Few spirits spark as much love as bourbon, and these bourbon cocktail recipe show exactly why. America’s native whiskey brings warmth, depth, and just the right touch of sweetness to any mixed drink.
Whether you’re in the mood for the classic charm of an Old Fashioned or the fresh kick of a Whiskey Smash, these five bourbon cocktail recipes are must-tries. They highlight everything we love about bourbon, from its caramel notes to its oaky finish.
As a longtime whiskey fan, I can tell you that great bourbon plus the right mix is where the magic happens. These recipes are tested, easy to make, and taste like something straight from a top-shelf bar. Your bourbon adventure starts now.
1. Classic Old Fashioned
The king of bourbon cocktails—simple, strong, and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp granulated sugar)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist (for garnish)
- Ice (preferably a large cube)
How to Make It:
- In a rocks glass, muddle the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water until dissolved.
- Add ice, then pour in the bourbon.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Express the orange twist over the glass, then drop it in as garnish.
What You’ll Love:
This drink is all about letting the bourbon shine. Sweetened with a touch of sugar, balanced with bitters, and finished with an orange twist, it’s smooth, aromatic, and undeniably timeless.
How It Looks & Tastes:
Deep amber in color, with the citrus oils from the orange twist floating on top. The first sip is rich and slightly sweet, followed by the warmth of bourbon and a hint of spice from the bitters.
2. Bourbon Sour
Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly smooth—a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Cherry & orange slice (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker.
- Dry shake (no ice) for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice and shake again until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
What You’ll Love:
If you enjoy a cocktail with a little zing, this bourbon cocktail recipe is for you. The combination of citrus and bourbon creates a refreshing yet bold drink.
How It Looks & Tastes:
Cloudy and frothy (if using egg white), with a bright citrus aroma. The taste is a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and smoky bourbon.
3. Mint Julep
The ultimate refreshing bourbon cocktail—cool, crisp, and herbaceous.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ oz bourbon
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- In a glass, gently muddle mint leaves with simple syrup.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Pour bourbon over the ice and stir well.
- Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
What You’ll Love:
A Southern staple, this bourbon cocktail recipe is perfect for hot summer days. The fresh mint and crushed ice make it incredibly refreshing.
How It Looks & Tastes:
Frosty and aromatic, served in a silver julep cup (or any tall glass). The taste is sweet, minty, and smooth with a strong bourbon backbone.
4. Boulevardier
Bourbon’s answer to the Negroni—bitter, bold, and beautifully balanced.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz bourbon
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange twist (for garnish)
How to Make It:
- Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over ice.
- Express an orange twist over the drink and garnish.
What You’ll Love:
If you enjoy complex flavors, this bourbon cocktail recipe is a must-try. The mix of bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth creates a rich, herbal, slightly bitter masterpiece.
How It Looks & Tastes:
Deep red with an orange oil sheen. The first sip is bold and bitter, followed by the sweetness of vermouth and the warmth of bourbon.
5. Whiskey Smash
A fruity, minty, crushed-ice delight.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- ½ lemon (cut into wedges)
- 6-8 mint leaves
- Crushed ice
How to Make It:
- Muddle lemon wedges and mint with simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add bourbon and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
What You’ll Love:
This bourbon cocktail recipe is fun, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The muddled lemon and mint make it incredibly vibrant.
How It Looks & Tastes:
Bright and herbaceous, with flecks of mint and lemon. The taste is tart, sweet, and ultra-refreshing.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate bourbon cocktail recipes collection for every whiskey lover’s home bar. Whether you prefer your drinks strong and simple or sweet and citrusy, bourbon’s versatility makes it the perfect base for endless creations.
