Top 10 Bourbon Cocktails to Impress Your Guests

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy exploring flavor differences between bourbon and scotch. The Old Fashioned is simple yet sophisticated, making it a favorite at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 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.

The Old Fashioned is a drink that lets the bourbon shine, whether you prefer it on the rocks or neat. Personal preference reigns supreme. Cheers to the winner!

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's a perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity. To make this drink, you'll need just a few ingredients: 2 ounces rye whiskey, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Don't forget to garnish with a Luxardo maraschino cherry for that extra touch of class.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Luxardo maraschino cherry (for garnish)

Instructions

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

The Manhattan is a drink that never goes out of style. It's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a fancy dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home.

3. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days and is often associated with the Kentucky Derby. The cocktail of the month: Mint Julep is a must-try for any bourbon lover.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons water
• 4 fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Instructions

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and water.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Add the bourbon and stir well.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

The Julep was an Arabian drink made of rose petals and water. The drink was first made for princesses and quickly gained popularity as a health elixir. It was later adapted into the Mint Julep we know today.

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 for many. To make this drink, you'll need to combine 2 oz. bourbon, ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice, and ¾ oz. simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake it vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. bourbon
• ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz. simple syrup
• Ice

Instructions

1. Pour the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist, if desired.

The Whiskey Sour is a great choice for those who enjoy a balanced drink with a bit of a kick. It's simple to make but always leaves a lasting impression.

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a cocktail that will make you feel like a sophisticated bartender. This drink is a cousin to the Negroni, but it swaps gin for bourbon. It's a perfect blend of bitter and sweet. To make this classic, you'll need bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Mix them together, and you've got a drink that's both strong and smooth.

• 1.5 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth

Stir these ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist to add a bit of flair.

The Boulevardier is a great way to show off your bartending skills. It's a drink that looks fancy but is easy to make. Plus, it's a fun way to enjoy bourbon in a new way.

6. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a refreshing drink that combines the smoothness of bourbon with the tangy flavors of fresh fruit. This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser, especially on warm days! It’s made with juicy blackberries, zesty lime, fresh mint, turbinado simple syrup, and, of course, smooth bourbon.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Muddle blackberries and mint in a shaker.
2. Add lime juice and turbinado syrup.
3. Pour in the bourbon and shake well.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a few blackberries.

This drink is perfect for sipping on a warm evening or impressing guests at your next gathering.

The Bourbon Smash is not just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass!

7. Kentucky Mule

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

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• Ice
• 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 great way to enjoy bourbon in a light and fizzy drink. It's easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

8. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a cocktail that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your glass. Named after the famous hat-shaped restaurant in Los Angeles, this drink is a delightful mix of bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. It's a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

To make a Brown Derby, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)

Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist for that extra flair.

This cocktail is one of those exciting bourbon gifts for festive celebrations, perfect for impressing your guests with its unique taste and stylish presentation.

9. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a bee-stung whiskey sour variation composed of bourbon, honey syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This cocktail is a modern classic that has quickly become a favorite among bourbon lovers. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that can be whipped up in no time.

To make a Gold Rush, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients 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, if desired.

The Gold Rush is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy drink with a kick of bourbon. It's a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort.

10. Paper Plane

The Paper Plane cocktail is a modern classic that will surely impress your guests. This drink is a delightful mix of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. It's a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors.

To make this cocktail, follow these simple steps:

1. In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice cubes, pour in bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino.
2. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3. Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Enjoy this refreshing and sophisticated drink at your next gathering. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!

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