Bourbon Cocktails

Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

Classic & Creative Bourbon Drinks

Master the art of bourbon cocktails with our curated recipe collection. From timeless classics to modern favorites, these recipes showcase bourbon's versatility and complexity. Each recipe includes bourbon recommendations from our featured brands: Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Four Roses.

Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned

The quintessential bourbon cocktail. Simple, elegant, and timeless.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon (Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve)
  • 1 sugar cube or 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Luxardo cherry (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Muddle sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water in a rocks glass
  2. Fill glass with large ice cube
  3. Add bourbon and stir gently for 20-30 seconds
  4. Express orange peel over drink and use as garnish
  5. Add cherry if desired
Manhattan

Manhattan

A sophisticated stirred cocktail with sweet vermouth and bitters.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon (Woodford Reserve or Four Roses)
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Luxardo cherry for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine bourbon, vermouth, and bitters in mixing glass with ice
  2. Stir for 30-40 seconds until well-chilled
  3. Strain into chilled coupe or martini glass
  4. Garnish with cherry
Boulevardier

Boulevardier

A bold, Italian-inspired bourbon cocktail with Campari and vermouth.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz bourbon (Buffalo Trace)
  • 1 oz Campari
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine bourbon, Campari, and vermouth in mixing glass with ice
  2. Stir for 30 seconds
  3. Strain into rocks glass over large ice cube
  4. Express orange peel and garnish
Mint Julep

Mint Julep

The official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Refreshing and minty.

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz bourbon (Woodford Reserve)
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice
  • Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Gently muddle mint leaves with simple syrup in julep cup
  2. Add bourbon
  3. Fill cup with crushed ice and stir
  4. Top with more crushed ice to form a dome
  5. Garnish with mint sprig
Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour

A balanced sour cocktail showcasing bourbon's sweetness.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon (Four Roses)
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Egg white (optional, for froth)
  • Angostura bitters and cherry for garnish

Instructions:

  1. If using egg white, dry shake all ingredients without ice first
  2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds
  3. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice
  4. Garnish with bitters drops and cherry
Gold Rush

Gold Rush

A modern classic combining bourbon with honey and lemon.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark)
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz honey syrup (2:1 honey to water)
  • Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup in shaker with ice
  2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds
  3. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice
  4. Garnish with lemon wheel

Home Bartending Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

Always use fresh citrus juice and quality ingredients. It makes a significant difference in cocktail quality.

Ice Matters

Large ice cubes melt slower, preventing dilution. Use the right ice for each cocktail style.

Stir vs Shake

Stir spirit-forward drinks (Old Fashioned, Manhattan). Shake drinks with citrus or dairy.

Essential Bar Tools

Basic Kit

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger (for measuring)
  • Strainer
  • Muddler

Glassware

  • Rocks glasses
  • Coupe or martini glasses
  • Highball glasses
  • Julep cups (optional)