Bourbon is American whiskey that’s made from a mash that consists mostly of corn. While bourbon is popular in Kentucky, only 95% of the world’s bourbon is actually made there. However, bourbon can only be produced in the United States or federal standards say that it’s not technically real bourbon
Bourbon cocktails are savory drinks that go well after dinner when you’re looking to unwind from a long day.
The bourbon drinks on this list come in a variety of flavors too, so you will be able to find one that matches your palate.
Bourbon, a timeless American spirit with rich history and depth of flavor, effortlessly serves as the backbone for a wide array of delightful cocktails. Falling under the whiskey umbrella, bourbon’s distinct profile, marked by its base of corn and oak barrel aging, draws in both connoisseurs and novice drinkers alike. In this article, you’ll discover a selection of bourbon cocktails that showcase the versatility and charm of this classic spirit.
Before diving into the concoctions, it’s essential to acquaint yourself with some of the basic principles of mixology and the variety of bourbon offerings available. From high-proof options to those with subtle flavor profiles, understanding the foundation of a good bourbon cocktail will help you appreciate the nuances of each recipe. Additionally, mastering basic techniques such as shaking, stirring, and garnishing will elevate your mixology skills to create visually appealing and balanced drinks.
As you venture through these recipes, remember that experimentation and personal preference are key to crafting your perfect bourbon cocktail. Don’t be afraid to tweak ratios or substitute ingredients to forge your own unique take on these classics. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance to fully enjoy and savor these sophisticated bourbon libations.
Whether you have a ton of time to spend or you need a drink quickly, these bourbon mixed drinks are great for any occasion.
You’ll find the best bourbon cocktails in the list below that once you learn the recipe, you can make again and again anytime you want.
So sit back and note your favorite bourbon cocktail recipes below so the next time you need to unwind, you have everything you need to get started.
When fall starts coming around and you crave the taste of spices in your drinks, this bourbon apple cider is the drink for you.
You’ll be taking some apple cider, bourbon, and adding in some spices that will give it a nice kick.
This is a good way to make a spiced rum cocktail even if you don’t have all of those ingredients on hand, because most people already have apple cider and bourbon lying around their house.
You can mix up the ingredients too if you want something that matches your exact palate a little better.
The blackberry bourbon smash is one of the best bourbon drinks. Classic bourbon cocktails like the smash can really be made any time of the year.
It’s tangy and light compared to some of the other darker drinks on this list.
You’ll be using soda water too so it won’t be nearly as heavy as other drinks either.
The color is beautiful and, if you can, add some fresh blackberries as a garnish. You could also throw a little fresh mint in the drink to give it some herbal flavor.
The highball is one of the simplest bourbon cocktails you could possibly make.
All you need is bourbon, soda water, and some ice cubes. You could make these all night long and never spend more than a couple of minutes on each one.
It’s one of the best summer bourbon cocktails to bust out when you have some guests over and don’t want to get too fancy with the drinks.
It doesn’t even matter if you use top shelf or bottom shelf whiskey because the flavor is so simple that it will easily win over most people who taste it.
This is the kind of drink that your guests might think you spent a ton of time on, but in reality, it took no time at all.
A Manhattan is generally made with rye whiskey but adding in some bourbon gives it another level of flavor.
This is another great drink to make that takes advantage of the fall season because it has a nice spicy profile to it thanks to the cloves and cinnamon syrup.
No matter what time of year you’re drinking this, it will put you in a festive mood with its spiced flavor. You’ll also have an extra kick thanks to the bourbon.
You’ll garnish it with a lemon peel and you can even burn the peel slightly to give it a more savory and smoky flavor.
This is one of the simple bourbon cocktails invented at the height of the gold rush and it became a popular drink because it had such a pleasant taste.
It’s the kind of perfect summer bourbon cocktail that you’ll want when the weather starts heating up.
When you want a bourbon drink but you also want it to be sweet, you need to try this recipe.
It uses lemon juice, simple syrup, and bourbon to bring out the best flavors of each ingredient.
Maple syrup is also added on top of the drink for sweetness. You can make this one whenever you want because it has a great fall flavor profile to it.
This is one of those bourbon mixers that is more tangy and light than a traditional drink so you’ll enjoy this when you want to take it easy for the night.
Instead of going with the classic Tom Collins cocktail, this recipe calls for bourbon.
Feel free to use a high-class or top shelf bourbon when you make this drink because it has an incredible flavor that only needs the best tasting spirits to bring out its character.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
