bourbon_cocktails

15 Bourbon Drink Recipes to Warm the Soul

[Photograph: Jennifer Hess, Elana Lepkowski, Vicky Wasik]

As much as I love lighter spirits like gin and tequila, when fall hits, it's whiskey that finds its way into my glass more often than not. That could mean a spicy rye or a peaty Scotch, but today we're sticking with the booze that got me into whiskey in the first place: bourbon.

Sweet, oaky, and relatively mild, bourbon is at home in all sorts of cocktails. Whether you're in the mood for a spirit-forward Old Fashioned, a honey-sweetened Bee's Knees variation, or a citrusy grapefruit sipper, we've got 15 recipes to keep you drinking and loving bourbon right through spring.

Old Fashioned

[Video: Serious Eats Team]

Perhaps no cocktail better showcases good whiskey than an Old Fashioned. Because it's made with nothing more than bourbon, sugar, and bitters (plus an orange or cherry garnish, of course), whatever spirit you use will come through in force, so make it a good one. While it's trendy nowadays to make the drink with spicy rye, bourbon is traditional and provides a slightly sweeter backdrop. If you've got company coming, Old Fashioneds are great to make in big batches—check out this recipe, which is designed expressly for that purpose.

Boulevardier

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

The Boulevardier is like an autumnal cousin to the Negroni, replacing the gin with whiskey (either bourbon or rye) to complement the sweet vermouth and Campari. That substitution brings a huge change, turning a usually lean, bright cocktail richer and more complex. A Negroni may be good any time of year, but a Boulevardier will seem especially apt as the temperature drops if you want an elegant, dependable drink to warm you from the inside.

Mint Julep

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Even if Derby Day seems far away, there's no reason to wait to enjoy a frosty, refreshing mint julep, especially if summer tends to linger where you live. Using a mix or an artificially flavored syrup will put you on the fast track to ruining your julep; if you want to make it right, you have to use fresh mint—gently muddled, not smashed to death, to avoid releasing the herb's bitter flavors. For something a little different, try our chocolate variation, made with a good-quality crème de cacao instead of simple syrup.

Hot Caramel-Popcorn Bourbon Apple Cider

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

When it's numbingly cold out, you can't go wrong pouring a nip of warmth-giving bourbon into a mug of hot apple cider. In this recipe, we make that classic pairing even better by steeping the bourbon with caramel popcorn, giving the drink a nutty, toasty flavor. Because all popcorn needs butter, we float a pat on top of the finished cocktail.

Bittersweet Amaro- and Whiskey-Spiked Coffee

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

This rich spiked coffee walks the line between sweet and savory by pairing bourbon and crème de cacao with caramelly, bittersweet Averna and herbal Gran Classico—and, of course, hot coffee. If you find the drink a little too sweet as is, just add more coffee for extra bitterness. Plain, unsweetened whipped cream is a fine garnish; for a more unusual touch, try flavoring it with a little extra Gran Classico.

Improved Iced Coffee

[Photograph: Lizz Schumer]

Not in the mood for a hot eye-opener? This elaborate chilled beverage starts with iced coffee instead, mixing it with bourbon, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, cream, Demerara syrup, absinthe, and orange bitters. The maraschino may seem to dominate the drink at first, but the bourbon will become more assertive as you sip.

Sparkling Bourbon Pear Cocktail

[Photograph: Autumn Giles]

This festive batched cocktail gets a pronounced—but not overwhelming—fall flavor from a roasted-pear purée. The simple, sweet blend of caramelized pears and lemon juice is mixed with bourbon and maple syrup to form the cocktail's base. To serve, pour the mixer into a glass, top off with sparkling wine, and sprinkle with ground clove.

[Photograph: Jennifer Hess]

The Gold Rush is similar to the Bee's Knees—a mix of gin, lemon, and honey—but with high-proof bourbon in place of gin, resulting in a drink that tastes like a more complex version of a whiskey sour. While other varieties will work, I find that intense buckwheat honey stands up best to the bourbon.

Triple Crown (Whiskey Sour Cocktail With Amaro)

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Another elevated take on the whiskey sour, this one gets its flavor from citrusy Montenegro Amaro and grapefruit-scented pamplemousse liqueur. The sweetness of the pamplemousse nicely complements the vanilla in the bourbon, while the amaro provides just enough bitterness for balance.

Blushing Betty

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Colder weather means we're approaching peak citrus season, and this cocktail makes the most of it by showcasing bittersweet pink-grapefruit juice. We let the juice shine by keeping the rest of the drink simple, adding just bourbon and simple syrup. A grapefruit-wedge garnish isn't strictly necessary, but I think it's a pretty addition.

Moto Guzzi

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

This strong, dark sipper requires just two ingredients: Booker's Bourbon and Punt e Mes vermouth. Booker's is bottled at 120-plus proof, so it's capable of standing up to the bitter vermouth in a 1:1 ratio. You can also use a lower-proof (and cheaper) bourbon, like Jim Beam Black, but you might need to use a 2:1 ratio to keep the bitterness in check.

5-Spice Bourbon Punch

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

Bourbon cocktails don't have to be intensely strong—on a milder fall day, you might prefer this refreshing punch, made with bourbon, lime juice, club soda, and a syrup infused with five-spice blend: Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and fennel. Making the syrup with whole spices rather than store-bought five-spice powder both gives it a better flavor and makes it easier to strain.

