18 Classic Bourbon Cocktail Recipes Delicious

Whiskey lovers, rejoice! Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado or just starting to explore the rich, caramel notes of America’s favorite spirit, we’ve got a treat for you. Dive into our roundup of 18 Classic Bourbon Cocktail Recipes that promise to elevate your home bartending game. From timeless classics to inventive twists, there’s a drink here for every occasion. Ready to shake things up? Let’s get mixing!

Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

There’s nothing quite like the timeless elegance of an Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail to round off your evening. Simple, sophisticated, and utterly satisfying, this classic drink is a must-know for any home bartender.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• 1 maraschino cherry (optional)
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1/4 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.
2. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill the mixture without diluting it too much.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Express the oil from the orange peel over the drink by twisting it and then rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it in.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry if desired.

The magic of an Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity and the way the bourbon’s warmth is perfectly balanced by the sweetness and bitters. It’s a drink that commands attention with every sip.

Tip: For an extra smooth sip, use a single large ice cube to slow down dilution and keep your cocktail chilled longer.

Bourbon Manhattan

Elevate your cocktail game with this classic Bourbon Manhattan, a timeless blend of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters that’s as sophisticated as it is simple to make.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes to chill.
2. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters to the chilled mixing glass.
3. Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds until the outside of the glass feels cold.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with 1 maraschino cherry on a skewer or dropped directly into the glass.

The magic of a Bourbon Manhattan lies in the balance between the boldness of the bourbon and the sweetness of the vermouth, creating a smooth, complex sip that’s perfect for savoring.

Tip: For an extra cold cocktail, place your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.

Whiskey Sour with Bourbon

There’s nothing quite like the classic Whiskey Sour to warm up your evening, especially when it’s made with smooth bourbon. This version strikes the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and strong.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz egg white (optional for froth)
• Ice
• Maraschino cherry and orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
2. Dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again vigorously for another 15 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice on the rim.

The optional egg white gives this Whiskey Sour a luxuriously smooth texture and a beautiful frothy top, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Tip: For an extra smooth cocktail, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade simple syrup.

Bourbon Mint Julep

Nothing says Southern hospitality like a refreshing Bourbon Mint Julep, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon or as a sophisticated cocktail at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 8 fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a julep cup or a rocks glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup to release the mint’s aroma.
2. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice, then pour the bourbon over the ice.
3. Stir well until the glass is frosty, then top with more crushed ice.
4. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and serve immediately.

The magic of a Mint Julep lies in the muddling technique, which unlocks the mint’s essential oils for a fragrance that complements the bourbon’s warmth.

Tip: For an extra frosty experience, place your julep cup in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing your drink.

Bourbon Smash

Nothing says summer like a refreshing Bourbon Smash, a cocktail that combines the warmth of bourbon with the bright flavors of fresh mint and lemon.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 4 fresh mint leaves
• Lemon wheel and mint sprig for garnish
• Crushed ice

Instructions

1. In a shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup and lemon juice to release the mint’s aroma.
2. Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold, about 15 seconds.
3. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and strain the cocktail over the ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a mint sprig.

The Bourbon Smash stands out with its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes, making it an ideal sip for those long, lazy afternoons.

Tip: For an extra refreshing twist, slap the mint sprig between your hands before garnishing to release more of its essential oils.

Bourbon Highball

Elevate your cocktail game with this classic Bourbon Highball, a refreshing blend of bourbon and ginger ale that’s perfect for sipping on a warm evening.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 4 ounces ginger ale
• 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill it, then discard the ice.
2. Pour 2 ounces of bourbon into the glass.
3. Add 4 ounces of ginger ale, gently stirring to combine.
4. Squeeze in 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy note.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist on the rim of the glass for an elegant finish.

The Bourbon Highball stands out with its perfect balance of spicy bourbon and sweet ginger ale, accented by a hint of lemon for a refreshing twist.

Tip: For an extra chill, place your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the cocktail.

