Best Bourbon Drinks to Try This Weekend
As the sun sets and the weekend arrives, there’s nothing better than sharing a well-made bourbon cocktail with friends and family. Whether you’re a bourbon lover or just starting to explore its rich flavors, this guide will show you the top bourbon drinks for a great weekend.
Our list includes classics like the Old Fashioned and refreshing Mint Julep. Each drink is chosen to highlight bourbon’s versatility and depth. Get ready to enjoy the perfect mix of sweetness, spice, and citrus in these irresistible cocktails.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover a diverse range of bourbon cocktail recipes, from traditional to contemporary creations.
- Explore the unique properties of bourbon and how to harness them for flawless cocktail making.
- Learn essential tools, ingredients, and mixing techniques to elevate your home bartending skills.
- Uncover the allure of seasonal and fruit-forward bourbon drinks that will delight your senses.
- Discover the art of craft cocktail presentation and how to impress your guests with your bourbon expertise.
Essential Guide to Bourbon Cocktail Making
Making the perfect bourbon cocktail is an art. It needs knowing bourbon’s flavors and mastering mixing techniques. This guide will help you make amazing bourbon drinks. You’ll impress your friends and improve your bartending skills.
Understanding Bourbon’s Smooth and Sweet Flavor Profile
Bourbon is a unique American spirit. It’s known for its rich sweetness and smooth texture. Its flavor comes from aging in charred oak barrels.
This aging adds complex notes like vanilla and oak. Sometimes, you might taste a hint of spice. This makes bourbon perfect for many cocktails.
Essential Tools and Ingredients for Bourbon Cocktail Making
- A high-quality cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling your drinks
- A muddler for gently crushing fruits, herbs, and other ingredients
- A jigger for accurately measuring your liquor and mixers
- Fresh citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, for adding brightness and acidity
- Simple syrup to balance the sweetness of your cocktails
Mastering Mixing Techniques for Perfect Results
When mixing bourbon cocktails, technique is crucial. Shaking is best for drinks with citrus or egg white. It makes the drink smooth and frothy.
For spirit-forward drinks like the Old Fashioned, stir instead. Stirring combines ingredients gently without diluting the drink.
The right ice is also important. Big, clear ice cubes or spheres keep flavors balanced. They also keep the drink at the right temperature.
“Mastering the art of bourbon cocktail making is about understanding the spirit’s unique properties and leveraging the right tools and techniques to create truly exceptional drinks.”
Classic Bourbon Cocktails You Can’t Miss
Bourbon lovers, get ready to dive into some iconic cocktails. These drinks highlight the rich flavors of American bourbon. Classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are timeless favorites.
The Perfect Old Fashioned Recipe
The Old Fashioned is a classic, over 200 years old. It’s one of the first recorded cocktails. To make it, you need Four Roses Single Barrel bourbon, Rye Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup, and orange bitters.
The mix is 5 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of maple syrup, and 4-6 dashes of bitters. Serve it over ice and garnish with an orange twist. It’s a flavorful drink with sweet, bitter, and aromatic notes.
Manhattan: A Timeless Favorite
The Manhattan is a sophisticated cocktail that highlights bourbon’s nuances. You’ll need 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
Stir the mix with ice until it’s chilled, then strain it into a coupe glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry. Its balance of spirit, sweetness, and bitterness makes it a favorite.
Whiskey Sour Variations
Try the New York Sour for a refreshing whiskey sour twist. It has 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup. It’s topped with a red wine float.
This mix of tart and tannic flavors is unique and balanced. Other whiskey sour variations include the blueberry, peach, and raspberry bourbon smashes. Each adds a seasonal fruit touch and sweetness.
Summer-Inspired Bourbon Drinks
As summer heats up, it’s time to try summer bourbon cocktails that cool you down. These whiskey drinks are great for relaxing afternoons, BBQs, or parties.
Try a Mint Julep for a taste of the Kentucky Derby. It’s made with crushed ice, fresh mint, and bourbon. For a twist, try the Kentucky Mule, a bourbon version of the Moscow Mule.
