Bourbon means business when it comes to cocktails. It’s classic and sophisticated, while also inviting the unexpected. Bourbon cocktails can both warm and cool you down, making them an excellent addition to a wide range of seasonal cocktails.
There are numerous bourbon cocktails to choose from. It’s a very versatile whiskey and the whiskey of choice for many drinkers, so it’s no surprise that it appears in so many impressive recipes.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Here’s everything you need to know when looking for the best Bourbon Cocktails.
Why Choose Bourbon Cocktails?
This well-known spirit is not just another alcohol brand, it has a distinct flavor profile as well as a rich history. Bourbon is unlike anything else in the liquor cabinet due to the time, care, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into it. Bourbon was even designated as “America’s Native Spirit” by Congress in 1964.
Kentucky, Bourbon’s birthplace, produces 95 percent of the world’s bourbon supply. Unlike other spirits, a company cannot simply call its liquor “bourbon” unless it meets all of the requirements. Its strict manufacturing process ensures a smooth and successful beverage.
What is the Best Bourbon Cocktails 2023?
A spirit must be produced in the United States to be legally referred to as bourbon. Furthermore, the United States Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) requires bourbon whisky to be:
- Produced from at least 51% corn mash;
- Distilled at 160 proof or below;
- Aged in charred new oak barrels at 125 proof or less; and
- Absent of coloring, flavoring and blending materials.
One thing that the TTB’s regulations do not specify is the state of origin. It’s a myth that bourbon whisky must be made in Kentucky, and thus Jack Daniel’s isn’t bourbon because it’s made in Tennessee. According to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Tennessee whiskey must be “a straight Bourbon Whiskey authorized to be produced only in the State of Tennessee.” In other words, Jack Daniel’s is “Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey” because its creator wants it to be. Learn more about :FORM 720 (Excise Taxes): Instructions and Guidelines
How Much Does the Best Bourbon Cost 2023?
Many low-cost bourbons are perfectly adequate, especially for use in mixed drinks. A 750ml bottle of Evan Williams Black Label, for example, costs around $13 and received an 84/100 rating from Whisky Advocate. A very good bourbon, on the other hand (with verified, above-average reviews), costs around $38, according to a retail price trend analysis. Many ultra-premium bourbons, such as Old Rip Van Winkle and Black Maple Hill, were once affordable, selling for less than $50 a decade ago. The value of scarcity is not the same as the value of quality.
Read: Canadian Whiskey Bands: Best Top 25+ Canadian Whiskey Brands.
2023 Best Bourbon in the World
Here are the best bourbon cocktails that you should go for in 2023:
- Peach Beer Julep
- Bourbon & Berries
- Wassail Sour
- Vanilla Bourbon
- Ginger Rabbit
- Black Demure
- Normandie Old Fashioned
- Bourbon Lift
- Revolver
- 81 Old Fashioned
- Old Fashioned
- Hot Toddy
- Mint Julep
- Whiskey Sour
- Manhattan
- Boulevardier
- Brown Derby
- New York Sour
- Gold Rush
- Paper Plane
#1. Peach Beer Julep
In this Julep spin, Lynette Marrero, cofounder of Speed Rack and beverage director of NYC’s Llama Group, gives bourbon a kick with a homemade syrup made from IPA-style beer. Fresh peach slices add a subtle juiciness that helps bridge the hoppy syrup and the bourbon, and then all you need to do is serve the mix over crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint or basil to finish it off.
#2. Bourbon & Berries
With this summery treat, you can show off bourbon’s lighter side. It’s a take on the Old Fashioned that uses homemade strawberry-vanilla syrup to bring a sweet, seasonal flavor to your typical bourbon and bitters. It was created by former bar lead Willem Van Leuven at San Diego’s Herb & Wood and adapted by bar lead Emily Carroll. For the finishing touch, garnish with an orange peel that has been expressed.
#3. Wassail Sour
This drink was created by Chantal Tseng, the founder of Cocktails for End Times, as a close cousin to the Boston classic Ward Eight. It’s a typical bourbon sour in the sense that it uses whiskey and citrus juice (in this case, bourbon and lemon and orange juices), but the sweetener is where things get interesting. Homemade wassail syrup, made from the richly spiced harvest cocktail’s leftovers, adds a layer of warming spice to the otherwise-bright sour.
#4. Vanilla Bourbon
When you try tamarind syrup in this cocktail from bartender Aisha Sharpe, you’ll want to put it in everything. The sweet and tangy syrup, made from a pulpy sweet-sour tropical fruit and available in specialty stores or to make at home, is an unexpected but welcome addition that balances a richly complex combination of vanilla liqueur and bourbon. Finish with a splash of club soda and speared brandied cherries for a sophisticated sipper that doubles as a nightcap.
#5. Ginger Rabbit
This recipe, created by bartender Damian Windsor, features bourbon as the star of a boozy chai-flavored concoction. Spice flavors are provided by star anise and black tea-infused simple syrup and fresh ginger, while violet and berry notes are added by a splash of Creme Yvette.