Bourbon Sidecar

Elevate your cocktail game with this Bourbon Sidecar, a smooth twist on the classic that brings warmth and depth to your glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp simple syrup
• Lemon twist, for garnish
• Sugar, for rimming the glass

Instructions

1. Rim a chilled coupe glass with sugar by first rubbing the rim with a lemon wedge, then dipping it into a plate of sugar. Set aside.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp simple syrup with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Strain into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

The Bourbon Sidecar stands out with its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong, making it an unforgettable sip for any occasion.

Tip: For an extra smooth finish, let your bourbon breathe for a few minutes before mixing.

Bourbon Sazerac

Elevate your cocktail game with this Bourbon Sazerac, a smooth twist on the classic that’s perfect for sipping on a cozy evening.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/4 oz absinthe
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel, for garnish

Instructions

1. Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice and letting it sit while you prepare the drink.
2. In a mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube with 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters and 1 dash of Angostura bitters until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add 2 oz of bourbon to the mixing glass, fill with ice, and stir well for about 30 seconds until chilled.
4. Discard the ice from the rocks glass and rinse it with 1/4 oz of absinthe, swirling to coat the inside, then discard the excess.
5. Strain the bourbon mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink, then garnish with the peel.

The Bourbon Sazerac stands out with its perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and the aromatic touch of absinthe, making it a sophisticated choice for any occasion.

Tip: For an extra chill, place your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting.

Bourbon Lemonade

When life gives you lemons, why not spike them with bourbon? This Bourbon Lemonade is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and boozy, making it an irresistible summer sipper.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup bourbon
• 2 cups ice cubes
• Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
2. In a large pitcher, mix the cooled sugar syrup with 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 cup bourbon. Stir well.
3. Add 2 cups ice cubes to the pitcher and stir until the mixture is chilled.
4. Serve over ice in glasses garnished with lemon slices and mint sprigs.

The magic of this Bourbon Lemonade lies in the balance—bourbon’s warmth perfectly complements the lemonade’s zing, creating a drink that’s refreshing yet robust.

Tip: For a smoother drink, strain the lemon juice to remove pulp before mixing.

Bourbon Peach Tea

Nothing says summer like a refreshing glass of Bourbon Peach Tea, blending the sweetness of ripe peaches with the smooth kick of bourbon for a drink that’s as delightful as it is easy to make.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 2 black tea bags
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, add the tea bags, and let steep for 5 minutes. Discard the tea bags.
2. Stir in the sugar until completely dissolved. Add the sliced peaches and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Once cooled, transfer the peach tea mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any pulp.
4. Stir in the bourbon and lemon juice. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Serve over ice cubes, garnished with fresh mint leaves.

The magic of this Bourbon Peach Tea lies in the perfect balance between the fruit’s natural sweetness and the bourbon’s warmth, creating a cocktail that’s both invigorating and soothing.

Tip: For an extra peach flavor, muddle a few additional slices at the bottom of each glass before adding the tea.

Bourbon Apple Cider

Warm up your evenings with this Bourbon Apple Cider, a cozy blend that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to sip.

Ingredients

• 4 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups apple cider, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 cinnamon sticks, orange slices, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp ground cloves.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon sticks and orange slices. Serve warm in mugs.

The magic of this recipe lies in the bourbon’s smooth warmth perfectly balancing the apple cider’s sweetness, creating a drink that’s irresistibly comforting.

Tip: For an extra festive touch, garnish each mug with a fresh cinnamon stick before serving.

Bourbon Hot Toddy

When the chill of the evening sets in, there’s nothing quite like a Bourbon Hot Toddy to warm you from the inside out. This classic cocktail is as soothing as it is simple, making it the perfect nightcap.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 bourbon (2 oz)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 lemon wheel (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Add 2 oz of bourbon, 1 tablespoon of honey, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 cinnamon stick, and 2 whole cloves to the simmering water. Stir well to dissolve the honey.
3. Let the mixture steep for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors, then remove from heat.
4. Strain the hot toddy into a mug, discarding the cloves and cinnamon stick.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim of the mug for a fresh, citrusy aroma.

The magic of this Bourbon Hot Toddy lies in the balance of sweet honey, tart lemon, and the warm spices that dance together with the smooth bourbon. It’s a hug in a mug that’s as delightful to sip as it is to prepare.