Turkey and Sage Cocktail

[Photograph: Autumn Giles]

This cocktail drinks like Thanksgiving in a glass, thanks to pumpkin, sage, and turkey—or, rather, Wild Turkey 101 bourbon. It's not just the pun that led us in that direction: Wild Turkey's caramel and vanilla notes make it a natural match for pumpkin, and its high proof helps it stand up to the woodsy sage.

Pomegranate Bourbon Cocktail

[Photograph: Kelly Carámbula]

This drink incorporates pomegranate in two different forms: tart molasses and fresh juice. Mixing in fresh-squeezed orange juice adds some necessary sweetness to an otherwise tart cocktail. There are enough strong flavors mingling here that you can use any decent bourbon—don't feel the need to break out the top-shelf liquor.

Maple Bourbon Eggnog

[Photograph: J. Kenji López-Alt]

Who says eggnog is suitable only for Christmastime, especially when it's this tasty? The eggnog itself is a fairly standard formula, but it gets extra depth from maple syrup. What really sets this apart, though, is the crispy bacon-strip garnish, which plays well with the sweet maple—sprinkle on bacon bits, too, if you want to get crazy with it.

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10 Bourbon Drinks to Try Now

Posted on Sep 06, 2013

August 2, 2007, was a momentous day for bourbon-lovers across the country. On that day, the Senate—by a unanimous vote—declared September to be National Bourbon Heritage Month and called for the annual celebration of “America’s Native Spirit.”

The only question that remains is how you’ll observe the occasion. Bourbon purists will tell you that adding even a drop of water will ruin the whiskey’s flavor, but that’s just one of the many myths surrounding the spirit. In fact, there are an array of delicious classic and modern cocktails that call for bourbon. (How could you pass up a perfectly made Old Fashioned?)

So this month, enjoy one of these ridiculously good bourbon drinks. It is, after all, your patriotic duty! What are you waiting for? 10 incredible bourbon drink recipes are waiting for you.

The Tender Knob

As far as we’re concerned, this is the perfect seasonal concoction, calling for bourbon, apple cider and cinnamon. The recipe was dreamed up by top mixologist and Liquor.com advisory board member H. Joseph Ehrmann. It features Knob Creek Bourbon, which was created in 1992 by Jim Beam’s grandson Booker Noe.

Bourbon Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned might as well be the cocktail of the month for September. And our recipe for the classic comes from bartending legend and Liquor.com advisory board member Dale Degroff: It’s so good you’ll want to make it year-round.

The Revolver

If you’re not a huge fan of using bourbon in cocktails, this drink may just change your mind. It was created by great San Francisco bartender Jon Santer and calls for Bulleit Bourbon, coffee liqueur and just a few dashes of orange bitters.

Bourbon Lift

There are fizzy drinks, and then there’s this whiskey-based creation. All-star San Francisco bartender Erik Adkins told us about the recipe, which calls for Maker’s Mark, coffee liqueur, cream, almond orgeat and a topping of just enough soda to give it the perfect fizz. Watch Adkins make the Bourbon Lift in our How To Cocktail video.

Basil Hayden’s Bloody Mary

Ever consider adding a little bourbon to your Bloody Mary? It may sound strange, but whiskey gives the brunch staple a bit more depth of flavor. After you taste this concoction, which calls for Basil Hayden’s Bourbon and wasabi, you might never make it with vodka again.

The Scofflaw doesn’t just have a cool Prohibition-sounding name but was also actually created during the Noble Experiment. It can be made with bourbon or rye and is a great way to impress any cocktail aficionado. Just read award-winning author and Liquor.com advisory board member Gary Regan’s history of the drink before you start mixing.

Bourbon Manhattan

While many drinkers will only make Manhattans with rye whiskey, we suggest trying the recipe with bourbon for a nice change. It adds a bit of sweetness and smoothness to the concoction. This version of the classic comes from master mixologist and Liquor.com advisory board member Dale Degroff.

Beggar’s Banquet

Can’t decide between a beer and a shot of bourbon? Have both in this rich and delicious creation from top cocktail consultant and Liquor.com advisory board member Aisha Sharpe. The sudsy treat even calls for maple syrup, making it ideal for any fall occasion.

Forbidden Sour

Every home bartender should know how to make the traditional Whiskey Sour. When done right, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart. And if you’re already a fan of the classic, try this fruity take from talented bartender Eben Freeman that includes a bit of Pama Pomegranate Liqueur.

The Black Demure

This tipple may look demure, but a double-measure of Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon provides a strong backbone. The drink, which was invented by talented New York mixologist Franky Marshall, also features a tart blackberry liqueur and two different citrus flavors.

Just 1 Bottle: 10 Cocktails to Make With Bourbon and a Trip to the Grocery Store

Put your whiskey to good use in these drinks. [Photo: Robyn Lee]

More Bourbon

We always recommend stocking your home bar slowly. Going out to buy one of everything is likely to lead to an empty wallet and an improvised drink with a few too many liqueurs all poured in one murky cocktail. Start simple, we say. Buy bourbon: one of these under-$20 bottles, perhaps, or whatever's your favorite. (If you don't have Angostura bitters, we recommend making sure you have a bottle on hand. but you probably already have some, right?) Consider your liquor store run complete.

