueur and a hint of orange bitters, it’s a drink that packs a punch. The name might make you think of the Wild West, and with its bold flavors, it’s sure to leave an impression.
Bourbon Renewal
The Bourbon Renewal is a rejuvenating mix that’s perfect for those looking for something a bit different. Made with Crème de Cassis liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters, it’s a tart and sweet drink. The name suggests a fresh start or a revival, making it perfect for a new beginning or celebration.
Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a modern classic that’s taken the cocktail world by storm. Made with Aperol, Amaro, and lemon juice, it’s a balanced and delightful drink. Its name is inspired by the M.I.A. song “Paper Planes,” it’s sure to take your taste buds on a flight of fancy.
Bourbon Flip
The Bourbon Flip is a creamy and rich treat. Made with whiskey, an egg, sugar, and nutmeg, it’s like a dessert in a glass. “Flips” have been around since colonial times, and this version with bourbon is a nod to American history with a tasty twist.
Bourbon Neat
Bourbon Neat is all about simplicity and purity. It’s just straight-up whiskey with no mixers or ice. Drinking bourbon this way lets you truly taste and appreciate all its flavors. It’s a favorite among whiskey purists and those who like their drinks straightforwardly.
Bourbon Spritz
The Bourbon Spritz is a bubbly and light drink perfect for warm days. Made with whiskey, a splash of soda, and often a hint of citrus, it’s a refreshing take on the classic spritz. It’s ideal for those moments when you want something easy and effervescent.
Bourbon Punch
Bourbon Punch is a party in a bowl! Often made with fruit juices, and sometimes spices, it’s a drink meant for sharing. Historically, punch bowls were the center of social gatherings, and this bourbon version keeps the tradition alive.
Bourbon Sling
The Bourbon Sling is a simple yet flavorful concoction made with lemon juice, and sugar. The word “sling” comes from the German word “schlingen,” which means “to swallow,” hinting at how easy this drink goes down.
Bourbon Cobbler
The Bourbon Cobbler is a fruity and fun drink like summer in a glass. It’s made with fresh fruit, and sugar and served over crushed ice. The “cobbler” name comes from the drink’s resemblance to the fruit dessert, making it a sweet treat for any occasion.
Bourbon and Ginger
Bourbon and Ginger is a zesty and lively drink perfect for those who love a spicy kick. It’s made with whiskey and ginger ale or ginger beer. The ginger adds a fiery touch, making it a favorite for those who like their drinks with a bit of heat.
Bufala Negra
The Bufala Negra is an intriguing mix of flavors. Made with fresh basil, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar, it’s a cocktail that surprises and delights. The name translates to “Black Buffalo,” a drink that’s as bold and mysterious as its name suggests.
Stiletto
The Stiletto is a sharp and stylish drink. Combining whiskey with amaretto and lemon juice, it’s a sweet and tangy cocktail. Like the high-heeled shoe it’s named after, the Stiletto is about making a statement.
Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail
The Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail is a bright and cheerful drink. It’s the official drink of the Preakness Stakes horse race, made with whiskey, vodka, fruit juices, and a touch of orange liqueur. Named after Maryland’s state flower, it’s a nod to horse racing tradition.
Ginger Julep
The Ginger Julep is a spicy twist on the classic Mint Julep. It’s a refreshing and fiery blend of whiskey, ginger syrup, and mint. It’s like the Mint Julep’s adventurous cousin, ready to spice up any occasion.
Left-Hand Cocktail
The Left Hand Cocktail is a rich and velvety drink. It’s a bitter-and-sweet cocktail with whiskey, sweet vermouth, Campari, and chocolate bitters. The name’s origin is a mystery, but it’s a drink that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Kentucky Maid
The Kentucky Maid is a refreshing and herbal delight. Made with fresh mint, cucumber, and lime juice, it’s a drink that’s as cool as a summer breeze. It’s like the southern belle of cocktails, elegant and charming.
Bourbon Sour
The Bourbon Sour is a classic that’s all about balance. Made with lemon juice, and sugar, it’s a tart and sweet drink. It’s a timeless favorite, enjoyed by many for its simple yet satisfying flavors.
New York Sour
The New York Sour is a dazzling mix of the classic whiskey sour with a splash of red wine. It’s like the city it’s named after: bold, diverse, and always ready to impress. The wine adds a fruity touch, making it a drink that stands out in a crowd.
