10+ Bourbon Cocktail Recipes to Elevate Your Mixology Skills

10+ Bourbon Cocktail Recipes to Elevate Your Mixology Skills

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 8 minutes

Bourbon cocktails are a delightful way to enjoy this classic American spirit. You can explore and enjoy countless recipes, from the rich taste of an Old Fashioned to the refreshing Mint Julep. Making bourbon cocktails at home can be fun and rewarding, allowing you to impress friends and family with your mixology skills.

A glass filled with amber-colored bourbon cocktail, garnished with a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry, resting on a wooden bar top

These drinks are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or winding down after a long day. You’ll find a variety of recipes that highlight bourbon’s unique flavors and versatility, making it easy to find the perfect drink for your taste. Get ready to discover some of the best bourbon cocktail recipes you can make!

Old Fashioned

A crystal glass filled with amber bourbon, ice cubes, and a twist of orange peel, set on a wooden bar top next to a vintage cocktail shaker and a bottle of bourbon

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that highlights the rich flavors of bourbon. It’s simple to make and has a timeless appeal.

To prepare an Old Fashioned, start with a sugar cube. Muddle it with a few dashes of bitters in a glass. Add a splash of water, then stir until the sugar dissolves.

Next, fill the glass with ice and pour in 2 ounces (about 60 ml) of bourbon. Stir gently to mix everything together. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry to add a touch of color and flavor.

This drink is perfect for relaxing after a long day or for serving guests at a gathering.

Ingredients

  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes bitters
  • 2 ounces (60 ml) bourbon
  • Orange slice
  • Maraschino cherry
  • Splash of water

Cooking Instructions

  1. Muddle sugar cube and bitters in a glass.
  2. Add a splash of water and stir until dissolved.
  3. Fill the glass with ice.
  4. Pour in bourbon and stir gently.
  5. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

2) Mint Julep

A silver julep cup filled with crushed ice, fresh mint leaves, and bourbon, garnished with a sprig of mint

The Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail that’s both refreshing and easy to make. It’s especially popular during the warmer months.

To start, gather quality bourbon for the best flavor. You’ll also need fresh mint leaves for that signature taste.

Using a julep cup or a rocks glass, muddle the mint with simple syrup. Gently crush the leaves to release their oils.

Next, fill the glass with crushed ice, packing it tightly. Pour in the bourbon and stir gently. Add more syrup if you like it sweeter.

Garnish with a sprig of mint on top for a beautiful finish.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce simple syrup
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in a glass.
  2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
  3. Pour bourbon over the ice.
  4. Stir gently and add more syrup if desired.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

3) Whiskey Sour

A crystal glass filled with amber-colored Whiskey Sour cocktail, garnished with a slice of lemon and a maraschino cherry on the rim

A Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the bright taste of lemon. This drink is refreshing and simple to make.

To prepare, you can use two ounces of bourbon and one ounce each of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. If you like a frothy texture, consider adding an egg white.

You will need ice to shake the ingredients together. After shaking, strain the drink into a glass and enjoy the delightful blend of sour and sweet.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
  • 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz (30 ml) simple syrup
  • Optional: 1 egg white
  • Ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  3. If using, add the egg white.
  4. Shake vigorously until the shaker is cold.
  5. Strain into a glass and serve.

4) Boulevardier

A crystal glass filled with a bourbon cocktail sits on a marble countertop, garnished with an orange twist and a cherry

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that brings warmth and richness to your glass. It’s a simple mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. This drink is perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.

To make a Boulevardier, start with your favorite bourbon. You can use either bourbon or rye whiskey, depending on your preference for sweetness. The drink balances these flavors beautifully.

You’ll want to chill your mixing glass with ice. Then, stir together 1 part bourbon, 1 part sweet vermouth, and 1 part Campari. Strain it into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes to keep it cool without diluting it too quickly.

For garnishing, an orange twist adds a nice touch of citrus aroma. Enjoy your Boulevardier as a cozy treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz (30 ml) Bourbon
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Sweet Vermouth
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
  • Ice
  • Orange Twist (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes.
  2. Pour in bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
  3. Stir until well chilled.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with an orange twist.

5) Bourbon Smash

A glass filled with bourbon, muddled mint and berries, crushed ice, and a sprig of fresh mint on top

The Bourbon Smash is a refreshing cocktail that highlights the smooth flavor of bourbon. It combines fresh mint, lemon, and simple syrup for a bright and tasty drink.