Then, when you're picking up dinner supplies, grab what's needed at the grocery store to make one of these simple whiskey drinks. These cocktails call for no liqueurs, no vermouth, no muss, no fuss.

Blushing Betty

[Photo: Liz Clayman]

Have you ever tried broiling grapefruit with a little brown sugar on top? It stays fruit-tart inside, with a touch of sweetness, but the top gets caramelized and rich. This drink mimics that flavor, with bourbon's warm toastiness slipping in comfortably next to fresh pink grapefruit juice. It's as simple as can be, and truly delicious.

Old Fashioned

[Photo: Jennifer Hess]

A good bourbon really shines in this classic drink. You start by dousing sugar with your handy Angostura bitters, then pour in the whiskey and stir it up with ice. This cocktail stood the test of time for a reason: there are few more perfect things to do with a decent bottle of whiskey.

Pomegranate Bourbon Cocktail

[Photo: Kelly Carámbula]

Thick, tangy pomegranate molasses is wonderful as a glaze for meats and roasted vegetables, and we love it in salad dressings, too. Here, it comes together with pomegranate juice and rich bourbon for a luscious drink that's perfect for fall, with a gentle acidity that'll whet your appetite.

[Photo: Robyn Lee]

If you like mint juleps but don't have fancy julep cups or the desire to crush ice, this is a simple variation you should try. All you need is fresh mint, sugar, water, and booze, so if you have a balcony mint plant, you're probably ready to start drinking. now.

Turkey and Sage Cocktail

[Photo: Autumn Giles]

Plotting a Halloween party? This is your signature drink. The caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon are wonderful with pumpkin, but the canned squash just isn't going to add the flavor you want. Instead, use pumpkin butter (either homemade or bought in a jar.) If you don't use a whole jar, you can always enjoy it on toast or spooned over yogurt.

Here, the sweet and earthy squash is right at home with whiskey, tied together with a touch of woodsy sage and a spritz of lemon.

[Photo: Maggie Hoffman]

A refreshing spin on a spot of tea, dreamed up by the crew at The Spotted Pig in New York City. It starts with PG Tips tea brewed strong, mixed with orange marmalade, fresh lemon, and a slug of bourbon. The result is refreshing with a bitter edge, just the thing for marmalade lovers. Don't have PG Tips? Any unflavored black tea will do just fine.

Balsamic Strawberry Smash

[Photo: Kelly Carámbula]

This drink gets bold flavor from macerated, briefly-simmered strawberries and tangy balsamic vinegar. Bourbon and balsamic may seem like an odd pair, but barrel-aging processes they undergo ties them together and the fruit brings out their inherent sweetness.

Kumquat Whiskey Sour

[Photo: Kelly Carámbula]

We love using kumquats in cocktails: they add a touch of intriguing bitterness and a bright tartness that's different from plain-old lime or lemon. This drink pairs the fruit with with the rich warmth of whiskey for a result that's perfectly balanced and a little dangerous—it's so delicious, you're going to want more than one.

Blueberries + Bourbon

[Photo: Kelly Carámbula]

Looking for something on the lighter side? Lemon and a little fizzy seltzer brighten this combo of bourbon and smashed blueberries.

Maple Bourbon Eggnog

[Photo: J. Kenji Lopez Alt]

We don't hesitate to whip out the eggnog a little early, especially when it's this delicious. This frothy version is sweetened with rich maple syrup and gets a garnish of crisp bacon. Serve it at brunch alongside some French toast.

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Bourbon Drinks Recipes

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Inspiration and Ideas

• Tips & Tricks

Classic Old Fashioned

"Amazing drink—and my standby selection. If Don Draper loves them, why can't you?" – Laura

"How can you not like a Manhattan any way it comes?" – Marianne

Bourbon Cocktails

Bourbon is one of our favorites spirits, and these cocktails put this whiskey in the spotlight. From a refreshing bourbon fizz to a sophisticated update on an old-fashioned, these drinks are refreshing, smooth and delicious. Try a maple-infused cocktail for a seasonal fall drink, or cool off with a Texas-inspired grapefruit sipper on hot summer days. Step up your bartending game with one of these easy, memorable cocktails recipes at your next party.

Morrison Mule

In memory of Jim Morrison's stay at the historic Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans (and his affinity for whiskey), Benton Bourgeois of the hotel's Hot Tin bar offers this take on a classic Moscow Mule with bourbon and local Peychaud's Aperitivo. It's perfect for easy drinking any time of year.

Maple-Bourbon Smash

Robb Turner uses his richly flavored dark amber syrup to make this riff on an Old-Fashioned cocktail.

Rock 'n' Rolla

"I love this drink because it is immensely accessible and easy to make," says Bay Area bartender Chris Lane. "Really it's just a bourbon sour with a little flourish of spice and apple." Lane's inspiration for the drink: a local biodynamic apple cider.

Alpine Manhattan

Herbalist Shae Whitney makes a lovely pine syrup from fresh pine needles. She uses it in this strong and wonderfully fragrant drink.

Palmer Park Swizzle

The ultimate Southern refresher, this cocktail from the Bayou Bar at the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans combines tea-infused bourbon, lime juice and mint for a boozy take on iced tea.

