Love bourbon whiskey but feeling uninspired by the typical drunk-in-a-bar-or-home routine? You're in luck! There's a world of delightful and easy drinks to make with bourbon that goes beyond the classic Old Fashioned or Bourbon on the Rocks. Let's dive into some exciting, refreshing, and yes, easy-to-prepare bourbon cocktails and mixed drinks that'll turn you into a mixing master.
Remember, the key to a great bourbon drink is using a quality whiskey. You don't have to break the bank, but spending a few extra dollars can make a noticeable difference in the final product. Now, let's get mixing!
Easy Bourbon Cocktails: Classics with a Twist
No need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to bourbon. A few tweaks to classic recipes can result in deliciously new drinks.
Bourbon and soda is a summer classic, but what about adding a squeeze of lemon and a splash of bitters for an invigorating Kentucky Mule?
Kentucky Mule
This simple twist on the Moscow Mule is refreshingly easy to make. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes of angostura bitters
- Ginger beer, to top off
- Ice and a drinking vessel (preferably a copper mug)
Bourbon Sunrise
Too hot for coffee but need a pick-me-up? The Bourbon Sunrise might just be your new favorite day starter. To create this vibrant drink, combine the following:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 4 oz orange juice
- 1 oz grenadine (slowly added to create the 'sunrise' effect)
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice and an orange slice to garnish
Bold Bourbon Combinations
Sometimes, pairing bourbon with unexpected ingredients can yield surprisingly delicious results. Let's explore two exciting combinations.
Ever thought of adding chocolate to your bourbon? The velvet smoothness of the Sex and Violence will have you rethinking your after-dinner drinks.
Sex and Violence
An unexpected combination of flavors makes this drink a surprising treat. Here's how to make it:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- 1 oz amaro (like Averna or Ramazzotti)
- 1 oz heavy cream
- Ice and a cherry to garnish
Bourbon Basil Smash
Love a good mojito or julep but want something with more oomph? The Bourbon Basil Smash will satisfy your craving with its herbaceous freshness and bourbon depth.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves
- Club soda, to top off
- Ice and a basil sprig to garnish
From refreshing summer coolers to after-dinner sippers, these bourbon drinks offer a world of flavor and fun. So go ahead, mix up a batch, and enjoy the simple pleasure of crafting your own cocktails at home.