Top 10 Bourbon Cocktails to Spice Up Your Holiday Season

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. This cocktail is perfect for any holiday gathering, adding a touch of sophistication to your celebrations.

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 great way to impress your guests with minimal effort. It's a simple yet elegant drink that highlights the rich flavors of bourbon.

Pro Tip: For a festive twist, try adding a splash of sparkling water to your Old Fashioned. It adds a refreshing touch that's perfect for a New Year's Eve celebration.

3. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that's perfect for cooling down during the holiday season. It's a refreshing mix of bourbon, fresh mint, and simple syrup that will make you feel like you're lounging on a porch in Kentucky.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup
• Fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Instructions

1. Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup at the bottom of a glass.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Pour the bourbon over the ice.
4. Stir well until the glass is frosty.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

The Mint Julep is not just a drink; it's an experience. The combination of minty freshness and smooth bourbon will leave you wanting more.

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
• Optional: egg white for a frothy texture

Instructions

1. Dry shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and an egg white if using. Shake well without ice.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.

The Whiskey Sour is a great drink to enjoy during the holidays. Its balance of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

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 glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a drink that's both bitter and sweet. It's a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Fun Fact

The Boulevardier was created in the 1920s by an American writer living in Paris. Talk about a drink with a story!

7. Hot Toddy

When the weather outside is frightful, a Hot Toddy is delightful. This warm cocktail is perfect for cozying up by the fire during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 lemon slice (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Pour the bourbon, honey, and lemon juice into a mug.
2. Add the hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon slice.

Pro Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cloves or a splash of apple cider. This drink is not only tasty but also great for soothing a sore throat.

The Hot Toddy is a classic winter warmer, making it a must-have for any holiday gathering. Embrace the festive spirit with this cozy cocktail!

8. 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 spice and a lot of flavor.

To make a Kentucky Mule, start by adding bourbon and lime juice to a copper mug. Fill the mug with ice and top it off with ginger beer. For a finishing touch, add mint sprigs or a lime wedge for garnish.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Ice
• Mint sprigs or lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour the bourbon and lime juice into a copper mug.
2. Fill the mug with ice.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Garnish with mint sprigs or a lime wedge.

The Kentucky Mule is a refreshing drink that combines the warmth of bourbon with the zing of ginger beer. It's a great choice for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.

9. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your holiday season. 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 and water)
• 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.

Bold flavors of bourbon and the zesty kick of grapefruit make this cocktail a standout. Perfect for those who want to explore bourbon cocktails for every occasion, the Brown Derby is sure to elevate your holiday gatherings.

10. Bourbon Eggnog

Bourbon Eggnog is the ultimate holiday treat that combines the creamy goodness of eggnog with the rich, warm flavors of bourbon. Homemade eggnog is a must for every holiday season. It's a drink that brings everyone together, making your gatherings extra special.

Ingredients

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup bourbon

Instructions

1. In a large heavy saucepan, mix the egg yolks, milk, and the 1/3 cup sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture just coats a metal spoon.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg.
4. Add the bourbon and mix well.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

This creamy, boozy delight is perfect for sipping by the fire or sharing with friends at your holiday party. Don't forget to sprinkle a little extra nutmeg on top for that finishing touch!

Bourbon Eggnog is a holiday favorite that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the creamy goodness of eggnog. It's perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy night in. Want to try making it yourself? Visit our website for the full recipe and more bourbon-inspired ideas. Don't miss out on our exclusive bourbon subscriptions!