Vanilla Old-Fashioned

"We use Madagascan or Tahitian vanilla beans in our cocktails," says Thomas Wilson. "They are extraordinarily expensive but really make the drink."

Bufala Negra

At The Oakroom in Louisville, where Al Capone regularly played poker in the 1920s, the bartenders use bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery in nearby Frankfort, Kentucky.

The Big Texan Bourbon-and-Grapefruit Cocktail

While not as well known as gin and juice, bourbon and juices makes a refreshing combination.

The Bobby Boucher

This drink is based on the 1930s Bobby Burns. Changing the Scotch in the original to bourbon made the drink Southern; trading some of the vermouth for cherry Heering made it a little sweet, says mixologist John Coltharp.

Commodore 64

This predinner drink at is Jason Chan's orange-infused variation on the Commodore No. 2 (bourbon, crème de cacao, lemon juice and grenadine) from the 1935 Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book.

Kentucky Cousin

Though it was created in Minneapolis, the Kentucky Cousin has distinctly Southern components: mint, bourbon and iced tea.

Southern Cucumber

Huston Davis believes muddled cucumber gives this drink a refreshing quality reminiscent of fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Apples to Oranges

People who taste this citrusy cocktail almost always guess that it contains apples or oranges or some other fruit, but never the actual ingredients: cucumber and grapefruit.

Blueberry-Maple Caiprissimo

A blueberry-rosemary flan led to this cocktail's unlikely mix of flavors.

After winning a bet with a guest about whether bourbon has to be made in Bourbon County, Kentucky (it doesn't), Jeff Grdinich designed this cocktail with Bulleit Bourbon from Anderson County.

Bourbon Fizz

The nutty combination of amaretto and Frangelico makes this cocktail special.

The Charleston Bog

Mixologist Ralph Rosenberg wanted to create a bourbon drink that was appealing to non-bourbon drinkers. The result, which Rosenberg makes with Maker’s Mark bourbon, is this lightly sweet pink drink.

Blanca Julep

Bar manager Jennifer Zerboni likes to tinker with the classic mint julep during horse-racing season. She used to flavor this julep with a mint granité, but that proved “too sticky and messy.” Now she makes the drink with mint simple syrup.

Gentleman Johnson

This bourbon cocktail hails from Nashville's The Capitol Grille & Bar, a stately hotel bar that was once home to the Francis Craig Orchestra, credited with launching the career of jazz singer Dinah Shore in 1949.

Black & Brown

For this drink, Jeff Grdinich uses blackberries from his own garden, behind his house.

This variation on the old-fashioned is named after the one horse racetrack located within New York City limits.

Caffè Di Alpi

Bartender Steve Peters dreamed up Caffè di Alpi ("Alpine Coffee" in Italian) as a deliciously warming après-ski drink.

Linstead is the work of retired bartender Eric Palmer.

Fields of Gold

This version of a whiskey sour is a citrus-based drink that pairs well with Latin food; this one's designed for bourbon lovers.

Brandy-soaked cherries and small-batch Knob Creek bourbon distinguish this almond-tinged whiskey sour.

Kentucky Special

At The Woodsman Tavern in Portland, Oregon, mixologist Evan Zimmerman infuses cherry liqueur with the smoked tea Lapsang souchong. The result? An excellent riff on an old-fashioned.

Bourbon Chai Milk Punch

To make this drink, which is like a delicious, boozy chai latte, Kenta Goto of New York City's Bar Goto infuses bourbon with chai tea, then shakes the drink with cream and maple syrup.

Georgia on My Mind

Beer, an increasingly popular mixer, adds carbonation and a pleasant funkiness to cocktails. The apricot ale here offers fruitiness, too.

Almost all of the cocktails at JP incorporate wine; the garnishes are made by chef Darren Bartley, who brandies peaches for this drink.

Whiskey and Bourbon Cocktails

Get whisked away by a refreshing cocktail made with whiskey or bourbon. The alcohol works in summery cocktails such as the classic mint julep, or in more autumnal fare such as the maple bourbon cocktail.

Sour Cherry Old-Fashioned

The punch of sour cherries counters the rich oak flavor from the whiskey.

Whiskey Sours

A classic mixed drink finished off with a buoy-like cherry floating on top.

A New Orleans original, this drink is best when made with rye whiskey, but top-shelf bourbon works too.

The Presbyterian

Making this traditional cocktail is simple; it’s equal parts whiskey or bourbon, club soda, and ginger ale.

Mint Julep

One of the oldest American cocktails, the mint julep originated in Virginia and was popularized in Kentucky. It is the signature cocktail of the American South.

Whiskey Lemonade

This cocktail is practically begging to be sipped while sitting on a sunny porch swing.

The Big Apple

Fall flavors from a lady apple and sparkling apple cider make this drink great for transitioning seasons.

Bourbon and Ginger

A spritz of fresh lime juice gives a citrusy finish to this effervescent cocktail.

Sparkling Red-Wine Cocktails

Pair bourbon or another American whiskey with sparkling red wine and serve in a cinnamon sugar-rimmed glass.

This classic cocktail can be served in a martini glass for a sophisticated touch.

Amaretto-Bourbon Punch

Balance out a robust bourbon with sweet additions such as amaretto and sparkling apple juice.

