Maker’s Mark is a popular bourbon whiskey that is known for its smooth, rich taste. Many people enjoy mixing Maker’s Mark with sodas to create simple yet delicious whiskey cocktails. The right soda pairing can complement the flavors of Maker’s Mark and create a refreshing drink. In this article, we will explore some of the best sodas to mix with Maker’s Mark bourbon and provide recipes for classic whiskey cocktails.
Considerations for Picking a Mixer
When choosing a soda to mix with Maker’s Mark, there are a few factors to consider:
- Flavor profile – Look for sodas with flavors that will complement bourbon without overpowering it. Good options include vanilla, caramel, citrus, ginger, cherry, etc.
- Carbonation level – Maker’s Mark can stand up to moderately carbonated sodas, but avoid extremely bubbly sodas that may dilute the flavor.
- Sweetness – Since Maker’s Mark has a sweeter flavor profile, opt for sodas that are not overly sweet to prevent the drink from tasting cloying.
- Ingredients – Simple sodas with minimal extra ingredients allow the bourbon flavor to shine through.
Best Soda Mixers for Maker’s Mark
Here are some of the best sodas to mix with Maker’s Mark bourbon:
Ginger Ale
Ginger ale is one of the most classic bourbon mixers. The spicy ginger notes pair perfectly with the vanilla and caramel flavors of Maker’s Mark. Look for a high-quality ginger ale that isn’t too sweet. Popular options include Vernor’s, Canada Dry, and Fever Tree.
To make a Maker’s Mark ginger, simply pour Maker’s Mark bourbon over ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Root Beer
Root beer offers creamy vanilla, caramel, and spice flavors that complement Maker’s Mark beautifully. Opt for a more natural craft root beer like Virgil’s or Maine Root versus a big commercial brand.
For a Maker’s Mark root beer cocktail, pour Maker’s Mark over ice and top with root beer. Garnish with orange slice.
Cola
Believe it or not, cola is actually a great match for bourbon! The caramel and vanilla in cola mirror the flavors found in Maker’s Mark. Coke or Pepsi work well, just avoid diet or zero-sugar varieties.
To make a simple Maker’s Mark and cola cocktail, fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz Maker’s Mark and 4-6 oz cola. Squeeze a lime wedge over top and stir gently.
Ginger Beer
Spicier than ginger ale, ginger beer adds a bold, spicy kick that complements Maker’s Mark’s sweetness. Use a ginger beer that isn’t overly sweet like Fentiman’s, Cock ‘n Bull, or Crabbie’s.
For a Maker’s Mark ginger beer cocktail, fill a glass with ice. Add 2 oz Maker’s Mark and top with 4-6 oz of ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cherry Cola
For an extra flavor twist, try using a cherry-flavored cola like Wild Cherry Pepsi. The cherry and vanilla notes in the soda pair deliciously with Maker’s Mark bourbon.
To make a cherry cola bourbon drink, fill a glass with ice. Add 2 oz Maker’s Mark then top with 4-6 oz cherry cola. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Mixing Other Ingredients
In addition to sodas, there are lots of other tasty ingredients you can mix with Maker’s Mark bourbon:
- Fruit juices like orange, cranberry, pineapple, or grapefruit
- Bitters like Angostura or Peychaud’s
- Grenadine or cherry liqueur
- Simple syrups flavored with vanilla, maple, cinnamon, etc.
- Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or orange
- Herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary
- Spices like ginger, nutmeg, or cloves
Get creative and try combining different sodas, juices, herbs and spices to create your own signature Maker’s Mark cocktail!
Maker’s Mark Cocktail Recipes
Looking for some classic bourbon cocktail recipes using Maker’s Mark? Here are a few delicious options to mix up:
Maker’s Mark Manhattan
- 2 oz Maker’s Mark
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Maker’s Mark
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Place the sugar cube in an old fashioned glass and saturate it with bitters. Muddle lightly to dissolve the sugar. Fill the glass with ice and add the Maker’s Mark. Garnish with orange and cherry.
Maker’s Mark Whiskey Sour
- 2 oz Maker’s Mark
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Shake all the ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with orange and cherry.
Maker’s Mark Mint Julep
- 2 oz Maker’s Mark
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- Club soda
Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a julep cup or Collins glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add Maker’s Mark. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with more mint leaves.
Conclusion
Maker’s Mark is a versatile bourbon that pairs well with a variety of sodas and cocktail ingredients. When mixing sodas, look for options with complementary vanilla, caramel and spice notes. Ginger ale, root beer, cola and ginger beer make excellent choices. Feel free to get creative and experiment with fruit juices, bitters, syrups and fresh herbs too. Sip your Maker’s Mark cocktails slowly over ice to enjoy the full bourbon flavor experience. Just be sure to drink responsibly and never mix Maker’s Mark with extremely sweet or diet sodas that will overpower the whiskey’s natural flavors. With the right sodas and mixers, you can easily whip up delicious Maker’s Mark cocktails at home to enjoy during any occasion.