Tip: For an extra cozy touch, warm your mug with hot water before pouring in the toddy to keep it toasty longer.

Bourbon Cherry Smash

This Bourbon Cherry Smash is a vibrant, boozy cocktail that’s as fun to make as it is to sip, blending the deep flavors of bourbon with the sweet tartness of fresh cherries.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup club soda
• Ice cubes
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cherries and sugar together until the cherries are broken down and the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the bourbon and lemon juice to the shaker, then fill with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, then top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a few mint leaves for a fresh aroma and a pop of color.

The magic of this cocktail lies in the muddling process, which releases the cherries’ juices and melds them perfectly with the bourbon’s warmth, creating a drink that’s both refreshing and rich.

Tip: For an extra chill, freeze some cherries and use them as ice cubes to keep your drink cold without diluting it.

Bourbon Ginger Ale

Elevate your cocktail game with this Bourbon Ginger Ale, a refreshing blend that’s perfect for sipping on a warm evening.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 4 ounces ginger ale
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill.
2. Pour 2 ounces of bourbon over the ice.
3. Add 4 ounces of ginger ale to the glass.
4. Squeeze in 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice.
5. Stir in 1 teaspoon of simple syrup until well combined.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.

The magic of this drink lies in the balance between the spicy ginger ale and the smooth bourbon, with a bright lime finish that ties it all together.

Tip: For an extra kick, try using a spicy ginger beer instead of ginger ale.

Bourbon Sweet Tea

Nothing says Southern hospitality like a refreshing glass of Bourbon Sweet Tea, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon or as a sweet companion to your favorite barbecue.

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 4 black tea bags
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 4 black tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
3. Once cooled, stir in 1/4 cup of bourbon.
4. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the bourbon sweet tea over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.

The magic of this Bourbon Sweet Tea lies in the perfect balance of bold tea, smooth bourbon, and just the right amount of sweetness, making it a standout at any gathering.

Tip: For an extra refreshing twist, chill the tea in the refrigerator for an hour before adding the bourbon and serving.

Bourbon Maple Syrup Cocktail

Warm up your evenings with this Bourbon Maple Syrup Cocktail, a sweet and smoky blend that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to sip.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz pure maple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 dash aromatic bitters
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz pure maple syrup, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 dash aromatic bitters.
2. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist before serving.

The magic of this cocktail lies in the harmony between the bourbon’s warmth and the maple syrup’s earthy sweetness, creating a drink that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

Tip: For an extra smoky flavor, try using a bourbon that’s been aged in charred oak barrels.

Bourbon Cranberry Punch

Warm up your holiday gatherings with this Bourbon Cranberry Punch, a festive blend that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to sip.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup sparkling water
• Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups cranberry juice, 1 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup maple syrup. Stir well to mix.
2. Just before serving, add 1 cup sparkling water to the pitcher and gently stir to combine.
3. Fill glasses with ice, pour the punch over, and garnish with fresh cranberries and lime slices.

The magic of this punch lies in the balance of tart cranberry and lime with the smooth warmth of bourbon, all lightly sweetened with maple syrup for a cozy yet refreshing drink.

Tip: For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the bourbon with additional cranberry juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar for depth.

Bourbon Espresso Martini

Shake up your cocktail hour with this Bourbon Espresso Martini, a rich and spirited twist on the classic that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled
• 1 oz coffee liqueur
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Coffee beans for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 1/2 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a few coffee beans if desired.

The Bourbon Espresso Martini stands out with its bold coffee flavor perfectly balanced by the smooth warmth of bourbon, making it an ideal pick-me-up for any evening.

Tip: For an extra smooth texture, double strain the cocktail by using a fine mesh sieve when pouring into the glass.

Conclusion

We hope this roundup of 18 classic bourbon cocktails inspires your next gathering or cozy night in. Each recipe is a testament to bourbon’s versatility and timeless appeal. Don’t hesitate to mix up your favorites, share your thoughts in the comments, and spread the joy by pinning this article on Pinterest. Cheers to delicious discoveries!