Top 10 Bourbon Cocktails to Elevate Your Holiday Parties

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. It's the perfect drink to kick off your holiday party with a touch of class.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist
• Ice

Instructions

1. Place the sugar cube in a glass.
2. Add the bitters and a splash of water.
3. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the bourbon.
5. Stir gently and garnish with an orange twist.

This cocktail is a holiday special that pairs well with festive foods like pumpkin pie and gingerbread cookies.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality bourbon to make your Old Fashioned truly stand out.

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a cocktail that screams sophistication. This iconic elixir of elegance has been a favorite since the late 19th century. It's a simple mix of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, but the result is pure magic.

Ingredients

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes bitters
• Cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.

The Manhattan is not just a drink; it's a timeless symbol of elegance. Perfect for any holiday party, it will surely impress your guests.

3. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that's perfect for any holiday party. It's especially popular during the Kentucky Derby, where it's practically the official drink.

Ingredients

• Handful of fresh mint (5-8 leaves)
• 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp water
• 3 oz. bourbon (Kentucky bourbon is the tradition)

Instructions

1. Muddle the mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a glass.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Add the bourbon and stir well.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Pro Tip: Use a silver or pewter cup to keep your Mint Julep extra cold. It makes a big difference!

This refreshing drink is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering. Cheers!

4. Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and strong, making it a favorite at any holiday party.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Lemon twist or cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.

The Whiskey Sour is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. It's the perfect balance of flavors that will keep your guests coming back for more.

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classy cocktail that brings a touch of sophistication to any holiday gathering. It's like the Negroni's cooler cousin, swapping out gin for bourbon.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
3. Stir until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

Pro Tip: For an extra festive touch, use a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. It adds a subtle spice that pairs perfectly with the bourbon.

The Boulevardier is perfect for those who enjoy a drink that's both strong and smooth. It's a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort. Cheers to a holiday season filled with good times and great cocktails!

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.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

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

The Kentucky Mule is a refreshing choice that can elevate any holiday gathering, making it more enjoyable and flavorful.

This cocktail is not only easy to make but also brings a festive touch to your holiday parties. The combination of bourbon and ginger beer creates a delightful mix that will keep your guests coming back for more.

7. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the zesty taste of fresh lemon and mint. It's a perfect drink for those who enjoy a bit of citrus in their bourbon.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Half a lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a shaker, muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves together.
2. Add the bourbon and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different bourbon brands to find your favorite flavor combination. This cocktail is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

The Bourbon Smash is not just a drink; it's a tasty bourbon-infused holiday treat that will impress your guests and add a touch of sophistication to your festive celebrations.

8. Hot Toddy

When the weather outside is frightful, a Hot Toddy is simply delightful. This classic hot toddy recipe is perfect for warming up during the holidays. It's super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

Ingredients

• Hot water
• Bourbon
• Honey
• Lemon

Instructions

1. Heat up some water until it's nice and hot.
2. Pour a shot of bourbon into your favorite mug.
3. Add a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon.
4. Fill the mug with hot water and stir well.
5. Enjoy your cozy drink!

A Hot Toddy is not just a drink; it's a warm hug in a mug. Perfect for those chilly nights when you need a little extra comfort.

9. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your holiday party. Named after the famous hat-shaped restaurant in Los Angeles, this drink is both refreshing and sophisticated.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water ratio)
• Grapefruit twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

The Brown Derby is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and strong, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Pro Tip: Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the best flavor. Store-bought juice just won't cut it!

10. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a modern classic that brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. This cocktail is a delightful mix of bourbon, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. It's perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy drink.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Combine bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

This cocktail is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it ideal for impressing guests at any holiday party.

Bold flavors and a simple recipe make the Gold Rush a must-try for any bourbon lover.

The Gold Rush was a time of excitement and adventure. People from all over the world rushed to find gold and make their fortunes. If you love discovering new things, why not explore our exclusive monthly subscription clubs? From bourbon to tequila, we have something for everyone. Don't miss out on the fun!