Bourbon is a classic spirit with a distinct flavor profile that can make for some truly delicious cocktails. Whether you're a bourbon aficionado or just looking to try something new, these easy bourbon cocktails will be sure to delight.
The Old-Fashioned is the quintessential bourbon cocktail. It's simple, balanced, and timeless. Start by muddling two sugar cubes with three dashes of Angostura bitters in an old-fashioned glass. Add two ounces of your favorite bourbon, fill the glass with ice, and stir until chilled. Garnish with an orange peel and enjoy!
If you're looking for something a bit more complex, the Mint Julep is a great choice. Start by muddling fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup or highball glass. Next add two ounces of bourbon, half an ounce of simple syrup, and fill the cup with crushed ice. Stir util frost forms on the outside of the cup and garnish with fresh mint before serving!
For something a bit sweeter, try the Bourbon Sour. Begin by combining one ounce of fresh lemon juice and half an ounce of simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Add two ounces of your favorite bourbon and shake vigorously before straining into an ice-filled rocks glass. Top off with a splash of soda water before garnishing with an orange slice or brandied cherry and enjoy!
Finally, if you're feeling adventurous why not try out The Whiskey Smash? Start by muddling four mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker tin along with half an ounce each of simple syrup and fresh lemon juice. Fill the tin with ice, add two ounces of your favorite bourbon and shake vigorously before straining into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added aroma before serving!
These easy bourbon cocktails are sure to please any crowd – from beginners to experienced connoisseurs alike! Give them all a try and find out which one is your favorite today!
Mixing Bourbon: What Are the Best Options?
Bourbon is a classic American whiskey that can be enjoyed both neat and in a variety of cocktails. When it comes to mixing with bourbon, thee are many delicious options! The most common mixers for bourbon include water, Coca-Cola, soda water, ginger ale, ginger beer or ginger syrup and soda, homemade eggnog, apple cider and coffee. For additional flavor, consider adding a few drops of Angostura bitters. The combination of the sweet mixers with the smoky notes of bourbon creates an unforgettable drink! When experimenting with bourbon mixers, remember that not all combinations will work together; so be sure to taste as you go along. If you have any questions about what type of mixer works best for your particular bourbon choice, don't hesitate to ask an expert!
How to Enjoy Bourbon as a Beginner
For beginners, it's best to start with bourbon neat or “straight” at room temperature. This allws you to experience the full range of flavors and aromas of the bourbon without any interference from ice or mixers. To get a feel for how much you should drink, start with a single sip and wait to see how it tastes before taking another. If you find that the taste is too strong, try adding a splash of water to open up the flavor profile. You can also add a few drops of honey or agave syrup for sweetness. Finally, if you're looking for something more refreshing, try diluting your bourbon with club soda or ginger ale. Ultimately, there's no wrong way to enjoy bourbon – find what works for you!
Popular Bourbon Cocktails
Bourbon is a type of whiskey that has been made in the United States sine the late 18th century. It's made from a mash of at least 51% corn, and is aged in oak barrels for two or more years. Bourbon has become one of the most popular spirits in the world, and there are many delicious cocktails that feature it as the main ingredient.
The classic Mint Julep is a great place to start. Made with bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint leaves, it's sweet and refreshing. The Old Fashioned is anoher classic bourbon drink – simply mix bourbon, sugar, bitters, and an orange slice for an easy yet delicious cocktail.
For soething a bit more complex but still delicious, try a Whiskey Smash – combining bourbon with lemon juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and crushed ice creates a light and fruity drink with an effervescent finish. The Boulevardier is similar to an Old Fashioned but incorporates sweet vermouth as well as Campari for an enhanced flavor profile.
If you're lookng for something fruitier, try out a Ray of Sunshine – mix bourbon with orange juice and honey syrup for a sweet citrusy drink perfect for summer days. The Southern Jam combines bourbon with peach liqueur and strawberry jam for an unexpected twist on traditional cocktails. Alternatively you can make a Blackberry Bourbon Sour by blending fresh blackberries with bourbon and tart lemon juice to create an invigoratingly sour experience.
Finally no list of common bourbon drinks woud be complete without mentioning the Kentucky Mule – this combination of ginger beer, lime juice and bourbon makes for a spicy yet refreshing beverage that's perfect any time of year!
What Fruity Juices Complement Bourbon?
Bourbon pairs very nicely with orange juice. It is a great mixer for bourbon due to its lower acidity compared to lemon or lime juice. Furthermore, orange juice can provide a light sweetness that helps to bring out the flavor of the whiskey. The combination of the two creates a smooth and flavorful drink that can be enjoyed any time of day.
The Five Rules of Bourbon
The five rules of bourbon are as follows:
1. It must be made in the United States.
2. The mash must be at leat 51 percent corn.
3. Aging must take place in a new, charred, oak barrel.
4. The whiskey cannot enter the barrel at higher than 125 proof.
5. Nothing can be added but water and only to lessen the proof when necessary.
The Most Popular Bourbon Cocktail
The most popular bourbon cocktail is the Bourbon Sour. A classic whiskey sour recipe combines two parts bourbon to one part freshly squeezed lemon juice and one part simple syrup, which is a combination of sugar and water. Shaken over ice, this cocktail becomes a delicious blend of tart and sweet with a subtle smoky flavor from the bourbon. It's perfect for sipping on its own or for pairing with any meal. The Bourbon Sour is often garnished with a maraschino cherry or an orange slice, making it ideal for special occasions such as holidays or birthdays. So if you're loking for an easy yet sophisticated cocktail to add to your repertoire, the Bourbon Sour is definitely worth a try!
Conclusion
Easy bourbon cocktails make an excellent choice for any occasion, wether you're looking to impress your guests or just enjoy a relaxing evening. Not only are they delicious and easy to make but they also offer a wide variety of flavors and options. You can easily create simple drinks like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan as well as craft complex recipes like a Sazerac or Mint Julep. Bourbon offers a smooth, oaky flavor that pairs perfectly with citrus and spices, making it an ideal base for any cocktail. If you want to get creative in the kitchen or just enjoy a classic drink with friends, bourbon is the perfect spirit to mix up easy cocktails that are sure to please.