To make this cocktail, start by muddling mint leaves and lemon wedges with simple syrup in a glass. This releases the mint’s oils and the lemon’s juicy goodness.

Next, add bourbon and some ice before shaking well. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with a sprig of mint for a touch of color and aroma.

Enjoy this drink during warm weather or any time you want something vibrant and delicious!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 ounce simple syrup
  • 6 fresh mint leaves
  • 3 lemon wedges
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • Ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Muddle mint leaves and lemon wedges with simple syrup in a glass.
  2. Add bourbon and ice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

6) Manhattan

A sleek bar setting with a row of cocktail glasses filled with Manhattan bourbon cocktails, garnished with a cherry and orange twist, set on a dark wooden bar counter

The Manhattan is a classic bourbon cocktail that’s simple yet elegant. It combines bourbon with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters. This drink has a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s.

To make a perfect Manhattan, you’ll need to chill your glass first. Fill a martini glass with ice while preparing the drink. Then, mix bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Stir gently to avoid watering down the drink.

Once mixed, discard the ice from the glass. Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. A maraschino cherry makes for a lovely garnish.

Enjoy your Manhattan as a timeless choice for any occasion!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
  • 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes of bitters
  • Maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Chill the martini glass with ice.
  2. In a shaker, combine bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice.
  3. Stir or gently shake the mixture.
  4. Discard the ice from the martini glass.
  5. Strain the drink into the chilled glass.
  6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

7) Kentucky Mule

A rustic wooden bar with copper mugs, fresh limes, and a bottle of bourbon surrounded by ginger beer and ice

The Kentucky Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Instead of vodka, you use bourbon, which adds a rich flavor to the drink. This cocktail is refreshing and perfect for any occasion.

To make your Kentucky Mule, you’ll need just three simple ingredients. Use high-quality bourbon, fresh lime juice, and spicy ginger beer. The warmth of the bourbon pairs beautifully with the zesty lime and the kick from the ginger beer.

When mixed together, you get a drink that’s not only tasty but also easy to make. Serve it over ice in a copper mug for that classic touch.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
  • 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 4 oz (120 ml) ginger beer
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice cubes.
  2. Pour the bourbon and lime juice over the ice.
  3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

8) Brown Derby

A classic Brown Derby cocktail sits on a marble bar, garnished with a twist of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh rosemary

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that’s both simple and flavorful. It combines bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup for a delightful drink. The sweetness of honey balances the tartness of the grapefruit, making it refreshing.

To prepare this cocktail, you’ll want to use high-quality bourbon. The richness of the bourbon pairs well with the citrus and sweetness. Shake it up for a chilled treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

For a twist, consider adding a slice of jalapeño. This adds a spicy kick that enhances the flavors beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Combine bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice.
  3. Shake well for about 20 seconds.
  4. Strain into a chilled glass. Enjoy!

9) Bourbon Rickey

A tall glass filled with ice, bourbon, and sparkling water, garnished with a lime wedge and fresh mint sprig

The Bourbon Rickey is a refreshing cocktail that combines bourbon, fresh lime juice, and club soda. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a lighter drink with a nice balance of tartness and flavor.

To make this cocktail, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Squeezing fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick, while the club soda gives it a bubbly finish. This drink is great for warm days or any time you want something crisp.

You might enjoy it as a casual drink while relaxing with friends. Its easy preparation makes it a favorite among bourbon lovers.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • Club soda
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a glass, combine the bourbon and fresh lime juice.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Top off the drink with club soda.
  4. Stir gently to mix.
  5. Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

10) Gold Rush

A gold-rimmed cocktail glass filled with bubbling bourbon, garnished with a twist of orange and a sprig of fresh mint, sits on a polished wooden bar

The Gold Rush is a delightful bourbon cocktail that’s both simple and tasty. It combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the sweetness of honey and the zing of fresh lemon juice. This drink is perfect for relaxing at home or impressing your guests.

To make a Gold Rush, you will need just a few ingredients. It’s a great choice for beginners, and you can enjoy the refreshing taste anytime.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz. honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)
  • Ice

Cooking Instructions

  1. Start by making the honey syrup. Mix ½ oz. honey with ½ oz. warm water until smooth.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  3. Pour in 2 oz. bourbon, ¾ oz. lemon juice, and ½ oz. honey syrup.
  4. Shake well for about 15 seconds.
  5. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
  6. Enjoy!

Similar Posts