Top 10 Bourbon Cocktails to Impress Your Guests This Holiday Season

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. This cocktail is the epitome of simplicity and elegance, making it a perfect choice for any holiday gathering. To make an Old Fashioned, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Orange twist for garnish

Start by placing the sugar cube in a glass and saturating it with bitters. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved, then add a large ice cube and pour in the bourbon. Stir gently and garnish with an orange twist. It's a cocktail that truly lets the bourbon shine.

The Old Fashioned is a great way to explore top bourbon cocktails and impress your guests with its simplicity and depth of flavor.

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan cocktail is a classic and sophisticated drink that has stood the test of time. Made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, it exudes elegance and charm. This iconic elixir is a must-have for any cocktail enthusiast looking to impress their guests with a touch of history and style.

3. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that's perfect for any holiday gathering. It's refreshing, minty, and oh-so-smooth. This cocktail is traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup, but any glass will do in a pinch.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Muddle the mint leaves, sugar, and water 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 a drink; it's an experience. The combination of mint and bourbon creates a unique flavor that's hard to beat.

4. Whiskey Sour

When it comes to classic bourbon cocktails, the Whiskey Sour is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. This timeless drink combines the bold flavors of bourbon with the zesty kick of fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. The key to a perfect Whiskey Sour lies in achieving the ideal balance of sweet, sour, and spirit. Whether shaken or stirred, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests with its refreshing taste and smooth finish. So, next time you're hosting a gathering, shake up a Whiskey Sour and raise a toast to good times and great drinks!

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a sophisticated cocktail that will elevate your holiday celebrations. This drink is a cousin to the Negroni, but with a bourbon twist. It's perfect for those who enjoy a strong, flavorful drink with a touch of sweetness.

To make a Boulevardier, you'll need:

  • 1 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz Campari

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until well-chilled, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist for an extra touch of elegance.

The Boulevardier is one of those tasty bourbon-infused holiday treats that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

6. Bourbon Smash

When it comes to bourbon cocktails, the Bourbon Smash is a delightful choice for those who enjoy a refreshing blend of whiskey and fruit. This cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the vibrant notes of fresh fruits, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and tartness. The Bourbon Smash is a perfect option for those looking to elevate their cocktail game with a twist of fruity goodness. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, the Bourbon Smash is sure to impress your guests with its flavorful profile and vibrant colors.

7. Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping out vodka for bourbon. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing drink with a bit of a kick.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
  2. Add bourbon and lime juice.
  3. Top off with ginger beer and stir gently.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge.
The Kentucky Mule is a crowd-pleaser, combining the spiciness of ginger beer with the smoothness of bourbon. It's a surefire way to impress your guests this holiday season!

8. Brown Derby

Brown Derby cocktail

The Brown Derby is a classic bourbon cocktail that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit juice and honey syrup. This cocktail is named after the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, making it a timeless choice for any gathering. It's a perfect blend of sweet and sour, guaranteed to impress your guests this holiday season.

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz honey syrup
  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.
The Brown Derby is not just a drink; it's an experience that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your holiday festivities.

9. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a modern classic that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the zesty tang of lemon and the sweet touch of honey. This cocktail is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for impressing your guests during the holiday season.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Pro Tip: To make honey syrup, simply mix equal parts honey and hot water until the honey is fully dissolved. This ensures a smooth and consistent sweetness in your cocktail.

The Gold Rush is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create a cocktail that's both sophisticated and refreshing. Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or a casual sipper, this drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

10. Bourbon Hot Toddy

When it comes to warming up on a chilly evening, the Bourbon Hot Toddy is a classic choice. This comforting cocktail combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the soothing warmth of hot water, honey, and spices. Perfect for sipping by the fireplace or enjoying at a holiday gathering, the Bourbon Hot Toddy is a festive favorite that never fails to impress. Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply in need of a cozy drink, this timeless cocktail is sure to hit the spot.

Warm up your evenings with our delightful Bourbon Hot Toddy recipe. Perfect for those chilly nights, this classic drink combines the rich flavors of bourbon with a hint of honey and lemon. Ready to elevate your bourbon experience? Visit our website to explore our exclusive Bourbon-of-the-Month Clubs and discover a world of unique flavors delivered right to your door.