Classic and Modern Recipes for Every Palate
Bourbon cocktails offer a warm embrace of smoky richness, sweet undertones and a hint of spice that invites both classic drink enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. Want to try making your own? We've put together a list of simple bourbon cocktails you can make at home, along with taste notes and easy-to-follow mixing directions for each delicious drink.
1. Old Fashioned
A true classic, the Old Fashioned emphasizes simplicity and a robust flavor profile. The cocktail carries notes of oak, caramel and a subtle hint of citrus zest.
Muddle a sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon of simple syrup) with 2 dashes of bitters in a glass. Add a large ice cube and pour in 2 ounces of bourbon. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel, expressing its oils over the drink before dropping it in.
2. Maple-Bourbon Smash
This cocktail offers a delightful twist with the addition of maple syrup. Expect layered flavors of vanilla, caramel and a touch of smoky spice with a refreshing burst from muddled lemon and mint.
In a shaker, combine 2 ounces of bourbon, 1/2 ounce of pure maple syrup, a handful of fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Shake with ice, then strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and an additional lemon wheel.
3. Manhattan
Renowned for its sophistication, the Manhattan carries dark, brooding notes of chocolate and cherry with an underlying herbal complexity.
Pour 2 ounces of bourbon and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth into a mixing glass with ice and add 2 dashes of bitters. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry for the traditional finishing touch.
4. Boulevardier
Perfect for those who enjoy a slight twist on the Negroni, the Boulevardier swaps gin for bourbon, imparting notes of spice, dark fruit and herbal nuances.
Mix 1.5 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of Campari and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel to illuminate the aromatic bitters.
5. Mint Julep
No bourbon cocktail list is complete without the Mint Julep. A staple of Southern cocktail culture, this drink is crisp, cooling and carries hints of fresh garden mint contrasted with the smooth, oaky warmth of bourbon.
In a julep cup or a sturdy glass, gently muddle 8-10 mint leaves with 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Fill the glass with crushed ice, add 2.5 ounces of bourbon and stir until the cup becomes frosted on the outside. Garnish with a sprig of mint for an extra burst of aroma.
6. Alpine Brew
Combining the clarity of botanical flavors with the robustness of bourbon, the Alpine Brew has flavors of citrus and light herbs, making it both invigorating and smooth.
Shake 2 ounces of bourbon with 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 ounce of honey syrup (equal parts honey and water) and a few basil leaves with ice. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a basil leaf or lemon twist.
7. New York Sour
The New York Sour adds a dramatic, layered twist to the traditional whiskey sour by floating red wine on top, creating a perfect balance between tart citrus, smooth bourbon and a wine finish.
Shake 2 ounces of bourbon, 3/4 ounce lemon juice and 1/2 ounce simple syrup with ice. Strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice. Gently pour 1/2 ounce of red wine over the back of a spoon to achieve a layered effect and garnish with a lemon wheel.
8. Paper Plane
This modern classic blends the bold nature of bourbon with intriguing, bitter notes of Amaro and Aperol, resulting in a cocktail that delights the palate with bright citrus hints and a touch of tang.
In a shaker, combine 1 ounce bourbon, 1 ounce Aperol, 1 ounce Amaro Nonino (or a similar bitter liqueur) and 1 ounce fresh lemon juice with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass.
9. Bourbon Smash
A refreshing mixture perfect for summer nights, the Bourbon Smash has bright, zesty flavors with an undertone of spice.
Combine 2 ounces of bourbon, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, a few lemon wedges and a handful of fresh mint leaves in a shaker. Muddle the ingredients together, add ice and shake once more. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and garnish with a mint sprig or lemon wheel.
10. Shadow Woman
For those seeking a cocktail that exudes mystery, the Shadow Woman is a mixture of bourbon with herbal and citrus elements, creating a drink that is as intriguing as it is flavorful.
In a shaker, add 2 ounces of bourbon, 1/2 ounce of elderflower liqueur, 3/4 ounce of fresh lime juice and a dash of orange bitters with ice. Shake until chilled, strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a thin twist of lime peel.