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 perfect drink to showcase your bartending skills and impress your guests this holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange twist
• Ice

Instructions

1. Place the sugar cube in an old-fashioned 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.

Pro Tip: For a festive twist, try using a seasonal whiskey to match the flavors of the season. This can add a unique touch to your Old Fashioned and make it even more special for your holiday gatherings.

The Old Fashioned is a timeless drink that warms the spirit and enhances the holiday cheer. It's perfect for cozy winter nights and festive celebrations.

2. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style. It's perfect for those who enjoy a strong, smooth drink with a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

The Manhattan is a great way to show off your bartending skills. It's simple to make but delivers a complex flavor that will impress your guests.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality bourbon for the best results. The better the bourbon, the better the Manhattan!

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.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and water.
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 mint and bourbon will leave your guests 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 at any gathering.

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. Add 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 delightful choice for any celebration, combining rich flavors that will impress your guests. Raise your glasses and toast to a fantastic time!

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a classy cocktail that will make you feel like you're in a fancy bar, even if you're just in your living room. This drink is a cousin to the Negroni, but it swaps gin for bourbon, giving it a warm, rich flavor.

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 cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch of class, use a large ice cube in your glass. It melts slower and keeps your drink cold without watering it down.

The Boulevardier is perfect for those who enjoy a drink that's both strong and smooth. It's a great way to impress your guests with your cocktail-making skills this holiday season.

6. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a delightful cocktail that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the refreshing taste of fruit. It's a perfect drink for those who enjoy a mix of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 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 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 and a lemon wheel.

The Bourbon Smash is a versatile cocktail that can be easily customized with different fruits. Try adding berries or a splash of citrus for a refreshing twist. It's a great way to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful drink.

7. Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping out vodka for bourbon. This cocktail is a refreshing blend of bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice, served in a traditional copper mug. It's a perfect drink for any holiday gathering.

To make a Kentucky Mule, follow these simple steps:

1. Fill a copper mug with ice.
2. Add 2 oz of bourbon.
3. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime.
4. Top off with ginger beer.
5. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

Bourbon adds a rich, warm flavor that pairs beautifully with the spicy kick of ginger beer. This drink is not only tasty but also easy to make, ensuring you spend more time with your guests and less time mixing drinks.

The Kentucky Mule is a crowd-pleaser, offering a unique and flavorful experience that stands out from other holiday cocktails.

8. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail that brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to your holiday gatherings. This drink is named after the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, where it was first created.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water ratio)
• 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 and tangy, the Brown Derby is perfect for those who enjoy a citrusy kick in their bourbon cocktails. The grapefruit juice adds a refreshing twist, making it a delightful choice for any festive occasion.

This cocktail is a great way to explore delightful bourbon-infused holiday treats that elevate festive celebrations. The Brown Derby promises a flavorful holiday season filled with indulgence.

9. Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a modern classic that combines the rich flavors of bourbon with the zesty taste of lemon and the sweetness of honey. This cocktail is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings.

To make a Gold Rush, you'll need just three ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz honey syrup (a mix of honey and water)

Instructions

1. Combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.

The Gold Rush is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that will surely impress your guests. Its balance of sweet and sour flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a beginner, the Gold Rush is a must-try. It's a great way to explore a variety of whiskey flavors and impress your loved ones this holiday season.

10. Bourbon Sidecar

The Bourbon Sidecar is a twist on the classic Sidecar cocktail, swapping out the usual brandy for bourbon. This change gives the drink a richer, deeper flavor that's perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz triple sec
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• Ice
• Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, triple sec, and lemon juice.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Bold and zesty, the Bourbon Sidecar is sure to impress your guests. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that brings a touch of class to any holiday gathering.

This cocktail is a great way to elevate your holiday party and make your guests feel special. It's easy to make but tastes like a million bucks.

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.