Top 10 Bourbon Cocktails to Impress Your Guests

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. This classic drink can be made with bourbon, rye, or blended whiskey. It's a simple yet sophisticated choice that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange slice
• 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.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Pro Tip: Serve over ice and garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for that perfect finishing touch.

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's a perfect blend of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, making it a sophisticated choice for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Cherry for garnish

Instructions

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

The Manhattan is a cocktail that exudes elegance and simplicity. It's a drink that can make anyone feel like a sophisticated connoisseur.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality bourbon to elevate the flavor of your Manhattan. A good bourbon can make all the difference!

3. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that's perfect for hot summer days. 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 great choice for any party or gathering.

Enjoy this simple yet delightful cocktail with friends and family!

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.

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.

Pro Tip: For an extra frothy texture, add an egg white to the shaker before shaking. It gives the drink a smooth, velvety finish.

The Whiskey Sour is not just a drink; it's an experience. Whether you're hosting a party or just enjoying a quiet evening, this cocktail is sure to impress.

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classy cocktail that will make you feel like you're in a fancy bar. It's a cousin to the Negroni, but with bourbon instead of gin. This drink is perfect for those who love a strong, slightly bitter taste.

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 well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

The Boulevardier is a great way to show off your bartending skills. It's simple to make but tastes like a million bucks.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality bourbon to make this drink really shine.

6. Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a Southern twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This cocktail swaps out vodka for bourbon, giving it a richer, more robust flavor.

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.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Kentucky Mule is a refreshing drink that's perfect for any occasion. It's a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests wanting more!

Tips

• For an extra kick, add a dash of bitters.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
• A copper mug isn't just for looks; it keeps your drink colder for longer.

7. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a cocktail that brings together the smoothness of bourbon with the refreshing taste of fruit. It's a drink that can easily impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 lemon (cut into wedges)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Seasonal fruit (like berries or peaches)
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a shaker, muddle the lemon wedges, mint leaves, and seasonal fruit.
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 mint sprig or a slice of fruit.

Pro Tip: For a twist, try using different fruits to create your own unique version of the Bourbon Smash. The combination of whiskey and fruit can transport you to a summer paradise.

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 both classy and refreshing.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Fun Fact

Did you know the Brown Derby was a favorite among Hollywood stars in the 1930s? It's a cocktail with a story!

The Brown Derby is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a great way to impress your guests with something a bit different from the usual bourbon cocktails.

9. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a modern classic that combines bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice. It's a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that will make your guests feel like they've struck liquid gold.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and 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 a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong. Your guests will be impressed by its simplicity and elegance.

10. Paper Plane

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

Ingredients

• 3/4 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Aperol
• 3/4 oz Amaro
• 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, Aperol, Amaro, and lemon juice.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.

The Paper Plane is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that will make you look like a pro bartender. It's a great choice for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to fancy parties.

Ever wondered how to make a simple paper plane? It's a fun and easy way to pass the time. If you're looking for more cool activities and ideas, check out our website. We have a ton of fun stuff waiting for you!