21 Bourbon co*cktail Recipes to Make Tonight (2024)

If you ask us, no home bar is complete without a bottle of bourbon. "Both Scotch and bourbon arewhisk(e)y, meaning they’re wood-aged spirits that have been distilled from a fermented mash of grains," writes Food & Wine contributor Brian Freedman. "Bourbon is based on corn, not barley. According to regulations, it must be composed of a mash bill (basically the list of grains that have been used) consisting of at least 51% corn."

We're amazed by bourbon's versatility when it comes to making sweet, tart, and warming co*cktails. For something unexpectedly tangy, try your hand at a Tamarind Whiskey Sour. Entertaining a crowd? We'd recommend whipping up a batch of Whiskey Chai. It's also worth getting comfortable with classic bourbon co*cktails, like the Mint Julep, New York Sour, and Paper Plane. Read on for our favorite bourbon co*cktails to make anytime.

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Winter Berries co*cktail

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Fruity, rich, and mildly sweet dark-berry liqueur plays well with effervescent sparkling wine in this Winter Berries co*cktail, while grain-forward bourbon adds a touch of heat. Garnish this bubbly sipper with a thin half-moon slice of lemon.

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Maple-Bourbon Smash

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Richly flavored dark amber maple syrup combines with citrus juices and seltzer to make this lightened riff on an Old-Fashioned co*cktail.

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Boulevardier

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The Boulevardier is the whiskey lover's Negroni. Made with three simple ingredients — bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth — this straightforward co*cktail comes together in seconds with staples you likely always keep in your home bar.

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Alpine Brew

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This delicious, highly caffeinated co*cktail combines bourbon, coffee liqueur, cold brew, maple syrup, and walnut bitters.

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Tamarind Whiskey Sour

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Tamarind imbues any dish with a telltale sharp, sweet, yet tart kick. It adds just the right amount of excitement to surprise even the most dedicated drinker of this classic co*cktail.

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Paper Plane

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Though the Paper Plane is easy to put together and it's plenty easy-drinking, it offers a complex flavor profile: still bright and fresh but with enough heft to make it autumn-appropriate.

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Bourbon-Tea Julep

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Tannins from black tea add a beautiful hint of bitterness to this variation on a classic Mint Julep. The citrus oil, oleo saccharum, is made by steeping lemon peels in sugar. Its bright flavor is the perfect lift to finish each sip.

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Shadow Woman

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This Old-Fashioned–style co*cktail gets a fruity kick from pear brandy and gentle sweetness from honey; the bourbon adds a bite without overpowering the drink. Pear brandy is a highly aromatic and unsweetened liquor made from fermented pears.

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Banana-Rum Old-Fashioned

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A bold, strong co*cktail with both high-proof bourbon and light rum gets a hint of floral sweetness from mellow crème de banane.

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Withering Sunrise

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Bourbon and puréed mango are a match made in heaven.

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New York Sour

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The perfect balance of fruity red wine and smoky-sweet bourbon, the New York Sour co*cktail is a classic for a reason. Shaking with large ice cubes chills the co*cktail without diluting it — and those large cubes made with ice sphere molds look great in a rocks glass, too. If you're feeling adventurous, add an egg white to the shaker for a thicker viscosity.

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Mint Julep

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The Mint Julep has been the iconic drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1939, but references to the co*cktail go as far back as the year 900, when it was sipped for medicinal purposes. When New Orleans bartender Chris McMillian was at Bar UnCommon, he recited an ode while mixing Mint Juleps, written in the 1890s by a Kentucky newspaperman, that calls the bourbon and mint co*cktail "the very dream of drinks."

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Dog Days of Summer Ale

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Cherry heering gives this beer-bourbon co*cktail its striking red hue.

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Milk Punch

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This classic, creamy milk punch will warm you up on the coldest winter evenings.

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Whiskey Samash

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This Hanukkah co*cktail uses fig syrup to create a playful take on a whiskey smash co*cktail.

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Hot Toddy

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Is it really wintertime without a good hot toddy? We think not.

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Ginger and Bourbon

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This simple, soothing wintertime co*cktail is a favorite for good reason.

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Whiskey Chai

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Think of this comforting whiskey chai as a nightcap meant to satiate a crowd after a big night out. We're especially fond of the Zanzibar peppercorns from Burlap and Barrel, which add a bright, almost fruity touch to this sweet sipper.

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Apricot Nectarine Julep

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A puree of roasted apricots and nectarines brings out bourbon's notes of vanilla and nutmeg, making for the ultimate late-summer co*cktail. Pour some of the reserved puree on top of the crushed ice for a co*cktail that almost resembles a Hawaiian shave ice. The same roast-and-puree technique can be used for more stone fruits, such as plums and sour cherries.

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Homemade Eggnog

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To make rich, creamy homemade eggnog, you'll need a double boiler and a whisk. In just two steps, you'll have a festive drink made ahead. Be sure to chill it thoroughly before serving, and give it a final whisk, too, to make sure everything is blended.

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In Cold Blood

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Andrew Volk says this is currently the most popular order at Portland Hunt & Alpine Club in Maine. The drink, according to Volk, is "approachable but geekywith the salt," which he adds to balance the bitterness of the artichoke-flavored aperitif Cynar.