Maple-Bourbon Cider

This autumnal drink gets its sweetness from maple syrup, but a kick of cayenne keeps things interesting.

Citrus Arnold Palmer with Bourbon

English breakfast tea and bourbon complemented by citrus make this drink as unique as it is delicious.

Cherry-Orange Bourbon

Peach and Blackberry Muddle

Fresh fruit is complemented by mint in this bourbon-based cocktail.

Blackberry-Mint Julep

This slushy concoction has a deep purple color thanks to the blackberries.

Irish Buck

This lime-laden drink doesn’t have to be enjoyed just on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Peach Juleps

A twist on the classic, these juleps are just peachy.

Cranberry Old-Fashioned, Cider Smash, and American in Paris

This drink marries bourbon with the tart flavor of cranberry. It's strong, so you may want to add an extra tablespoon or two of water when muddling.

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21 Southern Bourbon Cocktails

Show off a classic Southern staple at your next party with these satisfying bourbon cocktails.

If we had to pick a house beverage for the South, it would likely be a bourbon cocktail. This Kentucky-born spirit is a Southern signature that has made a huge resurgence in the past decade. Now, the old-fashioned is getting new-fashioned makeovers in bars across the South, and there are entire menus devoted to bourbon cocktails. What’s the best way to drink bourbon? We like it on the rocks or straight up, but we also love these bourbon cocktail recipes. From classic tailgate sippers like bourbon sweet tea and bourbon-spiked Arnold Palmer recipes to refined Mint Juleps for Derby Day or even a New Orleans-style Sazerac, we aren’t ashamed to say we might be experts when it comes to bourbon drinks. So get out your highball glasses and your shaker. These bourbon cocktails are perfect for quiet nights on the porch or fancy dinner parties.

Cranberry Old Fashioned Cocktail

When the crowd breaks for halftime, impress your guests by bringing out a round of Old Fashioneds, garnished with fruit and made with a secret ingredient: whole-berry cranberry sauce. These cocktails are best served immediately, so recruit a fellow barkeep for muddling assistance.

Frozen Peach Old Fashioned

Served ice cold, these refreshing cocktails keep your guests cool.

Tailgate Sipper

While this sipper makes for the perfect tailgate cocktail, we have a feeling you'll be mixing up this delicious combination when the season is over too.

Apple Pie-Bourbon Sweet Tea

Bourbon and apple are perfect teammates in this thoroughly Southern concoction.

Fig-and-Bourbon Fizz

Choose Black Mission figs or another purple-skinned variety to give the drink a pretty tint.

Julian's Old Fashioned

For the Kentucky Bourbon afficionados in your bunch, make Julian's Old Fashioned the go-to cocktail for your next gathering.

Derby Julep

Its namesake may be the fastest two minutes in sports, but that doesn't mean this cocktail should be short-lived. Consider our derby julep a cocktail hour mainstay all year long.

Mississippi Bourbon Punch

Muscadine wine stars in this spirited concoction of grenadine, bourbon, and a variety of fruit juices and sodas.

Pecan "Milk" Punch

Toasted pecans, cream of coconut, cinnamon, and sweetened whipped cream make it hard to tell if this bourbon concoction is a cocktail or dessert.

Shoo-Fly Punch

Ginger beer is a nonalcoholic fizzy beverage with a pop of spicy ginger. It's the flavor secret in this spicy but refreshing cocktail.

Spiked Lemonade Sweet Tea

Spiked with bourbon or rum, this sweet tea is just for the adults. Garnish with fresh sugarcane and pineapple slices for a sophisticated presentation.

Mint Julep Sweet Tea

This iced cocktail features the best of two classic Southern drinks: the mint julep and sweet tea. For best results, sip in a rocking chair on a front porch somewhere.

Creamy Sorghum Eggnog

Add a Southern twist to eggnog with sweet-and-rich-as-honey sorghum. For a spiced garnish, sprinkle individual servings with crushed gingersnaps.

Spiked Arnold Palmer

Mix three Southern favorites― bourbon, sweet tea, and lemonade―for a Spiked Arnold Palmer.

Peach-Bourbon Sours

Celebrate in style with this holiday beverage. Peach preserves (like you would spread on biscuits) are the secret ingredient. Cheers!

Cran-Bourbon-and-Orange

Generate some buzz at your next party with a refreshing combination of bourbon, cranberry, and orange.

Iced Mexican Chocolate Sipper

To make garnish, pin orange rinds around straws and leave for 15 minutes.

Classic Mint Julep

Mint juleps are the quintessential Southern cocktail. All you need for this classic version is fresh mint, mint simple syrup, and bourbon. Leftover simple syrup keeps refrigerated about one week and perfectly sweetens iced tea. See our tips and techniques for stirring up a mint julep.

Said to be The Big Easy's first cocktail, it was originally served at the Sazerac Coffee House.

Chucktown Sunrise

Bourbon and ginger ale combine to make a cool, colorful drink.

Bourbon-Peach Cocktail

Treat guests to a beverage that oozes charm. This sweet sipper features two regional favorites—bourbon and peaches.

