Here’s a fun fact: Kentucky has more bourbon barrels than people. While bourbon takes its name from old Bourbon County, Kentucky, it can legally be made anywhere in the U.S.—as long as it follows strict rules (at least 51% corn, distilled at no more than 160 proof, aged in new charred oak barrels, and bottled at minimum 40% ABV).

Now let’s get to the good stuff: cocktails that showcase bourbon’s rich flavor.

Whether you’re craving something festive like a Classic Hot Toddy, beginner-friendly like The Black Demure, a fall favorite like my Pumpkin-Spice Old Fashioned (#8), or fruity and tart like #22, these recipes are simple to make at home with ingredients you probably already have.

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1. The Manhattan

The Manhattan was popularized in the 1980s by the Manhattan Club in New York City, and it became an instant hit with drinkers. The classic drink also adds a distinct touch to Bourbon with a sweet vermouth. Add a twist of orange or cherry to garnish.

2. The Revolver

Treading the same path as Manhattan is a cocktail that infuses coffee liquor into your brown spirit. It’s enough to get you relaxed without getting tiddly. Simply strain in a chilled glass and with an orange peel.

3. Three Wise Men Shot

Take a hit at this combination of big-name liquors. It’s a highly potent trio perfect for getting you into holiday cheer. Best enjoyed cold and straight up.

4. Kentucky Mule

Here’s a Bourbon twist to the vodka-infused recipe originally known as the Moscow mule.
However, you don’t need to be a pro to ace this number with refreshing elements like ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and mint.

Tip: Try to source your liquor straight from Kentucky for a genuine taste.

5. Ginger Julep

Ginger Julep is a much less potent cocktail mix that downplays the spirit with fresh ingredients. There’s also the Ginger-Mint syrup with a playful addition of fresh orange juice.

6. The Paper Plane

A cocktail mix that’s fast becoming a modern classic is a Chicago bartender’s concoction whipped up in 2008. Actually, Sam Ross created the original cocktail for The Violet Hour.
And for those who, like us, wonder what this drink is, it’s a bright orange drink frequently compared with the original Campari.

7. Whiskey Smash

Also known as the Bourbon Smash, it takes its name from the smashing technique used to combine the sweet-tart-fresh ingredients. Serve over lots of crushed ice.

8. Pumpkin Spice Old-Fashioned

This classic medley swaps simple syrups with maple syrup, an old-fashioned favorite amid the fall season. But pumpkin spice simple syrup also amps up the autumn vibe of this twist on Bourbon and orange spirits. Shake and strain. Garnish with anise stars or cinnamon stick.

9. Boulevardier

If you like the bitter notes of Campari, take it with a touch of vermouth and add to it your Bourbon. The bittersweet potion is also beloved by those who indulge in the classic Negroni. Indeed, this spin-off won’t disappoint.

10. Bourbon Ball

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this dessert cocktail. Crème de cacao and heavy cream are the secret ingredients that give this drink its velvety richness. But it’s the hazelnut liquor that adds another layer of flavor.

11. Bourbon Highball

Not to be confused with the Bourbon Ball, this cocktail is easier to make and doesn’t even need mixing. It’s also for those days when you can’t take anything too intense. And if you like whiskey but don’t want to sip it neat, adding mixers can play down the strength of the spirits.

12. Classic Old Fashioned

The smooth texture and the sugary undertones are what set this drink apart from most other whiskey-based drinks. It’s a drink made for slow sipping. Poured over a large cube of ice that keeps it perfectly chilled yet doesn’t water it down.

Short glass of Old-Fashioned whiskey cocktail garnished with a cherry, next to slices of orange

13. Cranberry Old Fashioned

Keep the festivities going with an easy combination that’s simply a classic (with a festive cranberry twist)! Make a pitcher of this blend perfectly balanced with bitters–aromatic or cardamom.

14. The Charleston Bog

You’ll be going in circles pretty quickly with this berry-infused bourbon cocktail! It is such a refreshing experience that livens up the palate.

15. The Black Demure

The Black Demure works for everyone—from bourbon newbies to cocktail pros. Fresh blackberries add juicy sweetness to the bourbon’s warmth, balanced by bright lemon. It’s an easy introduction to bourbon or a refreshing break from more complex drinks.

16. Palmer Park Swizzle

The Bayou Bar in the New Orleans’ Pontchartrain Hotel invented this blend. This drink tastes like iced tea, except that it’s got a Bourbon kick in it. Also, infusing with tea, mint, and lime juice is a great entrance into mixing Bourbon cocktails with flavors you might find familiar.

17. Bourbon Apple Cider Sour

For ladies’ night, you’ll want something delicate yet refreshingly fun. The apple cinnamon lends a familiar taste. And the egg white harmonizes the notes in this luscious drink.

18. The Bourbon Sidecar

A bourbon twist on the classic sidecar. Bright citrus meets spicy whiskey in this sophisticated sour.

19. Gold Rush

Honey simple syrup, bourbon and lemon juice, a powerful, tasty combination.

20. Classic Hot Toddy

If you like your Bourbon honey-infused, you’ll savor the goodness of this warm blend. It’s a recipe made for holidays with the family. Great for slow sipping.

21. Lime Whiskey Sour

This Lime Whiskey Sour is bold, citrusy, and perfectly balanced. Made with bourbon, Fresh Victor Mexican Lime & Agave, and optional simple syrup, it’s a smooth, refreshing cocktail with a premium twist.

A Bourbon Lime Sour cocktail served in a chilled glass next to Fresh Victor mixers and Blue Run Ember bourbon

22. Brown Derby Cocktail

Here’s another citrus-based Bourbon with hints of brown sugar to add sweetness and some honey syrup. You can experiment with the fresh grapefruit you use for this mix. But pink grapefruit works incredibly well in this mix.

23. Jalapeño Lime Fizz

This Jalapeño Lime Fizz Cocktail is the perfect mix of refreshing lime, smooth bourbon, and a kick of jalapeño. Whether you’re hosting a game night or craving a bold margarita alternative, this spicy cocktail is a must-try!

A spicy jalapeño lime fizz cocktail served in a glass with fresh lime slices and jalapeño rounds.

24. Alton Brown’s Aged Eggnog

I’m on my second batch of this winter wonder. It continues to impress me over the years because it really does get more delicious with time (and maybe stronger, too). I follow the recipe exactly except on my latest batch, I was light on the rum so I amped up the bourbon. So good, and Brown’s ratios are very forgiving. Wait two weeks for your first sip.

Can’t wait? Try our Overnight Nog instead.

25. Kentucky Mulled Cider

Try this one if you’d like an alcoholic vibe on your apple cider! It’s a hot mix warmed with a dash of allspice and cinnamon. Even more fun served in a footed mug.

The bottom line

Kentucky bourbon is a sweeter whiskey with notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla. Its rich flavor shines in balanced cocktails and decadent dessert drinks featuring chocolate, cream, and fresh fruit. Because honestly, who doesn’t want chocolate in their cocktail?

These 25 bourbon cocktails are crafted to highlight the spirit’s complex character in every sip.