Top Bourbon Cocktails to Impress Your Guests This Holiday Season

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. It's the granddaddy of all bourbon cocktails and a surefire way to impress your guests. This drink is simple yet sophisticated, making it perfect for any holiday gathering.

To make an Old Fashioned, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• A splash of water
• Orange peel for garnish

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 add the bourbon.
5. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.

The Old Fashioned is a timeless choice that combines simplicity with elegance. It's a drink that says, "I know my cocktails," without being too flashy.

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan is an iconic elixir of elegance. This cocktail is a timeless symbol of refinement and sophistication. It's perfect for those who want to impress their guests with a touch of class. The Manhattan is a simple yet sophisticated drink that combines bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters.

To make a Manhattan, follow these steps:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add 2 ounces of bourbon.
3. Pour in 1 ounce of sweet vermouth.
4. Add a few dashes of bitters.
5. Stir well until chilled.
6. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
7. Garnish with a cherry or a twist of orange peel.

The Manhattan is not just a drink; it's an experience. The blend of bourbon and vermouth creates a smooth, rich flavor that is hard to beat.

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 a surefire way to impress your guests with its simplicity and elegance.

To make a Mint Julep, follow these easy steps:

1. Muddle fresh mint leaves and sugar in a glass.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Add bourbon and a splash of water.
4. Stir well and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Pro tip: Use a silver or pewter cup to keep your drink extra cold. Your guests will love the frosty look and the refreshing taste of this timeless cocktail.

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 delightful 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 like you mean it 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 vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist, if you're feeling fancy.

A Whiskey Sour is not just a drink; it's an experience. The balance of flavors will make your taste buds dance.

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a beginner, the Whiskey Sour is a must-try. It's simple to make but delivers a complex flavor that will impress any guest.

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classy cocktail that will surely impress your guests. This drink is a cousin to the Negroni, but it swaps gin for bourbon. The result is a rich, warming drink that's perfect for the holidays. It's a great way to showcase your favorite bourbon.

To make a Boulevardier, you'll need:

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

Mix all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with an orange twist for a touch of elegance.

The Boulevardier is a fantastic choice for those who love a strong, flavorful cocktail. It's a drink that stands out and makes a statement.

6. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a delightful cocktail that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the refreshing taste of lemon and mint. It's a perfect drink for those who want to enjoy a tasty bourbon-infused holiday treat without too much fuss.

To make a Bourbon Smash, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Half a lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice

Instructions

1. Muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves in a shaker.
2. Add the bourbon and simple syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

This cocktail is not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing. It's sure to impress your guests and elevate your holiday celebrations with sophisticated flavors.

7. Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a fun twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping vodka for bourbon. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a bit of spice and a lot of flavor. It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress your guests this holiday season.

To make a Kentucky Mule, you'll need:

• Bourbon
• Lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Ice
• Lime wedges for garnish

Fill a copper mug with ice. Add bourbon and lime juice, then stir to combine. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedges. Cheers!

The Kentucky Mule cocktail is a refreshing and zesty drink that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

8. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your holiday gatherings. This three-ingredient drink is simple to make but complex in flavor. For an easy drink, it uses just bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.

Ingredients

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

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.

The Brown Derby is perfect for those who love a mix of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a great way to impress your guests without spending too much time at the bar.

9. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a modern classic that will make your guests feel like they've struck it rich. This cocktail is a delightful mix of bourbon, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. It's perfect for a new year's eve celebration or any festive gathering.

To make a Gold Rush, follow these simple steps:

1. Combine 2 oz of bourbon, 3/4 oz of honey syrup, and 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice in a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality honey syrup to elevate the flavors of this cocktail.

The Gold Rush is not just a drink; it's an experience. The combination of sweet honey and tart lemon with the rich, warm notes of bourbon makes it a standout choice for any holiday party.

10. Bourbon Sidecar

The Bourbon Sidecar is a modern twist on a classic cocktail. It's a delightful mix of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, triple sec or orange liqueur, and simple syrup. This drink is perfect for those who love a bit of tang with their bourbon.

To make this cocktail, you'll need:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist for that extra touch of class.

Bold flavors and a zesty finish make the Bourbon Sidecar a standout choice for any holiday gathering. It's sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

The Bourbon Sidecar is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the tangy taste of lemon juice and a hint of sweetness from triple sec. It's a perfect drink for any occasion, whether you're relaxing at home or hosting a party. Want to try making one yourself? Visit our website to explore our monthly bourbon subscription options and get the best bourbon delivered right to your door.