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10 of the best bourbon cocktails

Why stop at the Old Fashioned? We share 10 delicious bourbon whisky cocktail recipes you'll make again and again

By Kay Plunkett-Hogge

10:34AM BST 21 Jul 2015

Bourbon: it always conjures up balmy southern nights, the air wafting the scents of jasmine and the sounds of jazz. Rain not withstanding, it tastes just as good on a south London terrace, too. Dare I say it, I think I prefer it to Scotch…

The Old Fashioned

Pretty much ground zero for cocktails, this dates back to at least 1806. And the recipe has hardly changed.

Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a tumbler. Saturate it with a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Muddle together, crushing the sugar. Add a few large cubes of ice. Pour in 60-80ml of good bourbon — I love Maker’s Mark. Stir briefly to mix. Garnish with a wedge of orange and a maraschino cherry if you like (not a fluorescent one, the proper Luxardo please!). Sip.

**To make a Baconised Bourbon Old Fashioned, cook up some smoked streaky bacon. Decant 350ml bourbon into a jar. When the bacon is cooked, pour the fat into the bourbon. Make a sandwich with the bacon. Let the bourbon sit for 24 hours. Then place in freezer until fat solidifies. Strain through coffee filter paper into a sterilized jar or bottle. Use in place of the regular bourbon.

The Old Fashioned (ALAMY)

The Brooklyn

I came to this rather delicious drink late in the day. It fell out of fashion and languished, whilst its Five Boroughs sibling, The Manhattan, climbed the cocktail charts. I lived in Brooklyn for years and loved it. So take that, Manhattan! This one’s for me.

Fill a shaker with ice. Add 60ml bourbon, 20ml dry vermouth, 10ml Amer Picon (or Torani Amer) and 10ml maraschino liqueur, and stir until as cold as a winter walk across Brooklyn Bridge. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The Brooklyn (ALAMY)

Hyde & Seek’s Modern Mad Men

From Super Chef Ian Kittichai’s Bangkok bar comes this updated Old Fashioned, with a twist (of rosemary). Throw on some tunes and shimmy the night away…

To make the rosemary infused bourbon: Pour 350ml bourbon into a jar or jug. Add 5 good sprigs fresh rosemary. Leave for 24 hours. Strain into a clean, sterilized bottle.

Place a sugar cube into the bottom of a tumbler. Douse with 3 drops celery bitters. And crush together. Add a large ice cube and pour in 50ml rosemary infused bourbon and 10ml pear liqueur. Stir together well. Serve garnished with a sprig of rosemary.

The Mint Julep from Kansas Smitty’s

Jazz musician Giacomo Smith is the band leader of Kansas Smitty’s House Band. The problem was, there was no Kansas Smitty’s. So they invented it. They also came up with a riff on the Mint Julep. Jazz and juleps account for two of my favourite things, now to be found in the eponymous bar on Broadway Market. Here’s the recipe:

Empty a bottle of bourbon into a large container or jug. Add 200g sugar and stir until dissolved. Add 50ml Fernet Branca, 200g raisins, 100g dried peaches, coarsely chopped, and 15g cassia bark or cinnamon stick, crushed. Cover and stash in a cool, dry place for 48 hours. Then strain through a sieve or filter paper into a clean, sterilized jar.

To serve, pour 50ml into your choice of receptacle. (At the bar, they recycle food tins checking that they crimp down any sharp edges and washing thoroughly, as their DIY julep cups. You could just use a glass…) Add one scoop of finely crushed ice. With a long handled spoon, coat all ice in the liquid until a third of the volume of ice has liquefied. Add a second scoop of crushed ice and repeat. Your julep glass should now be three quarters full and you should be able to see liquid at the top. Add a final layer of fresh finely crushed ice to top off the now frosty cup. Garnish with a stalk of fresh mint, lightly bruised to release of its aroma. Sip to the strains of Sidney Bechet’s On The Sunny Side Of the Street.

Mint Julep (ALAMY)

The Nod To Ada

From the charming Fin Spiteri, Bar and Club manager at Quo Vadis, comes this original Bourbon cocktail. It’s dedicated to Ada Coleman, known as ‘Coley’, who was head bartender at the Savoy in the early 20th Century, eventually retiring in 1925. She invented the famed Hanky Panky for the actor Sir Charles Hawtrey. This is Fin’s play on her original.

Fill a shaker with ice. Add 30ml bourbon, 30ml Amer Picon and 5ml Fernet Branca. Stir until cold. Strain into a coupette. Garnish with a lemon twist. Drink to the legendary Coley. Don’t confuse Sir Charles with the Carry On star of the same name…

The NOLA Milk Punch

A New Orleans hangover cure if ever there was one—let the bourbon be the hair of the dog while the milk soothes the lining of your stomach.

Pour 60ml bourbon into an ice filled cocktail shaker. Add 15ml sugar syrup, a dash of vanilla extract (optional) and 125ml full fat milk. (Alternatively, pour in 45ml bourbon, 15ml Angostura 1919 rum, 15ml sugar syrup and 125ml milk — the rum will provide all the vanilla-y notes your heart desires.) Shake hard until it’s frothy. Then strain into an ice-filled, heavy based glass. Garnish with a generous grating of fresh nutmeg and serve at once.

The Basin Street

A simple, classic Prohibition-era cocktail, this is tangy and refreshing. Perfect for a humid summer’s night.

