Top 5 Bourbon Cocktails of All Time

If you’re a bourbon lover, you know that this classic American spirit is versatile and delicious in all kinds of cocktails. From sweet and fruity to bold and boozy, bourbon cocktails offer a range of flavors and styles that can suit any taste. To help you find your new favorite bourbon cocktail, we’ve rounded up the top 5 bourbon cocktails that you absolutely have to try.

  1. Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic that has been around for over a century. Made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, this cocktail is the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It’s a great cocktail for sipping slowly and enjoying the complex flavors of the bourbon.

Ingredients:

    • 2 oz bourbon
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    • Orange slice
    • Maraschino cherry
    • Club soda
    • Ice

Instructions:

    1. In an Old Fashioned glass, add the sugar and a splash of club soda. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
    2. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and stir.
    3. Fill the glass with ice.
    4. Add 2 oz of bourbon and stir again.
    5. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
    6. Enjoy your classic Old Fashioned!

Note: Some variations of the Old Fashioned call for muddling an orange slice and cherry with the sugar and bitters, but this recipe skips that step for a simpler, classic version of the cocktail.

  1. Manhattan

The Manhattan is another classic bourbon cocktail that has stood the test of time. Made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, this cocktail is bold and boozy, with a rich, deep flavor that’s perfect for sipping on a cold winter night.

Ingredients:

    • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
    • 1 oz sweet vermouth
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    • Maraschino cherry
    • Ice

Instructions:

    1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
    2. Add 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
    3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds, being careful not to over-dilute the drink.
    4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
    5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
    6. Enjoy your classic Manhattan!

Note: Some variations of the Manhattan call for additional ingredients like orange bitters or a lemon twist, but this recipe keeps it simple with just bourbon or rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.

  1. Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a refreshing and classic bourbon cocktail that’s perfect for warm summer days. Made with bourbon, mint leaves, sugar, and crushed ice, this cocktail is sweet, refreshing, and easy to drink.

Ingredients:

    • 2 1/2 oz bourbon
    • 1 oz simple syrup
    • 8-10 fresh mint leaves
    • Crushed ice

Instructions:

    1. In a julep cup or highball glass, muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup until the leaves are fragrant and slightly bruised.
    2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
    3. Pour 2 1/2 oz of bourbon over the ice.
    4. Stir gently to combine.
    5. Add more crushed ice to fill the glass, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
    6. Enjoy your classic Mint Julep!

Note: Some variations of the Mint Julep call for additional ingredients like soda water or citrus juice, but this recipe keeps it simple with just bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint, and crushed ice.

  1. Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that can be made with any type of whiskey, but bourbon is the perfect choice for this sweet and sour drink. Made with bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar, this cocktail is a great option for those who prefer a sweeter drink.

Ingredients:

    • 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
    • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
    • 1/2 oz simple syrup
    • Ice
    • Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

    1. Fill a shaker with ice.
    2. Add 2 oz of whiskey, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup to the shaker.
    3. Shake vigorously until well combined and chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
    4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
    5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry, if desired.
    6. Enjoy your classic Whiskey Sour!

Note: Some variations of the Whiskey Sour call for additional ingredients like egg white or orange liqueur, but this recipe keeps it simple with just whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

  1. Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, made with bourbon instead of gin. This cocktail is bold and bitter, with a complex flavor that’s perfect for sipping slowly. Made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari, this cocktail is a must-try for any bourbon lover.

Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 oz bourbon
    • 1 oz sweet vermouth
    • 1 oz Campari
    • Orange peel for garnish
    • Ice

Instructions:

    1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
    2. Add 1 1/2 oz of bourbon, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 1 oz of Campari to the mixing glass.
    3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds, being careful not to over-dilute the drink.
    4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
    5. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
    6. Enjoy your classic Boulevardier!

Note: Some variations of the Boulevardier call for additional ingredients like bitters or orange juice, but this recipe keeps it simple with just bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

In conclusion, there are countless bourbon cocktails out there to enjoy, but these top 5 are a great place to start. From classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan to refreshing drinks like the Mint Julep, there’s a bourbon cocktail out there for everyone. So grab a bottle of your favorite bourbon and start mixing up some delicious cocktails today!

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Matthew Evans

Matthew is the founder/owner of Whiskey Consensus and lead whiskey geek for the brand. He likes his whiskey served neat at cask strength and always jumps at the chance to learn something new.

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