Bourbon is a magical liquid. Perhaps it’s the oaky warmth or rich darkness of its vanilla and caramel bouquet, that smokey afterglow. Bourbon, whatever it is, makes good cocktails even better. Because this all-American spirit, especially hailing from Kentucky, has a character all its own. So Bourbon Drink Recipes are very popular and important for all.
Bourbon has to adhere to strict regulations, it must contain 51% corn at least and be produced in the United States of America together with aging requirements in new charred oak barrels. This makes it sweeter tasting than other whiskeys. That corn, when cooked right brings out the natural sugars and you get that delicious caramel/vanilla flavor. Add a little smoke from the barrels; the multidimensional backbone works great in classic and more modern cocktails.
Why pick bourbon?
It plays well with others! Because of its mild sweetness and rich depth, it is such a versatile oil. Complements many Fruits, Citrus, Herbs and Spices. Bourbon doesn’t obliterate it, but rather layers on top of your Mint Julep or Old Fashioned. The Bourbon is nice and smooth for those who may consider whiskey to be too rough.
Bourbon went out of style in the late ’70s & ’80s when vodka and gin were popular. It, however, began to pick up again in the 2000s. Craft distilleries abound, each region with its variation on the classic. Today, being a bourbon connoisseur is the coffee or wine snob of our day — it’s an art and a slice of American culture; especially in The South.
But take the Old Fashioned — it’s simple, but hits hard. Zero is all bourbon, sugar, bitters and slightly citrus rind. Or, of course, the Mint Julep — the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Sip on Southern hospitality with every drink — bourbon, sugar, mint and ice. So refreshing on a hot day!
The real point of it is that the bourbon cocktail isn’t just a relic of yesteryear. Bartenders doing what we always do with something new, mix tamarind-chai-stone-fruit flavors with bourbons. That, and demonstrates how bourbon can stand up in a cocktail as good (better…) than many whiskeys.
We submit that the next time you find yourself at a BBQ or upscale bar, bourbon just might be worth another taste. They all were not just a cold glass of wine, the same way you call them — they belong to an experience that carries rich history and social meaning. Cheers to that!
Tips for Making Perfect Bourbon Cocktails
Speaking of bourbon cocktails… oh my! If your beverage has a little punch, here are some ways to improve it:
Pick the right bourbon: If the drink is meant to highlight that whiskey, such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, opt for something complex. Bulleit, Woodford Reserve or Coopers’ Craft. Buffalo Trace or Evan Williams both serve alright in mixed drinks where bourbon is not the only star of the show.
Fresh is best: Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, not from a bottle. If you have access to some mint plants, grab a few leaves directly from the garden. On the subject of sugar, not all are created equal & quality is key to flavor.
Glassware matters: It’s more than just aesthetics, The silver Julep cup keeps your Mint Julep cold longer. Old Fashioned rocks glasses and Manhattan coupes serve their purpose in appearances, allowing for inhaling the scents.
Measure, measure, measure: – a touch too much or too little of anything can ruin the whole drink! Buy a quality jigger & MEASURE!
Shake or stir: Shake with citrus juice, dairy, or eggs for a foamier drink. If you stir spirit-forward cocktails (like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds) because they keep the liquid clear, and soft; no bubbles.
Chill out: Leave your glasses in the freezer for a couple of minutes before serving. Keeps your drinks colder and longer
Beautiful garnish with/ purpose – all those oils in a well-peeled citrus twist add tons of flavor & aroma DO IT Also, fresh herbs (mint or rosemary) make the drink more elegant and also give it flavor.
Get started with a few Bourbon Drink Recipes:
- Classic Old Fashioned
- Manhattan
- Mint Julep
Now go mix up some magic! Let’s dive into the full information of Bourbon Drink Recipes. Here is the link to a Reddit article where you can comment what’s your favorite Bourbon Drink Recipes
Classic Old Fashioned Bourbon Drink Recipe
A real classic, this one dates back to the early 1800s. the Old Fashioned. But it has persisted because of its simplicity and easiness. What makes it special? This drink is just bourbon, sugar, and bitters but those create a depth of flavor that makes this a great option for beginners as well as whiskey lovers. Put in a citrus twist and drop the cherry on top, and It’s special.
Here’s how to make one:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Luxardo cherry
Instructions:
- Put the sugar cube in a rock glass.
- Add bitters and a splash of water.
- Crush the sugar and bitters until they’re dissolved.
- Add big ice cubes.
- Pour in the bourbon.
- Give it a gentle stir.
- Squeeze the orange peel over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in.
- Add a Luxardo cherry.
Nutritional information:
kcal: 185
carbohydrates: 8g
protein: 0g
fat: 0g
sugar: 7g
Yield: Remember the garnish isn’t just for show. Both the orange oil and cherry are for added layers of flavor, so use fresh bare citrus zest(orange) a great quality cherries.
It can be a lovely nightcap, comforting you after a long day; or the toast to some particular thing that’s made your life sweet. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Manhattan Bourbon Drink Recipe
The Manhattan will forever reside in the little black dress category of cocktails: classic, sophisticated and always timeless. It has a big and in-your-face taste for those who like their drinks brash.
What makes it so special? It’s sort of like a ballet, where the bourbon (or rye), sweet vermouth and bitters glide step in perfect time. The whiskey gives you that warm fuzzy feeling, there is sweetness from the vermouth and a spicy kick with bitters. Each one a delightful flavor assault.
Here’s how to make one:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Luxardo cherries
Instructions:
- Toss everything except the cherries into a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until it’s nice and cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Pop in 2-3 Luxardo cherries.
Nutritional information:
kcal: 190
carbohydrates: 5g
protein: 0g
fat: 0g
sugar: 3g
Want to shake things up? Orange bitters or chocolate bitters Or serve with a lemon twist punch for some bright citrus.
A drink like the Manhattan is ideal when you want to be fancy, regardless of whether that means staying in or going out on the town. It’s a more tasteful [than the Globetrotter], not-as-snobby-drink. This is why, anyone free to whip one up and experience what it truly feels like to be a million bucks!
Mint Julep Bourbon Drink Recipe
Imagine it-you’re swinging on your back porch, the sun is beating down and there’s a nice breeze coming through, and all of sudden in one hand you’ve got this ice-cold silver cup full up of what might be the most refreshing drink anyone has ever sipped. That’s what the Mint Julep will do to you. It’s not a drink it’s a vibe.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
- Angostura bitters (optional)
How to make it:
- Chill your cup in the freezer. Trust me, it makes a difference.
- Gently muddle the mint leaves with simple syrup in the cup. Don’t go crazy – you want to release the oils, not obliterate the poor leaves.
- Pour in the bourbon and give it a little stir.
- Fill halfway with crushed ice and stir again.
- Top it off with more crushed ice, making a little mound on top.
- Garnish with a mint sprig. Pro tip: give it a little slap between your hands first to release the aroma.
- If you’re feeling fancy, add a few dashes of bitters on top.
Want to take it up a notch? Opt for fresh mint (from your garden if you can), choose a nice bourbon, and step up to crushed ice if you are feeling industrious. And if you want to show off, sprinkle that mint garnish with some powdered sugar. It will look like he just ran in the Kentucky Derby.
Nutritional information (per serving):
kcal: 180
carbohydrates: 8g
protein: 0g
fat: 0g
I Hope you liked these recipes. Thanks for being here to watch our latest article about Bourbon Drink Recipes.