Best Bourbon Cocktails: Top 21 Recipes for Whiskey Lovers

No home bar is complete without a bottle of bourbon. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made from corn and has a mash bill consisting of at least 51% corn. It is a versatile spirit that can be used to create sweet, tart, and warming cocktails.

If you're looking for a tangy twist, try making a Tamarind Whiskey Sour. For a crowd-pleasing option, consider whipping up a batch of Whiskey Chai. And of course, classic bourbon cocktails like the Mint Julep, New York Sour, and Paper Plane are always worth mastering. Keep reading for our top picks for bourbon cocktails that you can enjoy anytime.

Winter Berries Cocktail

Indulge in a fruity and mildly sweet Winter Berries cocktail, made with dark-berry liqueur and effervescent sparkling wine. The addition of grain-forward bourbon adds a touch of heat to this bubbly sipper. For a perfect finish, garnish with a thin half-moon slice of lemon.

Maple-Bourbon Smash

This lightened version of an Old-Fashioned cocktail is made with dark amber maple syrup, citrus juices, and seltzer for a refreshing twist.

Boulevardier

The Boulevardier is a simple and delicious cocktail made with bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. It's a perfect drink for whiskey lovers, and can be easily made with ingredients found in your home bar.

Alpine Brew

Looking for a delicious, highly caffeinated cocktail? Look no further than the Alpine Brew. This cocktail combines bourbon, coffee liqueur, cold brew, maple syrup, and walnut bitters for a unique and flavorful drink.

Tamarind Whiskey Sour

The Tamarind Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail with a sharp, sweet, yet tart kick. Tamarind adds excitement and surprise to this timeless drink.

Paper Plane

The Paper Plane cocktail is a simple yet complex drink with a bright and fresh taste. It's easy to make and perfect for autumn, offering a balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Bourbon-Tea Julep

Looking for a twist on the classic Mint Julep? Try the Bourbon-Tea Julep! The tannins from black tea provide a pleasant bitterness, while the bright citrus flavor of oleo saccharum (made by steeping lemon peels in sugar) adds the perfect lift to each sip.

To make a Bourbon-Tea Julep, follow these simple steps:

1. Brew a strong cup of black tea and let it cool.
2. Make oleo saccharum by muddling lemon peels with sugar until the sugar is moist and fragrant.
3. In a julep cup, combine the brewed tea, oleo saccharum, and a sprig of fresh mint.
4. Muddle the mint lightly to release its oils.
5. Fill the cup with crushed ice.
6. Add 2 ounces of bourbon.
7. Stir until the cup is frosted.
8. Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy!

This refreshing twist on a classic cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or enjoying at your next gathering.

Shadow Woman

This Old-Fashioned–style cocktail is given a fruity kick from pear brandy and a gentle sweetness from honey. The bourbon adds a bite without overpowering the drink. Pear brandy is a highly aromatic and unsweetened liquor made from fermented pears.

Banana-Rum Old-Fashioned

This cocktail is a bold and strong combination of high-proof bourbon and light rum. The mellow crème de banane adds a hint of floral sweetness to the drink.

Withering Sunrise

Looking for a refreshing, tropical cocktail? Look no further than the Withering Sunrise. This cocktail is made with a perfect combination of bourbon and puréed mango, creating a heavenly flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Here are some key things to know about the Withering Sunrise:

• Made with bourbon and puréed mango
• Creates a refreshing, tropical flavor
• Perfect for any occasion
• Easy to make at home

Try making a Withering Sunrise for your next party or gathering. Your guests will thank you for it!

New York Sour

Looking for the perfect balance of fruity red wine and smoky-sweet bourbon? Look no further than the classic New York Sour cocktail. Chill it without diluting it by shaking with large ice cubes, and serve in a rocks glass for a stunning presentation. For an extra twist, add an egg white to the shaker for a thicker viscosity.

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep, a bourbon and mint cocktail, has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1939. However, the history of the cocktail dates back to 900 AD when it was consumed for medicinal purposes. New Orleans bartender Chris McMillian has been known to recite an ode from the 1890s by a Kentucky newspaperman while mixing the drink. This classic cocktail is often served in a silver or pewter cup filled with crushed ice, bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves.

Dog Days of Summer Ale

Looking for a refreshing drink to cool down during the hot summer months? Look no further than the Dog Days of Summer Ale. This beer-bourbon cocktail is made with cherry heering, which gives it a stunning red color. Here are some key features of this drink:

• Made with cherry heering
• Striking red hue
• Perfect for hot summer days
• Beer and bourbon combination

Try the Dog Days of Summer Ale for a unique and refreshing twist on a classic cocktail.

Milk Punch

Looking for a warm and creamy drink to enjoy on chilly winter nights? Look no further than Milk Punch. This classic beverage is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and comforting.

Whiskey Samash

Looking for a playful twist on the classic whiskey smash? Try the Whiskey Samash, a Hanukkah cocktail that incorporates fig syrup for a unique flavor experience.

Hot Toddy

Warm yourself up with a classic winter cocktail - the hot toddy.

• Made with whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon juice
• Often garnished with a cinnamon stick or lemon wedge
• Believed to have originated in Scotland in the 18th century
• Said to have medicinal properties for cold and flu symptoms

Enjoy a cozy night in with a hot toddy in hand.

Ginger and Bourbon

This winter cocktail is a popular choice for its comforting taste.

• Made with ginger and bourbon
• Simple recipe
• Perfect for cold weather
• Soothing and relaxing

Try this classic cocktail for a cozy night in.

Whiskey Chai

Indulge in a comforting nightcap with this delicious whiskey chai recipe. The addition of Zanzibar peppercorns from Burlap and Barrel provides a fruity and bright flavor to this sweet sipper. Perfect for satisfying a crowd after a big night out.

Apricot Nectarine Julep

For a refreshing summer cocktail, try the Apricot Nectarine Julep. This cocktail is made by combining bourbon with a puree of roasted apricots and nectarines. The roasted fruit puree brings out the flavors of vanilla and nutmeg in the bourbon. To serve, pour the puree on top of crushed ice for a Hawaiian shave ice-inspired drink. This technique can also be used with other stone fruits such as plums and sour cherries.

Homemade Eggnog

To make rich and creamy homemade eggnog, you'll need a double boiler and a whisk. Follow these two simple steps to make a festive drink ahead of time:

1. In a double boiler, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and milk until it thickens.
2. Add heavy cream, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to the mixture, and whisk until everything is blended.

Be sure to chill the mixture thoroughly before serving, and give it a final whisk to make sure everything is well combined. Enjoy your delicious homemade eggnog!

In Cold Blood

You've probably heard of the classic Truman Capote novel, but "In Cold Blood" is also the name of a popular cocktail at Portland Hunt & Alpine Club in Maine. The drink, created by Andrew Volk, is a balanced combination of the bitter artichoke-flavored aperitif Cynar and a touch of salt to bring out the flavors. According to Volk, it's a popular and approachable drink with a geeky twist.