20 Delicious Bourbon Cocktails You Need to Try

Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there’s something undeniably captivating about the depth and complexity of this classic American whiskey. From its smoky undertones to its sweet caramel notes, bourbon offers a versatile canvas for crafting some truly unforgettable cocktails.

In this blog post, we’re diving into the realm of bourbon mixology, showcasing 20 delicious bourbon cocktails that you absolutely need to try. These recipes range from timeless classics to innovative concoctions, each designed to highlight the unique characteristics of bourbon while tantalizing your taste buds. So, grab your favorite bottle, gather your cocktail shaker, and let’s embark on a flavorful journey that promises to elevate your bourbon experience to new heights. Cheers!

You should also take a look at my cocktail party appetizer recipes!

20 Bourbon Cocktails

1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most revered bourbon cocktails. Its simplicity and balance make it a timeless classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Few dashes plain water
• Orange twist, for garnish
• Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass.
2. Saturate the sugar cube with bitters and add a few dashes of plain water.
3. Muddle until the sugar cube is dissolved.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes and add bourbon.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.

2. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a refreshing bourbon cocktail that has become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. Its minty freshness makes it perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons water
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a julep cup or a highball glass, muddle the mint leaves, sugar, and water together.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Pour the bourbon over the ice.
4. Stir until the glass becomes frosty.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

3. Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced bourbon cocktail, combining the sweetness of simple syrup with the tartness of lemon juice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Lemon wheel and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.

4. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a sophisticated bourbon cocktail that dates back to the late 1800s. It’s known for its smooth and slightly sweet profile.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

5. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a bourbon-based cousin to the Negroni. This cocktail is rich and complex, with a perfect balance of bitter and sweet flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• Ice
• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
3. Stir well until chilled.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

6. Bourbon Smash

The Bourbon Smash is a vibrant and refreshing cocktail that combines the richness of bourbon with fresh fruit and mint. It’s perfect for a summer day.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Ice
• Mint sprig and lemon wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves with simple syrup.
2. Add bourbon and fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon wheel.

7. Brown Derby

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail named after the famous hat-shaped restaurant in Los Angeles. It combines bourbon with the tartness of grapefruit and the sweetness of honey.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water)
• Ice
• Grapefruit twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

8. Maple Bourbon Cider

Maple Bourbon Cider is a warm, cozy cocktail that’s perfect for fall. The combination of bourbon, apple cider, and maple syrup creates a comforting and flavorful drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 4 oz apple cider
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish
• Apple slice, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider until warm but not boiling.
2. In a mug, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
3. Pour the warm apple cider into the mug and stir to combine.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an apple slice.

9. Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade is a fruity and refreshing cocktail that combines the richness of bourbon with the tartness of lemonade and the sweetness of blackberries.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 4-5 fresh blackberries
• 2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz water
• Ice
• Lemon wheel and blackberry, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the blackberries with simple syrup.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and water.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a blackberry.

10. Bourbon Basil Smash

The Bourbon Basil Smash is a herbaceous and refreshing cocktail that highlights the unique flavor of fresh basil combined with bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves
• Ice
• Basil sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the basil leaves with simple syrup.
2. Add bourbon and lemon juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a basil sprig.

11. Bourbon Ginger Snap

The Bourbon Ginger Snap is a spicy and invigorating cocktail that combines the warmth of bourbon with the zing of ginger and lime.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz ginger liqueur
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Lime wheel, for garnish
• Candied ginger, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, ginger liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a piece of candied ginger.

12. Bourbon Pear Fizz

The Bourbon Pear Fizz is a light and effervescent cocktail that features the delicate sweetness of pear with the robust flavor of bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pear nectar
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Club soda
• Ice
• Pear slice, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, pear nectar, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a pear slice.

13. Bourbon Apple Ginger Mule

The Bourbon Apple Ginger Mule is a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, featuring bourbon, apple cider, and ginger beer for a crisp and spicy drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz apple cider
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Ice
• Apple slice and lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, apple cider, and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
4. Garnish with an apple slice and a lime wheel.

14. Spiced Honey Bourbon Toddy

The Spiced Honey Bourbon Toddy is a warm and comforting cocktail that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It combines bourbon with honey and spices for a soothing drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 4 oz hot water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• Lemon wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine bourbon, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves.
3. Pour hot water into the mug and stir until the honey is dissolved.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

15. Bourbon Blueberry Basil Cocktail

The Bourbon Blueberry Basil Cocktail is a refreshing and aromatic drink that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the herbal notes of basil.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 8-10 fresh blueberries
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves
• Ice
• Blueberries and basil sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the blueberries and basil leaves with simple syrup.
2. Add bourbon and lemon juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a few blueberries and a basil sprig.

16. Bourbon Blackberry Bramble

The Bourbon Blackberry Bramble is a delightful cocktail that combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the sweet and tart taste of blackberries and lemon.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 4-5 fresh blackberries
• Crushed ice
• Blackberries and lemon wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the blackberries with simple syrup.
2. Add bourbon and lemon juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
5. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel.

17. Spiced Maple Bourbon Latte

The Spiced Maple Bourbon Latte is a cozy cocktail that combines the flavors of bourbon and coffee with a hint of maple and spices, perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 1 oz maple syrup
• 4 oz hot brewed coffee
• 1/2 oz heavy cream
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mug, combine bourbon and maple syrup.
2. Pour in the hot coffee and stir well.
3. Gently float the heavy cream on top.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the drink.
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

18. Bourbon Pineapple Smash

The Bourbon Pineapple Smash is a tropical cocktail that combines the bold flavors of bourbon with the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple and mint.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Ice
• Pineapple wedge and mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup.
2. Add bourbon, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a mint sprig.

19. Bourbon Fig Old Fashioned

The Bourbon Fig Old Fashioned is a sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned, incorporating the rich and sweet flavors of fig and honey.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz fig syrup (made from simmering figs and sugar)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Fig slice and orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In an old-fashioned glass, combine fig syrup and bitters.
2. Add bourbon and fill the glass with ice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a fig slice and an orange twist.

20. Bourbon Pomegranate Spritz

The Bourbon Pomegranate Spritz is a festive and refreshing cocktail that combines the robust flavor of bourbon with the tartness of pomegranate and the effervescence of sparkling water.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Sparkling water
• Ice
• Pomegranate seeds and lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
6. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and a lemon twist.

From the timeless elegance of a classic Old Fashioned to the refreshing twist of a Bourbon Smash, these 20 cocktails offer a delightful array of flavors and experiences that cater to every palate.

We hope these recipes inspire you to experiment, share, and savor the rich traditions and innovative possibilities that bourbon brings to the table. So, whether you’re toasting to a special moment or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, let these cocktails be your guide to celebrating the art of bourbon mixology. Cheers to new flavors, new memories, and the timeless allure of bourbon!