Top 10 Bourbon Cocktails to Wow Your Guests This 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 party.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist, for garnish
• 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 to combine.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.

The Old Fashioned is a great way to celebrate New Year's Eve with delightful whiskey cocktails and appetizers. Enjoy classic recipes like this one for a memorable gathering.

Pro Tip: Use a large ice cube to keep your drink cold without watering it down.

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a timeless cocktail that has been a favorite for generations. This classic drink is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. It's typically garnished with a maraschino cherry, adding a touch of sweetness to the mix.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

The Manhattan is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, yet smooth drink. It's a great way to impress your guests with your bartending skills.

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, the Manhattan is a must-try. Its classic flavor profile is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

3. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that's perfect for any holiday gathering. This refreshing drink combines bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and a splash of water. It's traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup, but any glass will do in a pinch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp water
• 4-5 fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Instructions

1. Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
2. Add the water and bourbon.
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice 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 bourbon and mint creates a refreshing and invigorating flavor that's hard to beat.

This cocktail is a staple at the Kentucky Derby, but it's also a great choice for holiday parties. Your guests will love the unique flavors and the touch of Southern charm it brings to the table.

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 the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with 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 way to introduce your guests to the world of bourbon cocktails. Its balanced flavor profile 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 mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. This drink is perfect for those who love a bit of bitterness in their cocktails.

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. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
3. Stir until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

Bold and bitter, the Boulevardier is a great way to explore a variety of whiskey flavors. It's a drink that stands out at any holiday party.

6. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines the bold flavors of bourbon with the zesty taste of citrus and the coolness of mint. It's a perfect drink to enjoy during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 lime, cut into quarters lengthwise
• 1 lemon, cut into quarters lengthwise
• 8 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 ounce (one tablespoon) simple syrup
• 2 ounces bourbon
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a shaker, muddle the lime, lemon, and mint leaves with the simple syrup.
2. Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with additional mint leaves.

Pro Tip: For an extra kick, use a high-proof bourbon. It will add more depth to the drink.

The Bourbon Smash is not just a drink; it's an experience. The combination of citrus and mint makes it a standout choice for any holiday gathering.

7. 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 zing in their drink.

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 mix.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Bold flavors of bourbon and the spicy kick of ginger beer make this drink a crowd-pleaser. It's a great way to elevate your holiday celebrations with a tasty bourbon-infused treat.

The Kentucky Mule is not just a drink; it's an experience. The combination of bourbon and ginger beer creates a refreshing yet robust flavor profile that's hard to resist.

8. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your holiday gathering. 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 ratio of 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 the mixture is chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Pro Tip: To make honey syrup, simply mix equal parts honey and warm water until fully combined. This will blend more easily into your cocktail.

The Brown Derby is perfect for those who enjoy a drink that's not too sweet but still packs a punch. The grapefruit juice adds a zesty kick, making it a standout choice for any festive occasion.

9. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a modern classic that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the zing of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of honey. It's a cocktail that will make your taste buds dance!

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 warm water until the honey is fully dissolved. This ensures it blends smoothly into your cocktail.

The Gold Rush is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that will surely impress your guests this holiday season.

10. Hot Toddy

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

Ingredients

• 1 cup hot water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 shot bourbon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 lemon slice

Instructions

1. Heat the water until it's steaming but not boiling.
2. Add the honey and stir until it dissolves.
3. Pour in the bourbon and lemon juice.
4. Stir well and add the cinnamon stick.
5. Garnish with a lemon slice.

A Hot Toddy is not just a drink; it's a warm hug in a mug. Perfect for those chilly nights when you need a little extra warmth.

Tips

• For a twist, try adding a pinch of cloves or a dash of nutmeg.
• If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey to taste.
• You can also use apple cider instead of water for a fruity kick.

A Hot Toddy is the perfect drink to warm you up on a chilly evening. This classic cocktail combines hot water, honey, lemon, and your favorite whiskey to create a soothing beverage. Whether you're feeling under the weather or just want to relax, a Hot Toddy is always a good choice. Want to explore more delicious drinks? Check out our monthly subscription clubs and discover new favorites delivered right to your door.