Best Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

Searching for new recipes for your next cocktail party? Or are you just testing out different combinations and mixes using your favorite spirit? Either way, bourbon is one of the best choices to form the foundation of your next cocktail.

Bourbon mixes well with a range of flavors to make some of the most unique and mouth-watering drinks around. In fact, you can pair it with everything from cola to fruit juice and even milk for a creamy dessert cocktail!

If you're salivating just thinking about the range of drinks you can mix using your favorite bourbon, we're here to give you a few cocktail suggestions to delight your taste buds. We've even included a few bourbon recommendations so you can complement each drink with a spirit that incorporates the perfect flavors for the ultimate cocktail experience.

Ready to start mixing your drink up? Then, let's get started.

1. Classic Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 sugar cube

• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

• A splash of water

• Orange twist for garnish

A Classic Old Fashioned cocktail never goes out of style!

1. For this delicious (yet simple) drink, start by muddling a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and a splash of water in a glass.

2. Then, add 2 oz of 1792 Bottled in Bond Bourbon or  1792 Small Batch Bourbon—its smooth caramel and vanilla flavors pair perfectly with this drink.

3. Stir your drink with ice and strain it over a large ice cube before finishing it off with an orange twist for a citrusy touch.

2. Kentucky Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

• Ginger beer

• Ice cubes

• Lime wedge (garnish)

If you want a refreshing and zesty twist on the classic Moscow Mule, you're definitely going to want to switch it up by using bourbon to craft a Kentucky Mule.

1. Start by filling a copper mug with ice and pouring in 2 oz of Bulleit Bourbon (one of the best bourbons on the market!). The spicy kick of this variety pairs perfectly with the ginger beer and kick of lime.

2. Speaking of lime, add that to the bourbon and top the rest of your glass up with the ginger beer.

3. Remember to give it a gentle stir and garnish it with a lime wedge for an extra pop of citrus.

3. Bourbon Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• 3 - 4 mint leaves

• Ice cubes

• Lemon slice for garnish

A Bourbon Smash is the ideal summer drink. Think fresh, fruity flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

1. To get started, muddle some mint leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker.

2. Add 2 oz of Weller for softer, sweeter notes, and top the shaker up with ice.

3. Shake the mixture up and strain it into a glass filled with ice.

4. Finish your drink off by garnishing it with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint (or both!).

4. Boulevardier

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz bourbon

• 3/4 oz Campari

• 3/4 oz sweet vermouth

• Ice cubes

• Orange peel for garnish

The Boulevardier is a sophisticated drink that deserves only the finest bourbon on the market. It's also perfect for anyone who wants a little bit of everything rolled into one—sweetness, warmth, and just a hint of bitterness.

1. Start by stirring together your Buffalo Trace bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.

2. Then strain the drink into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice and garnish it with a twist of orange peel.

Remember, this drink is best enjoyed when you sip it slowly so you can savor all those delectable flavors in the mix.

5. Bourbon Sweet Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 4 oz sweet tea

• Ice cubes

• Lemon slice for garnish

For the perfect summer cool-down drink, a Bourbon Sweet Tea ought to do the job!

1. To make this drink, pour 2 oz of bourbon into a tall glass filled with ice (we highly recommend Four Roses bourbon for its mellow, fruity flavor).

2. Then, add around 4 oz of sweet tea.

3. Don't forget to stir the drink together and garnish it with a slice of lemon for an extra refreshing kick.

6. Classic Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1/2 oz simple syrup

• Fresh mint leaves

• Crushed ice

• Mint sprig for garnish

A Mint Julep is one of those classic bourbon cocktails that will please anyone's palate. Plus, it's great for hot days and warm nights when you need to keep cool and unwind.

1. In a julep cup, muddle your mint leaves with simple syrup.

2. Fill the cup with crushed ice and pour in around 2 oz of your favorite American bourbon.

3. Stir your drink until your cup starts to frost up and finish it off with a mint sprig for a touch of color (and the perfect summery smell).

7. Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rye or bourbon

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

• Ice cubes

• Maraschino cherry for garnish

The Manhattan: a classic cocktail that's as timeless as it is delicious.

1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, start by stirring 2 oz of Woodford Reserve bourbon with around 1 oz of sweet vermouth. You can also add a few dashes of Angostura bitters.

2. Once the drink is chilled, strain it into a chilled glass and garnish it with a maraschino cherry.

For this drink, the smooth yet rich flavor of the Woodford Reserve creates the perfect balance with the sweetness of the vermouth and bitters.

8. Gold Rush

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 3/4 oz honey syrup

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• Ice cubes

The Gold Rush is a smooth and refreshing cocktail that balances sweetness with a little burst of citrus.

1. To make this drink, shake 2 oz of a luxury bourbon with honey syrup and fresh lemon juice—and don't forget to add the ice!

