The Best Bourbon Cocktails to Celebrate the Holidays

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. It's perfect for those who love their bourbon with a touch of sweetness and a hint of citrus. This drink is a staple for any holiday gathering.

To make an Old Fashioned, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• A splash of water
• An orange twist for garnish

Start by placing the sugar cube in a glass. Add the bitters and a splash of water, then muddle until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the glass with ice, pour in the bourbon, and stir. Garnish with the orange twist.

The Old Fashioned is a great way to embrace holiday cheer with whiskey cocktails for winter and autumn. It's a drink that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for toasting to the cozy days of autumn and warm winter evenings.

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's a perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity, making it a great choice for holiday celebrations. The drink is made with just a few ingredients: 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Garnish it with a Luxardo maraschino cherry for that extra touch of class.

To make a Manhattan, follow these easy steps:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
3. Stir well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a Luxardo maraschino cherry.

The Manhattan is not just a drink; it's an experience. Its rich flavors and smooth finish make it a favorite for many.

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a beginner, the Manhattan is a must-try for any holiday gathering.

3. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic cocktail that's perfect for any holiday celebration. This refreshing drink combines bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint, making it a favorite for summer sipping. It's a must-try for any bourbon lover.

To make a Mint Julep, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Start by muddling the mint leaves and simple syrup in a glass. Add the bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice. Stir well and garnish with a sprig of mint. Enjoy your refreshing Mint Julep!

The Mint Julep is not just for summer; it's a great choice for any festive occasion, bringing a touch of elegance to your holiday gatherings.

4. Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's a simple yet delicious mix of bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors.

To make a Whiskey Sour, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Optional: a dash of egg white for a frothy texture

Instructions:

1. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. If using egg white, dry shake the ingredients first (without ice) to create a frothy texture, then add ice and shake again.
5. Garnish with a cherry or a slice of lemon.

The Whiskey Sour is a wonderful twist on a popular drink! This recipe for maple whiskey sour has rich bourbon, a touch of maple syrup, and the bright twist of citrus.

Enjoy this refreshing cocktail at your next holiday gathering and impress your guests with your bartending skills!

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classic cocktail that brings a twist to the traditional Negroni by swapping out gin for whiskey. All you need is bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. This drink is perfect for those who love a strong, slightly bitter cocktail.

To make a Boulevardier, follow these simple steps:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add 1.5 oz of bourbon.
3. Pour in 1 oz of sweet vermouth.
4. Add 1 oz of Campari.
5. Stir well until chilled.
6. Strain into a chilled glass.
7. Garnish with an orange twist.

The Boulevardier is a sophisticated choice for holiday gatherings, offering a rich and complex flavor profile that stands out in any festive setting.

6. Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a fun twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping out vodka for bourbon. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a bit of zing in their drink. It's a refreshing mix of bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• Ice
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a copper mug or a glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon and lime juice.
3. Top it off with ginger beer.
4. Give it a gentle stir.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Kentucky Mule is a delightful drink that brings a bit of Southern charm to your holiday celebrations. It's easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

7. Hot Toddy

When the weather outside is frightful, a Hot Toddy is the perfect drink to warm you up. This classic cocktail is a holiday special that combines bourbon, honey, lemon juice, and hot water. It's like a warm hug in a mug!

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup hot water
• Optional: cinnamon stick or lemon slice for garnish

Instructions

1. Pour the bourbon into a mug.
2. Add the honey and lemon juice.
3. Top off with hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or lemon slice if desired.

A Hot Toddy is not just a drink; it's a cozy experience that pairs perfectly with festive food and whiskey combinations. Try it with gingerbread cookies for a delightful holiday experience.

Enjoy your Hot Toddy by the fire and let the holiday spirit warm your soul!

8. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is like a party in a glass, perfect for those who want to celebrate the holidays with a refreshing twist. This cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon with fresh mint and citrus, making it a delightful choice for any festive gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup and lemon juice.
2. Add the bourbon and ice, then shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon slice and more mint.

The Bourbon Smash is not just a drink; it’s an experience that can elevate your holiday spirits.

So, if you’re exploring festive bourbon options this season, don’t forget to whip up this delightful cocktail. It’s sure to impress your guests and keep the holiday cheer flowing!

9. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your holiday celebrations. This drink is a delightful mix of bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. It's a refreshing option that stands out among other tasty bourbon-infused holiday treats.

To make a Brown Derby, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz honey syrup

Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist for an extra touch of elegance.

The Brown Derby is perfect for those who enjoy a citrusy twist in their bourbon cocktails. It's both refreshing and sophisticated, making it a great choice for any festive gathering.

Enjoy this cocktail as a unique addition to your holiday drink menu!

10. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush cocktail is a delightful mix that brings together the sweetness of honey and the zing of lemon juice, all while showcasing the rich flavors of bourbon. This drink is perfect for those chilly holiday nights! It’s like a warm hug in a glass, making it a favorite among bourbon lovers.

To whip up this refreshing drink, you’ll need:

• 2 oz Pinhook Bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz honey syrup (just mix equal parts honey and water)

Just shake all the ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and enjoy!

Ingredient	Amount
Pinhook Bourbon	2 oz
Lemon Juice	3/4 oz
Honey Syrup	3/4 oz

The Gold Rush is not just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass!

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