Top 10 Bourbon Cocktails to Elevate Your Next Party

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. This drink is a perfect blend of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. It's a simple yet sophisticated choice for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of bitters
• Orange twist
• Maraschino cherry

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 and a maraschino cherry.

The Old Fashioned cocktail can be made with bourbon, rye, or blended whiskey. Serve over ice and garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

This classic drink is sure to impress your guests and elevate your next party.

2. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that's perfect for any gathering. This easy mint julep recipe combines mint, bourbon, and sugar to create a refreshing drink that's quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• Fresh mint leaves
• Bourbon
• Sugar
• Crushed ice

Instructions

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

The Mint Julep is not just for the Kentucky Derby; it's a hit at any party. Its simple ingredients and refreshing taste make it a crowd favorite.

Whether you're hosting a Derby party or just want a cool drink, the Mint Julep is a must-try. The combination of mint and bourbon is simply unbeatable.

3. 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 gathering.

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

The Whiskey Sour is a great choice for a New Year's Eve celebration. Its balanced flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, ensuring your party is a hit.

4. Manhattan

The Manhattan cocktail is a symbol of elegance since the late 19th century. This classic drink combines whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Its origins are debated, with ties to New York's Manhattan Club. This classic drink captivates cocktail enthusiasts worldwide, offering a sophisticated experience.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Cherry or lemon twist 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 cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.

The Manhattan invites experimentation with different whiskeys and vermouths, allowing for personal twists on this timeless elixir.

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classy cocktail that combines bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. It's a cousin to the Negroni but swaps gin for bourbon, giving it a richer flavor.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions

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

Bold and bitter, the Boulevardier is perfect for those who enjoy a strong drink with a touch of sweetness. It's a great choice for impressing guests at any party!

The Boulevardier is a fantastic example of how whiskey and fruit can come together to create a refreshing and sophisticated drink. Try it at your next gathering and watch your friends' faces light up with delight!

6. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines the bold flavors of bourbon with the zesty taste of fresh fruits and herbs. It's perfect for those who enjoy a drink that's both strong and fruity.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh mint leaves
• Seasonal berries (optional)
• Ice

Instructions

1. Muddle the lemon wedges, simple syrup, and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. This helps release the flavors and oils from the ingredients.
2. Add the bourbon and ice to the shaker.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint and some seasonal berries if desired.

The Bourbon Smash is a versatile cocktail that can be customized with different fruits and herbs to suit your taste. Whether you prefer blackberries, raspberries, or even peaches, this drink is sure to impress your guests at any party.

7. Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a fun twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping out vodka for bourbon. This cocktail is a refreshing mix of bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice, making it perfect for any party.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 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.
4. Stir gently to mix.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Kentucky Mule is a crowd-pleaser with its zesty and spicy flavors. It's a great way to introduce bourbon to those who might be new to it.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality ginger beer for the best taste. The spicier, the better!

8. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a simple yet delicious concoction that showcases the perfect balance of bourbon, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. This refreshing and satisfying drink is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz honey syrup
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

Instructions

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

The Gold Rush is a modern classic that brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. It's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality honey syrup for the best flavor.

9. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your party. This drink is a delightful mix of bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. It's perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Combine the 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 great way to explore new flavors and impress your guests with something unique. It's a simple yet sophisticated choice for any gathering.

Tips

• Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
• Adjust the honey syrup to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet drink.
• For a fun twist, try using a flavored honey syrup, like lavender or rosemary.

10. Bourbon Sidecar

The Bourbon Sidecar is a delightful twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, swapping out the traditional brandy for bourbon. This change gives the drink a richer, more robust flavor that's perfect for bourbon lovers.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz triple sec
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• Lemon twist or orange twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon or orange twist.

The Bourbon Sidecar is a great way to introduce your friends to bourbon cocktails. Its balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at any party.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch of class, rim the glass with sugar before pouring in the cocktail. It adds a sweet contrast to the drink's tartness.

The Bourbon Sidecar is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the tangy taste of lemon juice and a hint of sweetness from triple sec. It's a perfect drink for any occasion, whether you're relaxing at home or hosting a party. Want to try making one yourself? Visit our website to explore our monthly bourbon subscription options and get everything you need delivered right to your door.