Bourbon Sidecar
The Bourbon Sidecar is a smooth and citrusy ride. It’s a twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, made with orange liqueur, and lemon juice. It’s like taking a classic car for a spin with bourbon in the driver’s seat.
Maple Bourbon Smash
The Maple Bourbon Smash is a sweet and rustic treat. Made with whiskey, maple syrup, lemon, and mint, it’s a drink that’s both cozy and refreshing. It’s like a taste of the countryside, with the sweet touch of maple trees and the warmth of whiskey.
John Collins
The John Collins is a bubbly and refreshing classic. It’s a cousin of the famous Tom Collins, made with lemon juice, sugar, and club soda. Legend has it that it was named after a London bartender from the 19th century who knew how to mix a great drink.
Bourbon Highball
The Bourbon Highball is all about simplicity and elegance. It’s made with whiskey and ginger ale or club soda and is served in a tall glass with lots of ice.
Blackberry Bourbon Smash
The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a fruity delight. Made with whiskey, fresh blackberries, mint, and lemon, it’s a drink that bursts with flavor. It’s like a summer garden party in a glass, where berries are the show’s star.
Bourbon Lemonade
Bourbon Lemonade is the ultimate summer refresher. It’s a sweet and tangy treat made with whiskey and fresh lemonade. It’s perfect for sipping on a hot day, like sunshine in a glass.
Bourbon Milk Punch
The Bourbon Milk Punch is a creamy, dreamy drink made with milk, sugar, and vanilla. It’s like a grown-up version of your favorite bedtime drink, with a hint of festive cheer.
Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
The Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail is a vibrant and festive mix. It’s a holiday favorite made with cranberry juice, and a splash of lime. The tartness of cranberries harmoniously melds with the warmth of whiskey.
Bourbon Sazerac
The Bourbon Sazerac is a New Orleans classic that combines the smooth flavor of bourbon with the traditional ingredients of a Sazerac. Made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a touch of absinthe. It’s a drink with history and character. Often considered one of the oldest cocktails, it captures the spirit and charm of the Big Easy.
Bourbon Bramble
The Bourbon Bramble is a fruity and fun cocktail. It’s a sweet and tangy treat made with whiskey, blackberry liqueur, and lemon juice. Inspired by the British bramble cocktail, it’s a drink that brings together the best of both worlds.
Bourbon Apple Cider
The Bourbon Apple Cider is like a taste of the orchard. Made with whiskey and fresh apple cider, it’s a sweet and spicy drink. Perfect for fall, it’s like sipping on the essence of the apple-picking season.
Bourbon Eggnog
The Bourbon Eggnog is a holiday favorite. It’s a rich and creamy delight made with whiskey, milk, sugar, eggs, and nutmeg. Often enjoyed around Christmas, it’s a drink full of tradition and festive spirit.
Top 8 Bourbon Brands to Use in Cocktails
The DrinksWorld experts picked these 8 bourbon brands as the best for mixing top bourbon cocktails:
1. Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark is known for its distinctive red wax seal and smooth flavor. Originating from Loretto, Kentucky, this bourbon has a unique taste due to its use of soft red winter wheat instead of the traditional rye. This results in a sweeter and smoother bourbon, perfect for cocktails that require a milder whiskey base.
2. Buffalo Trace
Coming from one of America’s oldest distilleries, Buffalo Trace is a versatile bourbon with rich caramel and vanilla notes. Its balanced flavor profile makes it a favorite among bartenders and mixologists. Whether sipped neat or mixed in a cocktail, Buffalo Trace consistently delivers quality.
3. Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is a premium small-batch bourbon known for its rich, full-bodied taste. It’s produced in Versailles, Kentucky, and offers a harmonious blend of dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak. Its complex flavor profile shines in cocktails, making it a top choice for many.
4. Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon stands out with its high rye content, giving it a bold and spicy character. Its robust flavor and hints of honey and vanilla make it a go-to for cocktails that need a punch. Its iconic frontier-inspired bottle is a nod to its deep American roots.
5. Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey offers a true, robust Kentucky flavor. Known for its high-proof offerings and spicy kick, it’s a favorite for cocktails with a bit more bite. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell ensures that each bottle captures the essence of pure, traditional bourbon.