Pour 60ml bourbon into an ice-filled shaker with 30ml triple sec and 30ml fresh lemon juice (I find the fruity, gingery notes of Maker’s Mark the perfect complement to the citrus flavours). Shake hard until properly cold, and strain into a cocktail glass. Drink to the sound of Louis Armstrong’s Basin Street Blues. Of course.

Milk punch (ALAMY)

The Improved Whiskey Cocktail

A favourite of my friend Rob Elliott Smith (aka the smartest man I know), this is a cocktail from Jerry Thomas, 19th century drink guru. In the world of Thomas, the “unimproved” whiskey cocktail is what we now call an Old Fashioned, and the improving process can be summed up as “a dash of this” and “a dash of that”. So…

Pour 60ml bourbon into an ice-filled mixing glass. Add two good dashes of sugar syrup, a good dash of Maraschino, a dash of Absinthe (or Herbsaint), and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir until it’s as cold as a polar bear’s nose. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a twist of lemon.

The Seelbach

Invented in 1918 at the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky (hence the name), this is a drink lost in the mire of Prohibition — apparently the hotel didn’t have a speakeasy — and rediscovered by a hotel manager in 1995. Try as I might, I have been unable to find the name of said hotel manager, who deserves a hand-shake at the very least. The original recipe calls for Old Forester Bourbon, which also hails from Louisville, while the drink itself packs the punch of a Louisville Slugger to the side of the head. Enjoy.

In a cold champagne coupe, stir together 30ml bourbon, 15ml Cointreau, 4 dashes Peychaud bitters and 3 dashes Angostura bitters. Top up with icy champagne or sparkling wine, and garnish with a fat strip of orange peel.

The Boulevardier

Though this is, in effect, a Negroni made with bourbon instead of gin, it actually predates that Italian charmer by a good 20–30 years, popping up on the menu at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris some time in the late 1920s. You want a rich, fat sweet vermouth for this: I recommend the Belsazar red vermouth from Germany for its voluptuous herbal-cherry notes.

In a mixing glass, stir together 30ml bourbon, 30ml Campari and 30ml Belsazar red vermouth over ice. Then strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a Maraschino cherry.

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50 Great Whiskey Cocktail Recipes

From the old fashioned to Irish Coffee, whiskey is king of cocktails

From the old fashioned and Sazerac to the Irish Coffee and hot toddy, whiskey is king of the cocktail. We've collected 50 great cocktail recipes using bourbon, scotch, rye, moonshine, and more.

The spicy bite of rye whiskey makes it a natural mixer. In our recipe for a classic Manhattan, it's tamed with sweet vermouth to make a balanced sipper.

Perhaps the most popular American whiskey is bourbon, and for good reason. It's caramelly sweetness makes it perfect for sipping neat, but it's also a great mixer. In the spring, get ready for the Kentucky Derby with a refreshing mint julep; in the fall, warm up with a rich bourbon old fashioned.

More of a scotch drinker? The penicillin, made with lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup is something of a cure-all. For a fruitier alternative, the scarlet starlet combines scotch with hibiscus and strawberry syrups.

If you're looking for a caffeine kick, we’ve got you covered. The Irish coffee is a tried-and-true combination of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and cream. If you'd rather go with tea, check out our bourbon-spiked almond milk chai.

Whatever you want to pair your whiskey with, we've got the recipe for you. Check out these 50 awesome whiskey cocktails!

Heaven Hill Distillery's brand abassador, Lynn House, enjoyed nothing more as a child than picking peaches and other fresh produce on her grandparents' farm in Tennessee. She continues the tradition as an adult, incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into her cocktails whenever she can—hence her nickname, "The Garden Girl." This summery drink combines peach purée, cucumber, and whiskey.

"Always be prepared." It's not only the motto of the Boy Scouts of America, it's also the mantra of any great host. Eric Castro of San Diego's Polite Provisions suggests to achieve that goal via pre-made libations. His riff on the classic New Orleans cocktail, the Vieux Carré, can be kept chilled, stored in cleaned 750-ml. liquor bottles, and on hand for all impromptu soirées.

Rosemary brings an herbal note to this lemony bourbon cocktail.

Adapted from the 1956 edition of the Esquire Drink Book, this aromatic cocktail—equal parts rye, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth—is sweet without being syrupy.

Sweet citrus, whiskey, and a pleasantly bitter gentian-flavored liqueur combine in this elegant punch.

Moscato-based Cocchi Vermouth di Torino lends a complex sweetness to a twist on a Manhattan made with rye and Lillet.

Port, bourbon, and maple syrup come together in this cocktail, which has an intense color, depth of flavor, and a bit of a bite.

This variation on a Sazerac gets a boost from the complex, herbal flavor of chartreuse and a bright dash of lemon bitters.

Campari ice cubes morph this drink from a Manhattan into a Boulevardier as they slowly melt.

Frequently found in Japanese baking, black sugar, or kuru sato, is made by boiling unrefined sugar cane and has a flavor similar to dark brown sugar. Combined with ginger, it adds spice and a deep molasses flavor to a traditional old fashioned.

The Sazerac—a combination of rye, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud's bitters—is the official cocktail of New Orleans.

This classic cocktail is made with rye, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.

Dry sherry adds a pretty, floral note to this twist on a whiskey sour.

Penny De Los Santos

This classic New Orleans cocktail, made with rye, cognac, vermouth, and Benedictine, was invented at Hotel Monteleone.