Want something fruity? Try the Blackberry Bourbon Smash or the Bourbon Peach Smash. Both are refreshing and full of flavor.
| Cocktail | Ingredients | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Mint Julep | Bourbon, crushed ice, fresh mint | 246 |
| Kentucky Mule | Bourbon, ginger beer, lime juice | 174 |
| Blackberry Bourbon Smash | Bourbon, blackberries, simple syrup, lemon juice | 218 |
| Bourbon Peach Smash | Bourbon, peaches, simple syrup, mint | 202 |
Enjoy these refreshing whiskey drinks as the weather warms up. Whether you prefer a classic or something new, these summer bourbon drinks will impress.
Sweet and Fruity Bourbon Creations
Bourbon’s natural sweetness and rich flavor make it great for summer cocktails. You can make everything from classic Mint Juleps to new fruity drinks. There’s a lot to try and enjoy.
Peach and Bourbon Combinations
Peach and bourbon are a perfect pair, as seen in the Bourbon and Peach Sweet Tea. This drink mixes bourbon’s caramel notes with peaches’ sweetness. It’s perfect for hot summer days.
For something different, try the Ultimate BBQ Bourbon Smash. It has grilled peaches, lemon, and mint. It’s a twist on the classic.
Berry-Based Bourbon Cocktails
Berries and bourbon are a great combo for summer. Try a Cherry Bourbon Smash or Blackberry Bourbon Smash. They mix bourbon’s flavor with the tartness of cherries or sweetness of blackberries.
These drinks are great for enjoying outside or at a party. They offer a nice mix of flavors.
Citrus-Forward Drinks
Bourbon is also great in citrus-based cocktails. The Brown Derby uses grapefruit juice, and the Bourbon Sour has lemon and honey plum syrup. Citrus adds a bright, tangy taste that balances bourbon’s sweetness.
These drinks are perfect for cooling down on a hot day. They’re refreshing and balanced.
Whether you like peach, berry, or citrus bourbon drinks, there’s a lot to try. Use fresh ingredients to make your bourbon cocktails stand out. Impress your friends with your creations.
Seasonal Bourbon Favorites
As the seasons change, our cravings for the perfect drink do too. Enjoy the flavors of fall and winter with these seasonal bourbon cocktails. They’re perfect for cozy nights by the fire or festive gatherings.
Try the Bourbon Cocoa Cider for a cozy autumn evening. It’s a mix of bourbon, apple cider, and cocoa powder that warms you up. The Hot Toddy is another classic, with bourbon, honey, lemon, and spices.
For a spicy twist, try the Brown Sugar Bourbon Smash. It combines bourbon, ginger beer, and spices. Or, for holiday cheer, the Bourbon Eggnog is creamy and indulgent, great for fireside sipping.
These fall bourbon cocktails and winter whiskey drinks will be your new favorites. Experiment and enjoy the unique flavors of the season.
| Cocktail | Ingredients | Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Toddy | 1 1/2 oz bourbon, honey, lemon, hot water | 80-90 |
| Smoke and Oak Bourbon Hot Chocolate | 2 oz oaky bourbon, hot chocolate, cinnamon | 90-100 |
| Maple Old Fashioned | 2 oz bourbon, maple syrup, bitters | 95-105 |
| Bourbon Mulled Cider | 2-3 cups bourbon, apple cider, spices | 90-100 |
| Bourbon Eggnog | 1 1/2 cups 100 proof bourbon, 1/3 cup cognac, eggnog | 100 |
| Winter-Spiced Manhattan | 2 oz bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters | 90-100 |
Enjoy the warmth of the season with these fall bourbon cocktails and winter whiskey drinks. Savor the flavors and make memories with loved ones.
Craft Bourbon Cocktail Techniques
Want to make your bourbon cocktails stand out? Learn the key techniques. Muddling, mixing, and garnishing can turn a simple drink into a masterpiece.
Muddling and Mixing Methods
Muddling is crucial for perfect bourbon cocktails. Press and twist fruits, herbs, and spices gently. This releases their flavors without bitterness. Then, mix carefully to blend all ingredients well.
Garnishing Tips for Presentation
Make your bourbon cocktails look great with the right garnishes. Use mint sprigs, citrus twists, or creative skewers. A well-chosen garnish adds elegance and improves the drink’s taste.
Ice Selection and Its Impact
- Crushed Ice: Great for refreshing drinks like the Mint Julep. It cools the drink fast and adds a nice texture.
- Large Cubes: Perfect for sipping cocktails. They melt slowly, keeping the bourbon’s flavor strong.
- Sphere Ice: Creates a stunning ice sphere. It melts slowly, ideal for old-fashioned or neat bourbon.
