18 Best Bourbon Cocktails You Can Make at Home

Imagine relaxing at home with a perfectly crafted bourbon cocktail in hand. There’s something special about mixing up a drink that’s not only delicious but also showcases the rich, complex flavors of bourbon. These recipes are easy to follow and perfect for any occasion. So grab your favorite bottle of bourbon, some fresh ingredients, and let’s mix up some magic. Cheers to enjoying the best bourbon cocktails right in the comfort of your own home!

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic bourbon cocktail known for its simplicity and rich flavor. Start with a sugar cube, add a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and muddle until dissolved. Add a large ice cube, pour in 2 oz of bourbon, and stir gently. Garnish with an orange twist. The taste is smooth and slightly sweet with a hint of citrus and aromatic bitters. It’s a timeless cocktail that highlights the essence of bourbon.

Manhattan

A Manhattan is a sophisticated bourbon cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. Combine 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry. This drink is strong, with a balanced sweetness from the vermouth and a herbal note from the bitters. Its elegance makes it a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a refreshing bourbon cocktail that’s easy to make. Shake 2 oz of bourbon, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz of simple syrup with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice. The taste is tart and sweet, with a smooth bourbon finish. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that appeals to both new and seasoned bourbon drinkers.

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail often enjoyed at the Kentucky Derby. Muddle 10-12 fresh mint leaves with 1/4 oz of simple syrup in a julep cup. Fill the cup with crushed ice, add 2 oz of bourbon, and stir until the cup is frosted. Garnish with a mint sprig. This cocktail is refreshing and minty with a sweet bourbon flavor. It’s a quintessential summer drink that’s both cooling and invigorating.

Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a bourbon twist on the classic Negroni. Combine 1 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 1 oz of Campari in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist. The taste is complex and bittersweet, with rich bourbon notes. It’s a bold and sophisticated cocktail that stands out for its unique flavor profile.

Brown Derby

Named after the famous Hollywood restaurant, the Brown Derby is a delightful bourbon cocktail. Shake 1.5 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of fresh grapefruit juice, and 1/2 oz of honey syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. The drink is tangy and slightly sweet, with the honey and grapefruit complementing the bourbon’s depth. It’s a refreshing and zesty cocktail perfect for any occasion.

Paper Plane

The Paper Plane is a modern bourbon cocktail with a balanced and refreshing taste. Shake 3/4 oz of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and fresh lemon juice with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. This cocktail is citrusy and bitter, with a smooth bourbon undertone. It’s a contemporary favorite that’s both vibrant and sophisticated.

Gold Rush

The Gold Rush is a simple yet delicious bourbon cocktail. Shake 2 oz of bourbon, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz of honey syrup with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. The taste is sweet and tart, with the honey adding a smooth, rich layer to the bourbon’s warmth. It’s a modern take on classic flavors that’s both comforting and invigorating.

Kentucky Mule

The Kentucky Mule is a bourbon twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Fill a copper mug with ice, add 2 oz of bourbon, 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice, and top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge. This cocktail is spicy and refreshing, with the ginger beer complementing the bourbon’s bold flavor. It’s a lively and invigorating drink perfect for any season.

Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a fruity and refreshing cocktail. Muddle a few lemon wedges and mint leaves with 1/2 oz of simple syrup in a shaker. Add 2 oz of bourbon and ice, shake well, and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. The drink is bright and citrusy, with the mint adding a fresh note to the bourbon. It’s an easy-to-make cocktail that’s perfect for warm days.

Hot Toddy

The Hot Toddy is a warm, soothing bourbon cocktail perfect for cold nights. In a mug, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of honey, and 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice. Top with hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick. This drink is comforting and sweet, with a warm bourbon finish. It’s a classic remedy for cold weather that also doubles as a relaxing evening drink.

Mint Bourbon Lemonade

Mint Bourbon Lemonade is a refreshing summer cocktail. In a shaker, muddle 10 fresh mint leaves with 1 oz of simple syrup. Add 2 oz of bourbon and 3 oz of fresh lemonade, shake well, and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon wheel. The taste is light and refreshing, with a minty and citrusy twist. It’s a perfect blend of flavors for a hot summer day.

Bourbon Peach Smash

The Bourbon Peach Smash is a delightful, fruity cocktail. Muddle a few peach slices with 1/2 oz of simple syrup in a shaker. Add 2 oz of bourbon, ice, and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a peach slice. The drink is sweet and juicy, with the peach flavors blending seamlessly with the bourbon. It’s a wonderful cocktail for summer evenings.

Maple Bourbon Sour

The Maple Bourbon Sour is a fall-inspired cocktail. Shake 2 oz of bourbon, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of maple syrup with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a lemon wheel. This cocktail is tangy and sweet, with the maple syrup adding a rich, warm flavor to the bourbon. It’s an ideal drink for autumn gatherings.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

The Blackberry Bourbon Smash is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail. Muddle a handful of fresh blackberries with 1/2 oz of simple syrup in a shaker. Add 2 oz of bourbon, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, and ice, shake well. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a blackberry and a mint sprig. The taste is fruity and slightly tart, with a smooth bourbon finish. It’s a visually appealing drink that’s perfect for entertaining.

Apple Cider Bourbon

Apple Cider Bourbon is a cozy fall cocktail. In a shaker, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 3 oz of fresh apple cider, and a dash of cinnamon. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick. This drink is sweet and spiced, with the apple cider enhancing the bourbon’s warmth. It’s a comforting beverage perfect for autumn evenings.

Cherry Bourbon Cola

The Cherry Bourbon Cola is a simple and tasty cocktail. In a glass filled with ice, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of cherry liqueur, and top with cola. Stir gently and garnish with a cherry. The taste is sweet and fizzy, with the cherry liqueur adding a fruity note to the bourbon and cola. It’s an easy-to-make cocktail that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Bourbon Ginger Lemonade

Bourbon Ginger Lemonade is a spicy and refreshing cocktail. In a shaker, combine 2 oz of bourbon, 3 oz of fresh lemonade, and 1/2 oz of ginger syrup. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a ginger slice. This drink is tangy and sweet, with a spicy kick from the ginger syrup. It’s a perfect blend of flavors for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their drinks.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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