5 Bourbon Cocktails You Should Know

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of bourbon, having a few classic bourbon cocktails in your repertoire is essential. Bourbon’s rich, caramel and vanilla notes make it a versatile base spirit for crafting both simple and sophisticated drinks. From timeless staples to crowd-pleasers, here are five bourbon cocktails every home bartender should know how to make.

Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is the gold standard of bourbon cocktails—simple, strong, and elegant. It’s the drink that highlights the bourbon itself, with just a touch of sweetness and aromatic bitters.

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 sugar cube or ½ tsp simple syrup

• 2–3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange twist and/or cherry for garnish

Muddle the sugar and bitters in a glass, add bourbon, then stir with ice. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish.

Manhattan

Though traditionally made with rye, the Manhattan is just as delicious with bourbon, offering a slightly sweeter, rounder profile. It’s a perfect cocktail for evening sipping.

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Cherry or orange twist for garnish

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a cherry.

Whiskey Sour

This is one of the most refreshing bourbon cocktails and a great introduction for new bourbon drinkers. The balance of sweet and sour makes it incredibly approachable.

• 2 oz bourbon

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• ¾ oz simple syrup

• (Optional) ½ oz egg white for a frothy texture

• Cherry and orange slice for garnish

Shake all ingredients vigorously (first without ice if using egg white, then with ice), strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish.

Boulevardier

A bourbon-based twist on the classic Negroni, the Boulevardier is rich, bitter, and complex—perfect for fall or winter evenings.

• 1 oz bourbon

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 1 oz Campari

• Orange twist for garnish

Stir with ice and strain into a coupe or serve over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Mint Julep

The signature drink of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep is cool, crisp, and deceptively strong. It’s a great warm-weather bourbon cocktail.

• 2 oz bourbon

• 8–10 fresh mint leaves

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Crushed ice

• Mint sprig for garnish

Gently muddle mint with syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass. Add bourbon and crushed ice. Stir until the glass is frosty. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Final Sip

Mastering these five bourbon cocktails will elevate your home bartending game and impress any guest. They’re time-tested, endlessly adaptable, and showcase the depth and character of bourbon in unique ways. So grab your shaker (and your favorite bottle), and start mixing!