#6. Normandie Old Fashioned
This Old Fashioned variation created by Devon Tarby and Alex Day of The Normandie Club is anything but ordinary, thanks to coconut-infused bourbon and spiced almond demerara syrup. These two ingredients may require a little more time and effort to prepare, but when combined with apple brandy and Angostura bitters, the result is a rich and complex cocktail that you won’t be able to put down.
#7.Black Demure
This fruity bourbon sour from bartending veteran Franky Marshall combines the brown spirit with blackberry liqueur, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup, adding both bright and earthy notes to the mix. A fresh blackberry and an orange slice round out the dish.
#8. Bourbon Lift
This bourbon-based cocktail from bar pro Erik Adkins, like the famous Ramos Gin Fizz, requires a lot of shaking but pays off handsomely. Bourbon, coffee liqueur, heavy cream, and orgeat are combined in a shaker for a dry-shake first, followed by an ice-filled shake. Strain the frothy mixture into a Collins glass and top with club soda until the thick foam rises above the glass’s mouth, and you’ll have a fizzy treat that looks as good as it tastes.
#9. Revolver
San Francisco bartender Jon Santer created this Manhattan riff by replacing the classic’s sweet vermouth with coffee liqueur and brightening the mix with orange bitters rather than Angostura. As a finishing touch, a flamed orange peel garnish adds flair and flavor.
#10. 81 Old Fashioned
This Old Fashioned variation, created by Franky Marshall, is heavy on the bitters. In fact, there are three kinds of them: the classic Angostura, Fee Brothers’ West Indian orange bitters, and Regan’s orange bitters. They are combined with a slug of Wild Turkey bourbon and a barspoon of demerara syrup before being stirred together and garnished with lemon and orange twists.
#11. Old Fashioned
The key to making this classic is to use high-quality bourbon. If you wouldn’t drink it on its own, it won’t work well as the star of this drink. The recipe is straightforward: Simply combine the sugar, bitters, and water, then stir in the bourbon and ice before garnishing with an orange peel.
#12. Hot Toddy
This hot cocktail’s forefather is ideal when you want to be warmed from the inside out. The combination of boiling water, sugar, lemon juice, and bourbon is the ideal whiskey-fueled embrace for when sweater weather arrives.
#13. Mint Julep
This isn’t just a drink for the Kentucky Derby. It’s so refreshing and simple to make that it should be a year-round staple. Muddle mint and simple syrup together in a cup, then top with bourbon and crushed ice and stir until frosted. Garnish with bitters and a sprig of mint.
#14.Whiskey Sour
With a history dating back to the Lincoln administration, it’s no surprise that this simple combination of spirit, citrus, and sugar has lasted so long. After all, how could a fluffy concoction of bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white fail to enchant anyone who tries it.
#15. Manhattan
The Manhattan, one of the most well-known and popular cocktails in the whiskey canon, is the ideal spirit-forward sipper that every bourbon enthusiast should know how to make. While rye is commonly associated with this drink, bourbon’s smoother and mellower qualities complement the vermouth and bitters just as well. Stir everything together until well-chilled, then garnish with a brandied cherry.
#16. Boulevardier
The Boulevardier, one of many Negroni spin-offs and a near-identical favorite in its own right, is a well-balanced blend of bitter, boozy, and sweet. All you need is equal parts bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Simply stir in ice until well chilled, then garnish with an orange peel.
#17. Brown Derby
This bourbon , named after the eponymous hat-shaped Los Angeles diner, exudes old Hollywood glamour. Shake bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, honey syrup, and ice together, then strain and garnish with a grapefruit peel or a fresh grapefruit wedge after expressing the oil.
Read: Rye Whiskey Brands: Best 21 Rye Whiskey Brands In The World.
Best bourbon for manhattan
They best Bourbon for manhattan are:
- Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Old Forester 86 Proof
- Belle Meade Reserve
- Buffalo Trace
- Basil Hayden’s
- Maker’s Mark
- Angel’s Envy
The Manhattan must be included in any discussion of classic cocktails. This simple and endearing cocktail is typically made with four ingredients: whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a maraschino cherry for garnish.
The Manhattan is traditionally made with rye whiskey, which pairs the spice from the grain with the sweetness of the vermouth, but bourbon can also be used to great effect. Of course, this is dependent on the type of bourbon you’re using, as there are numerous variables in this style of whiskey, including mash bill, proof, age, and sometimes cask finishing. You can also make different variations of the Manhattan, such as a Perfect Manhattan or a Black Manhattan.
Best bourbon whiskey
We’ve got the best bourbon options, from the classic to the esoteric, that deserve a place in your drinking rotation, whether you’re looking for a truly unique splurge or the perfect bottle to augment all of your favorite whiskey cocktails.
Below are the best bourbon whiskey for you:
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
- Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon
- Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
#1. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
While Woodford Reserve is younger than some of the other brands on this list (it was founded in 1996), don’t confuse youth with a lack of experience or quality. For a complex, round profile, the palate combines dried fruit notes with flavors of rich coca, toffee, and baking spice. Do you need another reason to add it to your collection? What about the fact that this is the Kentucky Derby’s official bourbon?