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21 Bourbon co*cktail Recipes to Make Tonight (2024)

FAQs

What is the best thing to mix with bourbon? ›

Bourbon mixes well many beverages including cola, soda water, coffee, orange juice, fortified wine, and other spirits. Bourbon is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed in a co*cktail.

What is the most popular bourbon drink? ›

The most classic of all bourbon co*cktails, the Old Fashioned has been around for more than 200 years. Its staying power owes to its simplicity: Little more than a slug of whiskey, seasoned and sweetened with Angostura bitters and sugar, the drink is more special than a neat pour, but nearly as easy to enjoy.

What soda goes well with bourbon? ›

Cola will be the most obvious choice when you're making 2 ingredient bourbon drinks that include soda. You can pour 2 ounces of bourbon and 4 ounces of cola into a rocks glass filled with ice to make a bourbon and cola drink.

What to mix with whiskey to make it taste better? ›

While Cola and other sodas are popular whiskey mixers, we asked the experts for their go-to orders and some extra things to keep in mind.
  • What Can You Mix with Whiskey? ...
  • Soda Water. ...
  • Amaro. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Vermouth and Bitters. ...
  • Lemon Soda. ...
  • Warm Apple Cider. ...
  • Lemon Juice.
Jun 5, 2023

What juice is best with bourbon? ›

The perfect bourbon co*cktail: Two parts bourbon One part pomegranate juice Splash of maple syrup Juice of 1/2 mandarin orange Top with ginger beer Garnish with rosemary sprig, mandarin twist and pomegranate seeds.

What is the most popular way to drink bourbon? ›

Bourbon purists drink their juice neat- which means it's served at room temperature without anything added.

What is the smoothest bourbon to drink neat? ›

1. Old Forester 100 Proof. Old Forester is a well-known name in bourbon and whiskey, and this brand provides plenty of different options for sipping bourbon. Old Forester 100 proof has a robust flavor that is still somewhat sweet and smooth, making it a great choice for sipping neat or over ice.

What is the best bourbon according to bartenders? ›

Here are their favorites.
  • 01 of 07. Elijah Craig Small Batch. Food & Wine / Heaven Hill Distillery. ...
  • 02 of 07. Old Grand Dad Bottled In Bond. Food & Wine / Beam-Suntory. ...
  • 03 of 07. Few Straight Bourbon. Food & Wine / Few Distillery. ...
  • 04 of 07. Russell's Reserve 10. ...
  • 05 of 07. Widow Jane. ...
  • 06 of 07. Maker's Mark. ...
  • 07 of 07. Eagle Rare.
May 13, 2024

Why is Jack Daniel's not a bourbon? ›

And a bourbon must be distilled at no more than 160 proof, or 80% alcohol by volume. Jack is well under that. It comes over the still at 140 proof, or 70% alcohol. After that, a bourbon must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof, or 62.5% alcohol by volume.

What is bourbon and co*ke called? ›

When bourbon is used, it is often called bourbon and co*ke, or more generically, bourbon and cola. The "co*ke" part of the name may tend to imply that the Coca-Cola brand of cola is used, but it is common for any brand of cola to be referred to as "co*ke", at least in the American South. Whiskey and co*ke.

How do Beginners drink bourbon? ›

To fully enjoy bourbon neat, pour about two ounces into a tulip-shaped glass. Swirl gently to release the aromas, take a small sip, and let it linger on your palate before swallowing.

What can I mix with bourbon besides co*ke? ›

Ingredients:
  • Bourbon (Our Bourbon and Spire is the perfect blend for a dark wintery drink like this)
  • Apple Cider.
  • Lemon Juice.
  • Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer.
  • Spices - Try an apple slice, thyme, or cinnamon stick.
  • Ice.

What not to mix with whiskey? ›

Beer and whiskey are both beloved beverages, but they don't always mix well together. Mixing whiskey with beer can lead to an overwhelming and confusing taste. The flavors and carbonation of the beer can overpower the whiskey, resulting in a less enjoyable drinking experience.

How do you make bourbon taste better? ›

A whiskey highball is the most classic highball variety, and one of the best solutions when thinking about how to make bourbon taste better. Simply add whiskey to soda water and ice and you're good to go!

What compliments bourbon? ›

To help you make the most of your bourbon pairing, here are some suggestions to consider:
  • Dark Chocolate. Bourbon pairs well with dark chocolate because the slightly bitter taste complements the caramel notes of the bourbon.
  • Grilled Meats. ...
  • Caramel-based Desserts. ...
  • Spicy Foods. ...
  • Cheese. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Nuts.

What is the best thing to drink bourbon out of? ›

The best glass to enjoy all the flavors and aromas of bourbon is called a Glencairn glass, a tulip-shaped glass that funnels the aromas to your nose, allowing a full flavor experience. Any type of tulip-shaped glass will also work well, and there's nothing wrong with using a tumbler.

Is bourbon and club soda good? ›

This simple mix is a surprising hit, with a zesty, clean pour of soda loosening the rich vanilla and clove flavours of tasty Bourbon for an impressive long drink.

Is bourbon and co*ke good? ›

Bourbon and co*ke is a staple for any bourbon fan. Who could resist that mixture of sweetness balanced with the heady notes (especially from barrel-aged bourbon)? It's a combo that bourbon drinkers love worldwide. But if you're getting a little tired of the standard, we're here to help.

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