6. Four Roses
Four Roses has a unique blending process. With ten distinct recipes, the brand offers a wide range of flavor profiles. From floral and fruity to rich and spicy, Four Roses has bourbon for every palate and cocktail.
7. Knob Creek
Part of the small-batch bourbon collection from Jim Beam, Knob Creek is known for its full flavor and rich aroma. Aged for nine years, it has deep notes of vanilla, nuts, and oak. Its bold taste ensures it doesn’t get lost when mixed in cocktails.
8. Elijah Craig
This brand is named after the reverend who allegedly discovered the method of aging whiskey in charred oak barrels. It offers a rich and deep flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
Types of Bourbon
Bourbon is a kind of American whiskey made mostly from corn. There are various of types of bourbon:
- Straight Bourbon: needs to be aged not less than two years in new charred oak casks.
- Kentucky Straight Bourbon comes from Kentucky and it has to be made and kept there for at least one year.
- Tennessee Bourbon is like a bourbon but has an extra step. It’s filtered through special charcoal before it’s stored in barrels.
- Single Barrel Bourbon is from just one barrel, not mixed with others. Each barrel may taste a bit different.
- Small-batch bourbon is made by mixing bourbon from a few barrels together. It’s like a unique blend.
- Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon follows strict U.S. rules. It’s made in one place, by one distillery, in one season, and stored for at least four years.
Our favorite type for making coctails is Small-batch Bourbon. Its blend of flavors offers an good base for a wide range of creative and classic cocktails. and modern classic concoctions.
More Whiskey drinks
While bourbon is popular in many drinks, there are also other great whiskey drinks to try:
- Japanese Whisky Cocktails
- Scotch cocktails
- Rye whiskey cocktails
- Irish whiskey cocktails
- Peanut butter whiskey cocktails
Looking for seasonal inspiration? Check out our favorite Bourbon Cocktails for Summer, explore our top picks for Fall Bourbon Cocktails. Further more: Spring Bourbon Cocktails & Winter Bourbon Cocktails
FAQs
- What is bourbon? Bourbon is an American whiskey made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels.
- How is bourbon different from other whiskeys? Bourbon has specific production rules, such as being made in the U.S., containing at least 51% corn, and aging in new charred oak barrels.
- Can bourbon be made outside of Kentucky? While Kentucky is famous for bourbon, it can be made anywhere in the U.S.
- What’s the difference between bourbon, Scotch, and rye whiskey? Bourbon is American and mainly made from corn, while Scotch is from Scotland and made primarily from malted barley. Rye whiskey is made primarily from rye grain.
- Are all bourbons sweet? While bourbon often has a natural sweetness from the corn, its flavor profile can range from sweet to spicy based on its ingredients.
Simple Bourbon Cocktails: Bourbon Smash (and 39 More!)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 4-6 mint leaves
- ½ lemon - cut into wedges
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel and mint sprig - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Muddler
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Strainer & Fine-strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Make sure your service glass gets thoroughly chilled.
- Muddle: Muddle the lemon wedges in your cocktail shaker.
- Add Mint: Choose 4-6 mint leaves (green and fresh) and drop them into the shaker.
- Add Simple Syrup: Measure and pour in 1 oz simple syrup.
- Add Bourbon: Pour in 2 oz Bourbon.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
- Strain: Fine strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish: Garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey or brandy can be substituted. They offer a different flavor profile but still work well in this cocktail.
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners if you're out of simple syrup. Just remember to adjust the quantity to taste as they are sweeter than simple syrup.
- Lemon: If you're out of lemons, use limes for a different citrus twist.
Making a Pitcher of Bourbon Smash:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of simple syrup, 4 lemons cut into wedges, and 32 fresh mint leaves.
- Mix: Muddle the lemon wedges in a large pitcher. Tap the mint leaves to release the aroma, before dropping them into the pitcher. Add the bourbon and simple syrup, then stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a mint sprig and lemon wheel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute; these are available in the market and do an excellent job of mimicking bourbon's flavor.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Simple Syrup Substitute: Ensure your simple syrup is made with sugar that doesn't involve animal products in its production, or use agave nectar as a substitute.
- Proceed As Usual: With this vegan-friendly sweetener, follow the original steps to enjoy a delicious vegan Bourbon Smash.