#2. Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
Turn to this timeless bottle from the Bourbon Trail for a truly classic taste. Each bottle is designed not only to look like the original 1953 bottling (even the labels are printed and cut by hand), but the smooth notes of caramel and soft winter wheat are expertly blended for a traditional taste you can rely on for decades.
#3. Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon
This 95% New York-grown corn bourbon was the state’s first (legal) whiskey produced since Prohibition.It has a less tannic flavor than some older bourbons and exhibits the warm, nutty sweetness of its pure corn mash.
#4. Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
When they say this Kentucky bourbon is small batch, they’re not kidding—each batch produces a maximum of 20 barrels. With such a small batch size, each batch must be flawless, which means receiving personal approval from Michter’s Master Distiller and a tasting panel for notes of stone fruit, caramel, and a hint of smoke.
#5. Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
This full-bodied whiskey packs a powerful punch. Unlike many bourbons, which aim for around 90 proof, Knob Creek hits shelves at 100 proof for a full flavor that won’t be dulled down in your favorite cocktail (though it’s equally delicious sipped neat, especially for those looking to test the cask-strength trend).
Best bourbon for old fashioned
The best bourbon for old fashioned are:
- Four Roses Single Barrel
- Old Grand-Dad 114 Kentucky
- Michter’s 10 Year Kentucky
- Rittenhouse
- Redemption Rye 10 Year
- Buffalo Trace
- Eagle Rare 10
Best bourbon for sipping
The best bourbon for sipping is Widow Jane 10 Year
Widow Jane carefully selects its favorite bourbons from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana before blending them in five barrel batches in Brooklyn, New York. Its creators wanted to include something that “had the intense taste of New York in each sip,” so they cut that blend with limestone mineral water from the famous Rosendale Mines. The distillery’s signature 10-year-old bourbon has a nose of nutmeg, cream, vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon, as well as a palate of maple syrup, almond, cherry, and orange.
Best bourbon under 100
This bourbon bursts with cinnamon and allspice, accompanied by mellow yeast, a touch of oak, and inviting vanilla. There are also toasted pecan and brûléed sugar flavors, which blend into gentle notes of caramel and cream.
Noah’s Mill, which was previously aged for 15 years, is one of the finest offerings from the Kentucky-based Willett Distillery. “This amazing bourbon is essentially cask-strength at 114.3 proof,” Vitacca says, “but there’s so much flavor in this bourbon that you don’t realize you’re sipping such a high-proof spirit.” There is a burn, but it is a good burn. “
The best bourbon whiskey
The best bourbon whiskey are :
- Knob Creek
- Wild Turkey
- Elijah Craig
- Four Roses
- Michter’s
- Old Forester
- Maker’s Mark
- Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr.
- Barrell
Best bourbon kentucky
Our pick for best bourbon kentucky is Evan Williams Single Barrel
Each bottle of Evan Williams bourbon includes barrel numbers, the date it was placed in the barrel, and the date it was bottled. This reasonably priced single barrel whiskey from Heaven Hill Distillery is big, balanced, spicy, and sweet, with a honey and citrus backbone.
Best bourbon under 50
Our best bourbon under 50 is Four Roses Single Barrel
Four Roses has been around since the 1800s and is one of Kentucky’s most proud and longest-running producers. Its single barrel may be the most powerful offering in its decorated portfolio, thanks to an uncanny balance of potency (100 proof) and rich smoothness resulting from 10 years in barrel. On the nose, aromas of maple syrup and vanilla give way to ripe stone fruit on the tongue. Straight or on the rocks, it has a delicate and long finish that is surprisingly nuanced.
This bourbon has also received a slew of accolades, including multiple gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Conclusion
Each bourbon mentioned above is both readily available and of high quality. But most importantly, any bourbon listed above will be your best bourbon for the money.
FAQs about Best Bourbon Cocktails
What is the Best Bourbon Cocktails
The best Bourbon Cocktails are:
- Peach Beer Julep
- Bourbon & Berries
- Wassail Sour
- Vanilla Bourbon
- Ginger Rabbit
- Black Demure
- Normandie Old Fashioned
- Bourbon Lift
- Revolver
- 81 Old Fashioned
- Old Fashioned
How to make bourbon cocktails?
A combination of the grains listed above is milled, then combined with water and yeast and allowed to ferment, resulting in what amounts to a low-ABV beer. This liquid, known as mash, is then distilled in column or pot stills, typically twice. When the distillate reaches the desired strength, it is referred to as white dog (or “white whiskey,” i.e. moonshine) and aged in new charred oak barrels.
What drinks do you make with bourbon?
- Water.
- Coca-Cola.
- Soda water.
- Ginger ale, ginger beer or ginger syrup and soda.
- Homemade Eggnog.
- Apple Cider.
- Coffee.
- Angostura bitters
What do you drink bourbon with?
Bourbon can be sipped neat (alone), with water, on the rocks (with ice), or in a cocktail. Indeed, bourbon has grown in popularity as a standard spirit used in cocktails. Consider a bourbon-based cocktail. The Manhattan is the most well-known bourbon-based cocktail.
