Bourbon is a popular whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a variety of delicious cocktails. When it comes to mixing bourbon, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of the most popular and delicious options for what to mix with your favorite bourbon.
Classic Bourbon Cocktails
Some classic cocktails that perfectly complement the flavor profile of bourbon include:
- Old Fashioned – Bourbon, bitters, sugar, orange slice/cherry garnish
- Manhattan – Bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, cherry garnish
- Whiskey Sour – Bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, orange slice/cherry garnish
- Mint Julep – Bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves
- Boulevardier – Bourbon, Campari, sweet vermouth
These timeless cocktails allow the notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice in bourbon to shine through while being enhanced by complementary ingredients.
Bourbon and Ginger Ale/Beer
For simple, refreshing highballs, bourbon pairs deliciously with ginger ale or ginger beer. The spicy bite of the ginger complements the sweet caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon. Splash 2-3 ounces of bourbon with ginger ale or beer over ice for a simple yet satisfying drink.
Bourbon also mixes well with wheat beers like Blue Moon. The citrus from the orange slice accentuates the sweetness of the bourbon. Combine equal parts bourbon and wheat beer over ice for an easy beer cocktail.
Frozen Bourbon Drinks
Bourbon makes a nice addition to frozen blended cocktails as well. Some delicious frozen bourbon drinks include:
- Bourbon Milkshake – Bourbon, ice cream, milk
- Bourbon Peach Cobbler – Bourbon, peach schnapps, peach nectar, vanilla ice cream
- Kentucky Mule – Bourbon, ginger beer, lime juice
- Bourbon Mint Julep Slushie – Bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves, crushed ice
The sweet, oaky notes of bourbon balance out the creaminess of frozen blended drinks. Shake bourbon with ice cream, fruit juices or nectars, and other ingredients for a frozen treat.
Bourbon with Liqueurs and Syrups
For crafting cocktails with more complexity, consider mixing bourbon with complementary liqueurs and syrups like:
- Coffee liqueur – Brings out the caramel notes in bourbon
- Irish cream liqueur – Adds creamy sweetness
- Maple syrup – Highlights the vanilla oak flavors
- Amaretto – Provides almond and baked bread notes
- Apple cider – Accentuates bourbon’s baked fruit qualities
Some specific delicious combinations include:
- Kentucky Cider – Bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, simple syrup
- Almond Joy – Bourbon, amaretto, coconut cream, chocolate syrup
- Spiked Apple Pie – Bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon syrup
Bourbon with Tea, Coffee, and Soda
Bourbon can also be mixed with hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages like tea, coffee, and soda for a bit of boozy twist. Try adding a shot or two of bourbon to:
- Iced tea – Sweetens and enhances the flavors
- Hot coffee – Adds warming notes of caramel and oak
- Cola or root beer – Complements the vanilla and spice
- Ginger ale – Highlights the bourbon’s sweetness
Adjust the bourbon amount to taste based on the strength of the flavors you want to come through.
Low ABV Bourbon Cocktails
To lower the alcohol content of cocktails using bourbon, try:
- Adding extra fruit juice or sparkling water
- Shaking with extra ice to further dilute
- Using just 1 oz bourbon in drinks instead of 2-3 oz
- Substituting some bourbon with cold-brew coffee or tea
This allows you to keep the delicious bourbon flavor while decreasing the overall booziness of the drink.
What to Avoid Mixing with Bourbon
While bourbon mixes well with a wide variety of ingredients, here are some things that tend to overpower or clash with its flavor:
- Creamy liqueurs like Baileys – Can mask the bourbon’s flavor
- Citrus juice in large amounts – Can make the drink too acidic
- Sweet fruit juices like pineapple – Clash with the oaky notes
- Flavored rums or vodkas – Compete with the bourbon’s flavor
Go easy on these ingredients when mixing them with bourbon in cocktails.
Conclusion
Bourbon is extremely versatile for mixing into delicious cocktails. From classic drinks like Manhattans and Whiskey Sours to new twists like Bourbon Apple Cider and Kentucky Mule, the possibilities are endless. Just keep in mind the flavor profile of the bourbon, and choose ingredients that complement or enhance its vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice notes. With the right supporting ingredients, you can let the wonderful character of your bourbon shine through in any cocktail you mix up.