The ice you choose affects your bourbon cocktail’s taste and look. Try different ice types to find the best for your drink.
“The secret to a great bourbon cocktail lies in the details. Embrace the art of muddling, the elegance of garnishes, and the impact of ice selection to create truly memorable drinks.”
Party-Perfect Bourbon Batch Recipes
Make your next party unforgettable with batch cocktails that highlight bourbon’s rich flavors. Enjoy a Bourbon Slush for a cool treat or a Bourbon Punch for a fun gathering drink. These recipes are great for party drinks that let everyone have fun without worrying about making drinks.
Start with a classic Old Fashioned for a crowd. Mix a 750-milliliter bottle of bourbon or rye with 1 1/2 ounces of simple syrup and 1/2 ounce of Angostura bitters. This makes about 12 drinks. Try using maple syrup or honey for a twist, or chill the glasses in the freezer for a colder drink.
For a frosty treat, try a Bourbon Slush. It’s a mix of juices, tea, and bourbon punch. Each cup has 196 calories, 0 fat, and 0 cholesterol, making it a tasty choice for your party.
Need to serve a big group? The Bourbon Punch is perfect. It’s made with bourbon, orange juice, and lemon-lime soda. It has 176 calories, 0.0g of fat, and 7.9g of carbs per serving, making it a hit with your guests.
| Cocktail | Calories | Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Mule | 245 | 3 | 9 | 40 | 20 | 3 |
| Manhattan | 151 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Bourbon Slush | 196 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 39 | 0 |
| Mint Julep | 197 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 42 | 1 |
| Whiskey Sour | 129 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 34 | 0 |
| Eggnog | 252 | 8 | 95 | 153 | 25 | 7 |
| Ginger Mint Julep | 238 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 45 | 0 |
| Honey-Bourbon Hot Chocolate | 376 | 18 | 24 | 106 | 25 | 10 |
Choose any of these batch cocktails for a memorable party. Your guests will love these bourbon recipes long after the party’s over.
Modern Twists on Traditional Bourbon Drinks
In the world of craft cocktails, bourbon lovers are trying new takes on old favorites. Move past the Old Fashioned and check out fresh flavors, new ways to mix, and cool garnishes. These ideas bring a new vibe to this classic spirit.
Contemporary Flavor Combinations
Make your bourbon taste better with cool flavor mixes. Try the Passionfruit Bourbon Sour for a tropical twist. Or, mix bourbon with Aperol and Amaro for the Paper Plane, a bittersweet treat.
Innovative Mixing Methods
Discover new ways to make bourbon drinks with modern bartending tricks. Use fat-washing for savory or nutty tastes. Or, try smoke infusion for a smoky Manhattan or Boulevardier.
Creative Garnishing Ideas
Make your bourbon cocktails look and taste amazing with creative garnishes. Use edible flowers, herbs, or flavored ice cubes for a fancy touch. These details turn a simple drink into a masterpiece.
Explore the endless world of modern bourbon mixology. Try these new techniques and flavors to take your bourbon game to the next level.
Conclusion
Bourbon’s versatility is clear in many classic and new cocktail recipes. It ranges from the timeless Old Fashioned to the refreshing Bourbon and Lemonade. This premium spirit adds a rich, smooth flavor to any drink.
Whether you like bold, complex bourbons or sweeter ones, there’s a perfect cocktail for you. You can find it by trying different recipes.
As you keep exploring bourbon, don’t hesitate to try new things. Mixing techniques and flavors can change a drink a lot. Try muddling, shaking, and adding garnishes to make your own special bourbon cocktail.
Remember, using fresh citrus, premium mixers, and top-notch bourbons is crucial. Brands like Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and Maker’s Mark are great choices.
So, when you want a bourbon cocktail, let your imagination run wild. There are countless possibilities with this versatile spirit. Cheers to enjoying great bourbon drinks this weekend and beyond!
FAQ
Q: What are some essential tools and ingredients needed for making bourbon cocktails at home?
Q: How can I make the perfect Old Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails?
Q: What are some refreshing bourbon cocktails to enjoy in the summer?
Q: How can I create sweet and fruity bourbon cocktails?
Q: What seasonal bourbon cocktails are perfect for fall and winter?
Q: How can I create crowd-pleasing bourbon batch cocktails for parties?
Q: What are some modern twists on classic bourbon cocktails?
