Impress your bourbon drinking guests! Here is my list of both classic bourbon cocktails and a few new ones that work for every season!
Most of us have a bottle of bourbon in the house. If not, you should. With just a few additional ingredients, you can make some of the most popular cocktails in the world.
As you will see with the list below, delicious bourbon cocktails are so easy to make for your next party or happy hour.
Also don’t think that using a dark spirit can’t be great in the hot weather! Summer bourbon cocktails are just as great as their winter counterparts.
Just a few facts about Bourbon before we get down to cocktail making:
- Bourbon must be made with at least 51% percent corn,
- Bourbon must be aged in new charred American Oak barrels
- Bourbon must be made in the USA
- Bourbon has been designated America’s native spirit
Now let’s get down to some cocktail making!!
Just for fun, I thought I’d show you how Maker’s Mark Bourbon is bottled! !
Easy Bourbon Cocktails
We have to begin with the most ordered cocktail in the world, so simple and so easy – the Old Fashioned. This iconic cocktail can be made with almost any dark spirit now, but in my opinion, it should always be made with Bourbon.
Stirred down in a mixing glass, just a little sugar cube or simple syrup, a few dashes angostura bitters, plus an orange slice and a maraschino cherry transforms this simple jigger of bourbon into the most classic cocktail of them all. Served in a rocks glass with just one large ice cube and the Old Fashioned is just one damn classy cocktail.
There is a rumor that it was invented at The Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky and I love it. If you want to hear that story, then tune into Lush Life’s episode!
Another of the best bourbon cocktails, the Manhattan is beloved all over the world. I love that this cocktail may have been invented for Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill’s mother, while she was in New York at an event at the Manhattan Club.
Although a slightly sweeter cocktail thanks to the addition of sweet vermouth, it has become a fan favorite. Have loads of maraschino cherries on hand because one never seems to be enough!
A mix of Bourbon, fresh lemon juice and sugar added to a cocktail shaker, shaken up and served over lots and lots of ice cubes and there you have it, another easy bourbon cocktail. Please do not use sour mix, it’s so much tastier with fresh lemon juice.
For the more adventurous, add in an egg white! Make sure you dry shake it first (without ice) before you add the ice to shake it again. It will be much more foamy!
Feel free to garnish with a lemon wheel, an orange wheel or even a blood orange wheel, plus the required maraschino cherry!
Born in Paris to an American, The Boulevardier cocktail takes a Negroni and replaces the gin with Bourbon. It flies slightly under the radar, but is another great bourbon cocktail. Along with Campari and sweet vermouth, you want a really good bourbon. With only three ingredients of equal measure, it couldn’t be easier! A perfect aperitif!
And they’re off! If you are hearing those words, you are definitely sipping a Mint Julep, the drink of choice at the Kentucky Derby. A classic bourbon cocktail recipe that they have been making forever and so easy with its combination of fresh mint, sugar and bourbon.
Just make sure you have the signature silver cup and loads of crushed ice, plus some fresh mint leaves or a mint sprig to add on top. Crushed ice melts more slowly than cubes, so keep adding more to keep that mint julep cold!
This bourbon recipe was given to me by Sylvia Holden at Bulleit Bourbon. She just knew that on those cold nights, you need a hot drink to keep you toasty. It has that lovely mix of either honey syrup or maple syrup to give it sweetness.
Add hot water and garnish with an apple slice and there is nothing better than this classic bourbon cocktail to warm you up. (You can even throw in some fresh ginger to give it zing)
This is one of my favorite recipes! A simple cocktail recipe that makes a great bourbon drink! Every summer this is my go to. You need really good lemonade, so don’t skimp! Served in a highball glass and garnished with a lemon wedge or lemon slice.
Wine in a bourbon whiskey cocktail? It's seems crazy, but the wine gives it a distinct flavor that works so well. Don’t forget the aromatic bitters on top!
Try your hand at making this new classic bourbon cocktail invented by Stroo Olofsson of Blade Salon. He promises that, as the ice melts, the rose flavors will increase and enhance the cherry notes of maraschino, as well as the floral notes of the bourbon!
Another new way to drink bourbon! Matthies from El Baron Cafe and Liquor Bar in Cartagena, has created an other-worldly cocktail recipe you can make at home. The hard part is finding that perfect ball of ice!
I couldn’t leave you without a great recipe. Here is the New York Sour. Remember to use the back of the barspoon to make the all essential wine float!
I made the New York Sour. I am in Australia locked away like a criminal and for a change I bought a bottle of bourbon. Had it straight and it was good but out of boredom I thought I’d make a cocktail and bingo. Very nice. Should have made a bigger jug. 🙂 Was thinking of orange as a mixer but found your recipe and thought, sounds good. Did not put the egg white in but see how it would make it creamy. Thanks
Thanks for the note! I suggest going through the recipes and trying each one!