10+ Bourbon Cocktail Recipes to Savor and Enjoy

Bourbon cocktails are a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of this popular whiskey. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking to unwind at home, there are many recipes that can make your experience even more enjoyable. With the right ingredients and simple techniques, you can craft delicious bourbon cocktails that impress your friends and family.

From classic drinks to modern twists, there’s a bourbon cocktail for everyone. These recipes often feature a blend of sweet, sour, and bitter elements, balancing the bold taste of bourbon perfectly. Dive into the world of bourbon cocktails and discover refreshing options for any occasion.

1) Mint Julep Delight

The Mint Julep is a classic bourbon cocktail that’s perfect for warm days. It’s refreshing and simple to make, making it a favorite for many.

To create your Mint Julep, start with fresh mint leaves. You’ll need to muddle them with sugar or simple syrup to release that wonderful mint flavor.

Next, add bourbon and crushed ice to the glass. Stir it gently so the flavors blend well. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprig of mint for that extra flair.

Ingredients

• 4-5 fresh mint sprigs
• 2 sugar cubes or ½ ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces bourbon
• Crushed ice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together.
2. Add the bourbon to the mint mixture.
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
4. Stir gently to mix.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig. Enjoy!

2) Honey-Bourbon Gold Rush

The Honey-Bourbon Gold Rush is a tasty and simple cocktail that combines the smooth flavors of bourbon with the sweetness of honey and a splash of lemon juice. It’s refreshing and perfect for any occasion.

To make this drink, you will need bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. This mix gives you a nice balance of sweet and tart.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz honey syrup
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Add bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice to an ice-filled shaker.
2. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds, until chilled.
3. Strain into an ice-filled glass and enjoy your refreshing Gold Rush!

3) Classic Old Fashioned

The Classic Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that highlights the rich flavor of bourbon. It’s simple to make and requires just a few ingredients.

To start, you’ll need bourbon, sugar, and Angostura bitters. A twist of orange peel adds an aromatic touch.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon (or rye whiskey)
• 1 sugar cube (or 1 teaspoon sugar)
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Ice cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. In a glass, muddle the sugar with the bitters and a splash of water until dissolved.
2. Add ice cubes and pour in the bourbon.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a twist of orange peel. Enjoy!

4) New York Sour Sip

The New York Sour is a classic bourbon cocktail that combines rich flavors. It features bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with a splash of red wine for a unique twist.

To make this drink, start by shaking bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. If you want a frothy texture, you can add an egg white. Strain it into a glass filled with ice.

Finally, float the red wine on top by pouring it gently over a spoon. This creates a beautiful layered effect.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional)
• 1/2 ounce red wine

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
3. Shake well until mixed.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Carefully float red wine on top. Enjoy!

5) Bourbon Lemonade Splash

Bourbon Lemonade Splash is a refreshing drink perfect for warm days. The mix of bourbon and lemonade creates a sweet and tangy flavor that is delightful.

To make this cocktail, you will need fresh lemon juice, honey, and your favorite bourbon. Start by mixing lemon juice and honey until well combined.

Pour this mixture over ice in a cocktail shaker and add bourbon. Shake until it’s really cold. Then, strain it into a glass filled with ice.

For a little extra flair, you can garnish it with a lemon slice or mint leaves. Enjoy this simple and tasty cocktail at your next gathering!

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz lemonade
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• Ice
• Lemon slice and mint leaves (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine lemon juice and honey in a bowl.
2. Pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Add bourbon to the shaker.
4. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with lemon slice and mint leaves.

6) Boozy Bourbon Slush

A Boozy Bourbon Slush is a perfect drink for warm days. It’s refreshing and easy to make. This slushy cocktail combines bourbon with fruity flavors for a delightful treat.

You start by making a simple syrup. Mix water and sugar in a pot over medium heat. Once it boils, let it cool. Then combine it with lemonade and orange juice.

Add your favorite bourbon and some strong brewed tea. Pour everything into a freezer-safe container and let it freeze until slushy. Enjoy with a splash of soda for extra fizz.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups strong hot tea
• 1 ½-2 cups bourbon
• 6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
• 12 ounces lemonade concentrate
• Soda (like diet Sprite or Ginger Ale)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water and sugar in a pot.
2. Cool the syrup.
3. Mix with tea, orange juice, and lemonade.
4. Stir in the bourbon.
5. Pour into a freezer-safe container.
6. Freeze until slushy.
7. Serve with soda on top.

7) Boulevardier Twist

The Boulevardier Twist is a delightful variation of the classic cocktail. It adds a unique flavor with a twist that you will enjoy. Instead of using just bourbon, this recipe features a mix of bourbon and cognac, creating a rich taste.

To make this drink, you’ll also need Campari and sweet vermouth. The combination of these ingredients results in a smooth and balanced cocktail. A lemon twist can enhance the drink’s aroma, making each sip refreshing.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce bourbon
• 1 ounce cognac
• 1 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• Lemon twist for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, cognac, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist before serving. Enjoy!

8) Paper Plane Zing

The Paper Plane Zing is a lively twist on the classic cocktail. It combines a balanced mix of flavors that make it refreshing and enjoyable. You will love how the bourbon, Aperol, and fresh lemon juice blend together.

To prepare this cocktail, you’ll need a shaker filled with ice. Pour in the bourbon, Aperol, and some fresh lemon juice. Shake until well-chilled, which takes about 15 seconds.

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. For a fun touch, garnish with a lemon twist.

Ingredients

• 1 oz bourbon
• 1 oz Aperol
• 1 oz Amaro Nonino
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino.
3. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
4. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain into a coupe glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.

9) Bourbon Sweet Tea

Bourbon Sweet Tea is a refreshing drink that combines the flavors of sweet tea and bourbon. Perfect for warm days, it’s easy to make and full of Southern charm.

To start, brew some strong sweet tea. You can use your favorite tea bags or brew loose leaf for added flavor. Let the tea cool before mixing.

In a pitcher, combine the cooled tea with bourbon. Stir well to blend the flavors. You can also add lemon juice for a zesty kick.

Serve the drink over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for extra flair.

Ingredients

• 4 cups brewed sweet tea
• 1 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (optional)
• Ice
• Lemon slices or fresh mint for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Brew sweet tea and let it cool.
2. In a pitcher, mix the cooled tea and bourbon.
3. Add lemon juice if desired.
4. Pour over ice in serving glasses.
5. Garnish with lemon slices or mint.

10) Arnold Palmer with a Kick

The Arnold Palmer with a kick is a fun twist on the classic drink. This version combines sweet tea, lemonade, and bourbon for a refreshing beverage that packs a punch.

To make this drink, start by filling a glass with ice. Pour in 1.5 ounces of bourbon, then add equal parts of homemade lemonade and iced tea.

You can use fresh brewed unsweetened tea for the best flavor. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Garnish with a lemon wheel for a nice touch.

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Add 1.5 ounces of bourbon.
3. Pour in 2 ounces of lemonade and 2 ounces of iced tea.
4. Stir gently to mix.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
6. Enjoy!