7 Essential Bourbon Cocktails You Need to Know
Bourbon is one of the most versatile spirits, offering rich, complex flavors that pair beautifully with a variety of ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just starting your whiskey journey, mastering a selection of essential bourbon cocktails is a must. Below, we’ll explore seven iconic bourbon cocktails and include recipes for each, so you can start mixing at home right away.
1. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is the quintessential bourbon cocktail. Simple yet sophisticated, it highlights the natural flavors of bourbon with a touch of sweetness and bitterness. Recipe: 2 oz bourbon, 1 sugar cube (or 1/4 oz simple syrup), 3 dashes Angostura bitters, 3 dashes orange bitters, Orange peel to garnish
Some people like to do the full 2 ounces as just bourbon, we like to split our Old Fashioneds to be equal parts rye and bourbon for just a little bit more bite
2. Manhattan
Elegant and refined, the Manhattan combines bourbon (or rye), sweet vermouth, and bitters for a perfectly balanced cocktail. Recipe: 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz sweet vermouth, 2 dashes Angostura bitters
The classic recipe doesn’t call for it, but we like to throw in 2 dashes of orange bitters as well.
3. Boulevardier
A bourbon-based cousin to the Negroni, the Boulevardier is bold and bittersweet with layers of complexity. Recipe: 1 oz bourbon, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, Orange twist
Oh shocked, another recipe that we’re going to add more to. A few dashes of angostura and orange bitters really steps a boulevardier into a new realm
4. Brooklyn
The Brooklyn cocktail delivers a unique, nutty, and slightly bitter twist on a classic whiskey cocktail. Recipe: 1 oz bourbon, 1 oz rye, ¾ oz dry vermouth, ¼ oz maraschino liqueur, ¼ oz Amer Picon
Amer Picon is tough to get our hands on, so we like to opt for Amaro Nonino or a dry curaçao instead
5. Final Ward
A modern riff on the Last Word, the Final Ward combines bourbon with bold herbal and citrus notes. Recipe: ¾ oz bourbon, ¾ oz green Chartreuse, ¾ oz maraschino liqueur, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
6. Penicillin
Traditionally made with Scotch, the bourbon version of this cocktail is sweeter and richer but just as comforting.
Recipe: 2 oz bourbon, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz honey-ginger syrup*, ¼ oz peated whiskey (to float)
*To make honey-ginger syrup: Heat equal parts honey and water with sliced fresh ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes, strain, and cool.
7. Towncar
The Towncar blends bourbon with citrus and herbal notes, creating a smooth and approachable drink.
Ingredients: 1 oz rye, 1 oz cognac, ½ oz sweet vermouth, ½ oz Dry Curacao, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, 2 dashes orange bitters, Orange twist
These bourbon cocktails showcase the spirit’s versatility, offering a variety of flavors and styles for every occasion. From the simplicity of the Old Fashioned to the adventurous flavors of the Final Ward, these recipes are sure to elevate your cocktail game.
