Craving a drink but wanting to explore a new flavor profile?
Then raise a glass to bourbon! This distinctly American liquor is known for its smooth, sweet character. Whether you enjoy the classics or are looking for something new, I think you’ll discover a drink that delights.
Keep reading for 23 incredible bourbon cocktail recipes!
1. The Bourbon Sour
It should not shock anyone to hear that a bourbon sour recipe contains plenty of zingy lemon juice. For those with a sweet tooth, you may want to up the lemon juice a bit.
I also think using maple syrup is a brilliant idea, considering how beautifully it plays with the vanilla in the liquor.
2. Bourbon Renewal Recipe
Do you recall when I said the Black Demure would work with Crème de Cassis? Well, others had the same idea, and this rich berry-flavored bourbon cocktail came about.
Though bourbon-forward, it has just enough berry liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters to balance out the potent alcohol. Sample it without simple syrup initially, then adjust to taste.
3. Best Bourbon Old-Fashioned
Tracing way back to 1806, the Old Fashioned is one of the first cocktail recipes ever recorded. With sugar, bitters, water, and bourbon (or whiskey), you will take your time to craft this drink and sip it slowly.
The bitters contribute those beautiful orange notes, making orange peel the perfect garnish.
4. Mint Julep
Here’s a fun fact: the mint julep is the signature beverage of the Kentucky Derby, where they serve over 120,000 in just one weekend! As such a favored drink, how could I not give it a go? I mentioned previously that the bourbon smash was a cross between the julep and a whiskey sour.
So, whereas the sour brings the lemon, this drink is all about the mint.
5. Bourbon Lemonade
While lemonade is an excellent summer drink all on its own, it is suddenly extra special after adding bourbon to the mix. And should you use store-bought lemonade, prep is an absolute breeze!
The best part? You can add virtually any fruit to the mix, like citrus or fresh berries for more sweetness. Be sure to muddle them a bit first, then let it sit in the fridge until it is time to serve.
6. Ginger Rabbit
There is a surprising complexity to this cocktail that makes it way more than just ginger, lemon, and bourbon.
First, you’ll create black tea and anise simple syrup for a spicy flavor, similar to spiked iced tea.To that, add Crème Yvette, made with violet petals, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, cassis, honey, orange peel, and vanilla.
I think you should know that it is pretty sweet, and the violet taste is quite pronounced.So, if you hate Parma Violet candies, skip this one.
7. Maker’s Mark® Man O’ War
Another quintessential Kentucky Derby cocktail, the Man O’War is named after the horse that won 20 out of 21 races back in 1920.
And seeing as Man O’War was born in Kentucky, you should only use Kentucky bourbon to make it (though I won’t tell if you do not have any on hand).
8. Blizzard Cranberry Bourbon Cocktail
For those who seek a festive libation to serve at the next holiday party, look no further!
It contains tons of festive cranberries, and lemon juice and simple syrup enhance the berries, balancing out their tartness with a touch of sweetness. To prevent it from overpowering the drink, be sure to use a tasty bourbon you would drink by itself.
9. Classic Bourbon Manhattan Cocktail
As one of the most straightforward cocktail recipes, the Manhattan calls for only three components. It is also like New York City in that it is full of character, intense, and rich.
Just add two parts bourbon to a shaker with one part sweet Vermouth and bitters, then stir to combine. It could not be simpler.
10. The Brown Derby
Although the origins of this drink are foggy, this is not another Kentucky Derby cocktail.
Some say it is named after the Brown Derby restaurant in old Hollywood, and it has appeared in different publications with various names over the years. But under any moniker, it is a total hit.
11. Bourbon Sidecar
Sidecars are typically made with Cognac and citrus, which results in a sweet and tart flavor. Envision them as lighter whiskey sours.
But whereas the sour calls for lemon juice alone, Cointreau is mixed in with the Sidecar. It makes it boozier and brings a more mellow citrus essence.
12. Kentucky Mule Recipe
The Moscow mule—served in a copper mug—is a mix of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice that can be easily modified with rum, tequila, or bourbon. As a Kentucky mule, you already know that it’s loaded with Kentucky bourbon.
I am a big fan of Jefferson’s Reserve because of its dreamy caramel and honeyed fruit flavors.
13. Bourbon Smash
This cocktail has all the qualities of a whiskey sour with the refreshing flavors of a mint julep.
It gets its name from the preparation method. It involves muddling the mint with sugar and lemon, followed by the liquor. While the above recipe requires lemon, this recipe’s flavor is all about the mint, served on the rocks and not meant to be strained.
14. The Revolver Cocktail
This twisted Manhattan variation was whipped up by a San Francisco bartender trying to use up too much Bulleit bourbon.It features smoky-sweet bourbon and a flamed orange peel whose scent travels across the bar.
That is how it got its name: Revolver.
15. Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail
I had to wrap things up with a twisted tea cocktail. After all, bourbon is a southern staple, and what is more southern than sweet tea?
Just toss honey simple syrup, bourbon sour mash whiskey, and citrus bitters into that sweet tea recipe you adore and you are all set. If preferred, use sweet tea and leave out the honey, or go for honey-infused bourbon when available!
16. Easy Bourbon Eggnog
Also known as milk punch or egg milk punch, eggnog is a divisive drink, with people loving it or hating it. Loaded with eggs, cream, sugar, and milk, this cocktail is creamy, thick, and almost like a boozy milkshake, though it’s often made without alcohol.
Brandy, dark rum, and Cognac are usual choices for spirits. However, this is a bourbon cocktail roundup, so you can guess what is featured in this particular recipe.
17. Bourbon Lemon Drop Martini
With their lip-smacking flavor, lemon drop candies are basically begging to be turned into cocktail form! Though decidedly sour, this drink is not too intense thanks to the Limoncello and sweet bourbon.
If those sour mixes are too bitter, use the recipe provided to make your own, and adjust the sweetness.
18. Old Fashioned Paloma (Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail)
A standard paloma is a mix of tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit juice (or soda). This bourbon riff contributes some more sweetness and greater depth of flavor, balancing the grapefruit juice wonderfully.
Use grapefruit juice and citrus soda to customize the flavors, or just use grapefruit soda. It is delicious either way.
19. Black Demure
While this bourbon cocktail is anything but demure, its name denotes the use of vibrant blackberry Crème de Mûre.
As a sweet digestif to enjoy after dinner, Crème de Cassis can be substituted, though the flavors will be different.
20. The John Collins Cocktail
Surely you have sampled or at least know of the popular Tom Collins. First published in 1876 (though believed to be far older), it is a blend of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
Whereas Tom is summery and botanical, John has more warmth and is full of vanilla and caramel. Both are refreshing.
21. Bourbon Apple Cider Hot Toddy
As the weather turns colder, a glass full of ice sounds terrible. What better way to stave off the cold than bourbon, lemon, and honey?
Stir in some apple cider for that extra sweetness and it won’t just warm you up. It’ll also fight off those terrible winter germs.
22. Raspberry Love Cocktail
Putting raspberry with bourbon might appear to be somewhat strange. However, the spirit’s sweetness pairs amazingly with tart, sweet raspberries. The vanilla and orange tastes make raspberry fit like a glove.
The bubbly citrus soda has clean and zesty goodness that lightens this drink up a bit.