Thai chile-infused chartreuse and a pear syrup made with fresh ginger add a spicy, warming kick to a delightfully complex cocktail.

Made with Buffalo Trace bourbon and fresh lemon, the Melisse Whiskey Sour is delicate and floral, a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with subtle vanilla notes and a sumptuous, meringue-like pillow of foam on top.

Two simple ingredients, whiskey and cider syrup, combine to make a powerfully good drink. A twist of lemon lends a bitter brightness without diluting the richness of the cocktail.

Based on a classic Brown Derby, this variation gets its name from the molasses which replaces honey in the original. Pink grapefruit juice adds a bit more sweetness and a rosy glow.

With slightly spicy Bulleit Bourbon and sweet Italian Amarena cherries, this take on the Manhattan is named for everyone's favorite Spaghetti Western hero.

Sweet grenadine and tart lemon juice balance out the woody, honeyed notes of Rittenhouse Rye whiskey in this simple cocktail.

Bright citrus juice and citrus bitters, apple brandy, cherry-flavored liqueur, and bittersweet amaro add layers of complexity to this whiskey drink.

Penny De Los Santos

The rich, spicy warmth of chai is a perfect drink for a cold winter's day, and it's made even more warming with the addition of a bourbon like Maker's Mark, whose notes of clove, vanilla, and caramel marry perfectly with the ingredients in the chai.

This alcoholic take on the Master Cleanse regimen—which features cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and maple syrup—is way more fun than the bourbon-less original.

Egg white adds frothiness and smoothness to a tangy, snake bite of a drink.

The Bahamian film star would be proud to have inspired this combination of Maker's Mark bourbon, sweet vermouth and Aztec chocolate bitters.

Fresh carrot juice, bourbon, and a sweet, slightly bitter walnut liqueur combine in this drinkable twist on carrot cake.

This twist on a whiskey sour made with orange preserves is decadently frothy.

Classic Dr. Pepper is a sweet, effervescent complement to smoky rye whiskey.

This take on a Manhattan gets an aromatic kick from a touch of green Chartreuse.

The warm spices in chai echo the flavor of a typical clove-infused toddy. The addition of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, and flinty black pepper, coupled with the tannic tang of the tea, made this warming drink even more appealing.

This version of the Manhattan stays true to the classic with Jim Beam rye whiskey and Angostura bitters.

This spicy, whiskey-heavy drink is great for warming up in the colder months.

Bulleit rye, two kinds of vermouth, and West Indies orange bitters make up this riff on a Manhattan.

There's no better way to end a meal than with this bold, boozy coffee.

Aquavit steeped with dried figs and toasted cardamom adds sweetness and warm spicy notes to this twist on a Manhattan.

"Bucks" are a family of drinks that consist of ginger beer plus a spirit and citrus—a category that includes this fruity refresher as well as the classic Moscow Mule. Get the recipe for Kentucky Buck »

Bourbon is combined with grapefruit and tangerine juice in this fruity cocktail.

This Prohibition-era classic combines grapefruit juice with smoky scotch and dry vermouth.

Elderflower liqueur replaces the traditional sugar cube in this floral twist on an old favorite.

Su jung kwa is a traditional Korean tea made from cinnamon, ginger, spices, sweet dried dates, and pine nuts that's commonly served as an after-dinner drink or dessert. Rye whiskey gives the drink an untraditional kick.

Sweet watermelon juice tempers spicy adobo sauce and tart lemon juice in a bright, summery bourbon cocktail.

This version of the classic three-ingredient cocktail—which combines three parts bourbon to one part of a simple syrup bracingly infused with fresh spearmint—is sanctioned by the Kentucky Derby itself as their official mint julep recipe.

This stiff take on a whiskey sour is traditionally made with apricot brandy, but cognac is a less-sweet alternative.

In this cocktail, bright, tart cranberry preserves beautifully balance the rich caramel flavor of bourbon.

Named for the New Jersey birthplace of Laird's Apple Brandy, this toddy gets bittersweet complexity from cardoon-flavored amaro. Blow out the burning bourbon that floats atop the drink, then stir it in.

This throat-warming punch is a sophisticated take on the old-timey cold-season cure of tea dosed with Rock and Rye cordial.

Mingling the orange-scented old fashioned with subtly sweet pumpkin yields a brilliantly colored seasonal cocktail.

This fruity whiskey cocktail is served at Delmonico Steakhouse in the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas.

This potent Prohibition-era cocktail boasts an especially strong yet beachy combination of rum, whiskey, brandy, grenadine, and lemon juice.

This heady concoction of scotch, honey-ginger syrup, and fresh lemon juice is something of a cure-all—hence the name.

Recipes

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Maple-Bourbon Smash

Robb Turner, owner of Crown Maple, uses his richly flavored dark amber syrup to make this riff on an Old-Fashioned cocktail. Slideshow: Reinvented Classic Cocktails

Ingredients

• 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A Dark Amber
• 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice
• 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 4 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1/2 orange wheel
• 2 ounces bourbon
• Ice
• 1 1/2 ounces chilled seltzer

How to Make It

In a rocks glass, combine the maple syrup with the orange juice, lemon juice and bitters. Add the orange wheel and lightly muddle. Add the bourbon and stir well. Fill the glass with ice and top with the chilled seltzer.