2. Be sure to mix this drink thoroughly, as the syrup may sometimes take a while to fully integrate with the bourbon.

3. Strain your drink into a glass filled with ice and garnish it with a twist of lemon (completely optional).

9. Bourbon Peach Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

• 3/4 oz peach puree

• 1/2 oz simple syrup (or maple syrup for added sweetness)

• Fresh mint leaves

• Ice cubes

A Bourbon Peach Smash is the best alternative to a traditional Bourbon Smash, especially on a hot summer's day (or if you just really love fruity drinks!).

1. To start, grab your shaker and muddle your mint leaves with the peach puree to release all the delicious fruit flavors.

2. Add some of your favorite bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice. We'd recommend using something like Evan Williams's Black Label for the perfect complementary flavors.

3. Shake up the mixture with ice and strain it into a highball glass filled with ice and a sprig of mint. And just like that, your Bourbon Peach Smash is ready to serve!

10. Honey Thyme Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz honey syrup

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 2 - 3 fresh thyme sprigs

• Ice cubes

Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Then why not try this delicious drink that combines the sweetness of honey, the tang of lemonade, and the earthy flavors of thyme? It's a taste sensation you'll want to share with all of your friends and family at your next get-together.

1. To get started, muddle your thyme sprigs to release their rustic herbal essence.

2. Add them to a shaker with Maker's Mark bourbon, honey syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

3. Shake it all up and strain it into a glass (with or without ice) to complete your drink.

11. Bourbon Ginger Fizz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 4 oz ginger beer

• Ice cubes

You can't go wrong with a fizzy drink—especially when it's as delicious as a Bourbon Ginger Fizz! It's also the best choice for a hot day or if you love the strong taste of a cool ginger beer.

1. Start by pouring your bourbon into a glass filled with ice (Buffalo Trace or Four Roses work beautifully here!).

2. Add your lemon juice for the perfect tangy taste, and top your drink off with around 4 oz of ginger beer.

3. Once you've mixed everything together, give it a gentle stir (emphasis on gentle, as you don't want to lose those bubbles) and enjoy your drink!

12. Brown Derby

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz grapefruit juice

• 1/2 oz honey syrup

You can't go wrong when you mix bourbon with citrus juices—and grapefruit juice is no exception! Plus, when you mix it with the sweetness of honey syrup, it makes for a cocktail that is sure to become your go-to drink.

1. Get started by shaking 2 oz of bourbon with grapefruit juice and honey syrup. A Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace bourbon works well since they're light enough to complement the fruit juice. Be sure to use a shaker that's filled with ice to keep the drink cool!

2. Once the drink is properly mixed, strain it into a cocktail glass and enjoy!

13. Bourbon Milk Punch

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz milk

• 1 oz simple syrup

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• Ice cubes

Last but not least, a dessert cocktail that will help you round off your dinner or a relaxed evening: Bourbon Milk Punch. Not only is this drink ultra creamy and delicious, but you can also enjoy it no matter the weather, which makes for the perfect sweet drink for any occasion.

1. Start by combining your favorite bourbon with 1 oz of simple syrup (or maple syrup if you have a sweet tooth), a 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and around 1 oz of milk in a shaker.

2. Fill your shaker with ice cubes and shake the mixture until everything is properly combined.

3. Strain your drink into a glass and finish it off with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra touch of indulgence. Then, sit back and enjoy!

FAQs

What are the most popular bourbon cocktails?

Some of the most popular bourbon cocktails include an Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, Manhattan, and Bourbon Smash. These drinks have become incredibly popular because of their ability to bring out the best notes and flavors in almost any bourbon. So, whether you like your bourbon neat or mixed, these drinks offer something unique for everyone.

What do most people drink bourbon with?

Most people tend to enjoy their bourbon cockneat, on the rocks, or with a little bit of water to highlight the drink's flavors. However, bourbon also pairs beautifully with ginger beer, sweet tea, citrus juice, and cola for a simple yet refreshing drink.

Of course, you can't forget about the occasional bourbon-based cocktail!

What are some bourbon cocktails that aren't too sweet?

If you're not into overly sweet cocktails, a Manhattan or Boulevardier are great choices. Both of these drinks combine unique flavors with bourbon to offer tasty mixes, without the typical sweetness that other cocktails usually have.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're looking for something sophisticated to sip, a fruity and refreshing drink to enjoy beside the pool, or an indulgent, sweet cocktail that will easily become your favorite dessert, you don't need to look any further than bourbon. This versatile spirit can be paired with just about anything to create a cocktail to suit anyone's taste.

So, if you're ready to practice your mixology and test out a few of these bourbon cocktail recipes, be sure to grab your ideal bottle of bourbon from our collection. We have everything you could ever want—from everyday bourbons to luxury bottles and brands, you won't be disappointed. 

Reference our standard drink guide to help mix your drinks responsibly.