20 Classic and Inventive Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

If you’re new to bourbon cocktails, you’re in for a treat! From classics like an old fashioned or mint julep to contemporary flavor pairings like sage or pumpkin, there are a multitude of different combinations to enjoy. Try out some of these simple bourbon cocktails that’ll knock your socks off.

Old fashioned recipes

An old fashioned is a traditional and widely popular bourbon cocktail. This super-simple drink made of seasoned, sweetened bourbon whiskey was invented in Louisville, Kentucky before the recipe was brought to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City.

1. The classic old fashioned

A classic old fashioned is made from bourbon whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup. Traditionally, it’s garnished with a Luxardo cherry or an orange peel.  

2. Spiced honey bourbon old fashioned

This twist on the classic old fashioned is perfect for the colder seasons. Start with a homemade spiced honey syrup combined with a mixture of bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and orange bitters. 

3. Old fashioned cocktail slushie

The homemade, adult version of the 7-Eleven slushie, this recipe is made with water, sugar, bourbon, orange juice, cherry juice, bitters, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Blend it together, freeze it for a few hours, then serve it with an orange or cherry garnish. 

4. Pumpkin old fashioned

Combine bourbon, bitters, and brandy-based orange liqueur with pumpkin puree and maple syrup and give it a festive touch with a rosemary sprig or orange peel garnish. 

5. Cranberry old fashioned

This cranberry old fashioned is the perfect complement to your holiday dinner. To make it, you’ll start by muddling cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and bitters in a glass until the sugar dissolves. Then, simply add a shot of bourbon and a few ice cubes. 

Mint julep recipes

The other infamous bourbon cocktail is the mint julep. This refreshing beverage has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1939. If you’re a fan of the classic recipe, here are some delicious remixes you won’t want to miss. 

1. The classic bourbon mint julep

The classic mint julep is wonderful, in part, due to its simplicity. All you need to make it is some bourbon whiskey, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice. While mint juleps are commonly served in any tall glass, it’s traditionally served in a pewter or silver cup to create a layer of frost that will keep your julep perfectly chilled. 

2. Thin mint julep

Bring a sense of nostalgia to your bar cart with this tasty cocktail made with bourbon, mint chocolate whiskey, and a splash of chocolate bitters. Serve over crushed ice with a garnish of fresh mint and a chilled thin mint cookie. 

3. Mint julep margarita

Every once in a while, Derby Day will fall on Cinco De Mayo. When it does, this calls for an especially festive drink—the mint julep margarita! This deceptively simple recipe is made with a mixture of bourbon, tequila, and orange liqueur mixed with simple syrup and lime juice. Pour this mixture over muddled mint leaves and crushed ice, then garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. 

4. Peach julep

If you like mint juleps, you’ll love this sweet, peachy twist. Start by muddling mint leaves and sugar, then stir in bourbon, peach juice, and club soda. Add some crushed ice and garnish your cocktail with fresh mint leaves. 

5. Frozen Derby mint julep

This refreshing cocktail is perfect for enjoying in the summertime sun. It’s a mix of bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves, and lemon juice. Blend it together until it reaches a slushy consistency and enjoy!  

Bourbon cocktails

Once you’ve had some fun experimenting with the classics, it’s time to expand your horizons. Here are ten more delicious bourbon cocktail recipes for you to try. 

1. Bourbon sour

Since this cocktail is so simple, you’ll want to start with a high-quality bourbon. Then, add some lemon juice and either maple syrup or simple syrup. Garnish your drink with a cocktail cherry and an orange peel. 

2. Maple bourbon splash

Besides the bourbon, the key ingredient in this recipe is the maple syrup. While any kind will do, grade A dark amber syrup will give it the most intense flavor. You’ll start by muddling the syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, and bitters. Then pour your bourbon over the mixture, stir it up, and top it with some chilled seltzer. 

3. Boulevardier cocktail

This simple, 3-ingredient drink is a mixture of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and an herbal aperitif. Serve it over ice or straight up and garnish it with an orange slice. 

4. Bourbon tea

Bourbon tea is refreshing cocktail that’s super easy to make. Simply combine bourbon whiskey, limoncello, and fresh-brewed iced tea. Serve it over ice and garnish it with a lemon wedge.  

5. Bourbon Manhattan

A bourbon Manhattan is another classic cocktail. It’s made with bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, cherry juice, and a splash of orange bitters. To serve this drink, shake or stir to chill it, then strain it into a martini glass and garnish with a cherry. 

6. Kentucky mule

While a classic Moscow Mule is made with vodka, the Kentucky Mule uses bourbon instead. This simple mix of bourbon, ginger beer, and lime juice has a bright, bold flavor with a bit of zing and a spicy finish. 

7. Bourbon and sage cocktail

The refreshing and aromatic bourbon and sage cocktail begins with a homemade sage simple syrup. This is then blended with bourbon and fresh-squeezed lime juice. To make this drink super classy, garnish it with a sprig of sage attached to the rim of the glass with a tiny clothes pin. 

8. Cranberry maple bourbon cocktail

For the perfect mix of sweet and tart, you can’t go wrong with this cranberry maple bourbon cocktail. You’ll love how the warmth of the bourbon is offset by the subtle orange flavors. To make it, you’ll mix bourbon and orange-flavored liqueur with maple syrup and cranberry juice. Then garnish your drink with an orange slice and sugar-coated cranberries. 

9. Stone fence 

The stone fence is delicious drink that is made with apple cider, bourbon, and maple syrup. It’s the perfect cocktail to warm you up on a brisk autumn day. 

10. Honey bourbon hot toddy

This toasty winter cocktail is sure to become a favorite! It’s made with bourbon, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cloves. Simply add all the ingredients to half a mug of hot water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, garnish it with a lemon round and enjoy! 

Bringing the Bourbon Trail to you

Whether you live way up in Alaska or call Kentucky home, Instacart’s got you covered. Make your home the new stop on the Bourbon Trail and order everything you need delivered right to your home, hotel, Airbnb, or vacation rental. Just fill your cart and choose same-day pick up or delivery at check out.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Angostura Aromatic Bitters, Cocktail Bitters (6.7 fl oz)

Angostura Orange Bitters, Cocktail Bitters (4 fl oz)

Pacific Foods Pumpkin Puree (16 oz)

Pacific Foods Pumpkin Puree (16 oz)

Mint (1 bunch)

Ballotin Chocolate Mint Chocolate Whiskey (750 ml)

Cointreau Orange Liqueur Triple Sec (1 L)

Simply Peach Juice (11.5 oz)

Lieber's U.S. Grade A Dark Amber Maple Syrup (8 fl oz)

Campari Aperitivo (750 ml)

Cristiani Limoncello (750 ml)

Ryan's Apple Cider (64 oz)

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