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You are here: Home / Recipes / Cocktails and Shots / Bourbon / 18 Best Bourbon Cocktails | Riffs & Classics

18 Best Bourbon Cocktails | Riffs & Classics

Modified: Sep 20, 2025 · Published: Apr 13, 2023 by Stephanie Jackson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Try out the best riffs and recipes for tried and true bourbon cocktails! From simple recipes with few ingredients to classic cocktails that have stood the test of time, the perfect bourbon cocktail is waiting for you.

Bourbon Cocktails

Bourbon enthusiasts meet your new favorite cocktail lineup: our top-notch selection of bourbon-based drinks.

Whether you prefer to sip it neat or use it as the main ingredient in a refreshingly delicious concoction, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. From classic Old-Fashioneds and Bourbon Sour to our signature takes on the Margarita and Manhattan, these bourbon cocktails are sure to become your go-to libations. Start mixing and enjoying!

Bourbon Cocktail and Decanter

We discovered this Old Forester cocktail recipe when we toured their facility! It is the best Spring and Summer bourbon cocktail – it’s like a flower blooming on a balmy day.

Take a sip and feel the freshness of spring, like a hummingbird in flight. Invigorate your senses with an unforgettable burst of flavor.

Best Bourbon Cocktails

Explore the rich history and flavors of the classic bourbon cocktail with a collection of tried and true riffs and recipes. From simple 3-ingredient drinks to age-old favorites, discover the best bourbon cocktails and mix up your own version today!

The Best Bourbon Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned Cocktail is a must for every bourbon aficionado. Few drinks boast such a simple yet sophisticated flavor profile - making it ideal for highlighting the unique nuances of your favorite bourbon.

Whether you prefer a high or low-proof bourbon, the Old Fashioned can be adapted to your individual taste.

So find a bourbon that you love sipping neat and use that bourbon to craft this Old Fashioned.

Bourbon Whiskey Sour

Say hello to the Bourbon Sour - a refreshingly sweet and lemony classic cocktail perfect for a Spring or Summer gathering.

Don't let the egg white foam intimidate you - this easy cocktail recipe is a breeze to make and will have your taste buds shouting for more.

Bourbon Manhattan

The Bourbon Manhattan is a variation of the original Manhattan Cocktail which is made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

By swapping out the rye whiskey with bourbon, one can make this classic cocktail that is simultaneously effortless and sophisticated.

Besides the Old Fashioned, it is one of the best winter bourbon cocktails.

Bourbon Margarita

For true bourbon aficionados, the Bourbon Margarita is the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

This twist on a classic cocktail will tantalize your taste buds with a truly mouthwatering margarita flavor.

The Kentucky Margarita, as it's also known, is a must-try for those who love their bourbon.

Mint Julep Recipe

Create the Kentucky Derby's Cocktail at home on Derby Day with this 5 step guide to making the Best Mint Julep.

We cover everything you need including tips on how to properly muddle mint, make an extra-rich simple syrup, and where to get those stunning Julep Cups.

Kentucky Buck Cocktail

Channel the sunny days of summer with this refreshing Kentucky Buck!

This Summer Bourbon Cocktail concocting muddled strawberry and ginger beer creates an ideal balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Perfect for Summer, this unlikely mix of bourbon, strawberry, and ginger beer won't disappoint. It's easy to make and your bourbon-loving guests will be asking for more!

Kentucky Mule

A Kentucky Mule is the ultimate summertime drink. With the right ratio of bourbon to ginger beer, it's sure to keep you refreshed while you day drink.

So grab your copper mug, your bourbon, limes, and your ginger beer, and your summer will be complete!

This tried-and-true Kentucky Mule recipe will make your taste buds sing.

Kentucky Maid - Summer Bourbon Cocktail

Transform your summer with the Kentucky Maid cocktail – a vibrant mix of bourbon, mint, lime juice, cucumber, and simple syrup.

Make your Summer season extraordinary with this refreshing bourbon cocktail.

Bourbon Lemonade

Refresh this summer with a Bourbon and Lemonade Cocktail. High-quality ingredients and the right ratio will have you sipping into the sunset. Along with this recipe, there is an extensive list of variations to customize the perfect bourbon cocktail.

Bourbon Apricot Cocktail

Craving a unique bourbon cocktail? Look no further! This smooth sip of heaven is made with apricots and agave nectar, then topped off with a splash of ginger beer.

It's the perfect taste combination for a Summer Bourbon Cocktail!

Cherry Infused Bourbon

Don't let Cherry Season (May - June) pass you by without infusing bourbon with fresh cherries.

Make your own cherry-infused bourbon cocktails like a Cherry Old Fashioned or Cherry Manhattan. Or just add to Coke for the Ultimate Bourbon Cherry Coke.

Bourbon Bloody Mary

Upgrade your brunch game with a classic Bourbon Bloody Mary!

This delicious cocktail recipe is the perfect way to add some extra flavor to your next brunch.

Bourbon and Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail

Have you tried Bourbon and Coffee? If you are a bourbon lover you need to try this Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail.

It is a blend of bourbon, creamy cold brew, and chocolate syrup. We had this in downtown Louisville for brunch and have been hooked on it ever since.

Bourbon Amaretto Sour Cocktail

Satisfy your taste for sweetness and nuttiness in one simple sip: my Bourbon Amaretto Sour!

This creative riff off the classic Amaretto Sour brings together bourbon and black walnut bitters for an easy-to-make, smooth and nutty beverage.

Garnished with nutmeg, this cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any bourbon drinker.

New York Sour with Spiced Pear

Calling all bourbon drinkers! This Fall, celebrate the season with a unique twist on the classic New York Sour.

Blending St. George Spiced Pear Liqueur, Black Walnut Bitters, and a red wine float, the result is a bourbon cocktail that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.

So raise your glass and cheers to the new season with this delicious Fall-inspired New York Sour variation!

Bourbon Punch

Bourbon lovers get ready for the perfect Holiday Punch recipe!

This crowd-pleasing mix of bourbon, sweet tea, and citrus notes will bring seasonal spirit to your Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Enjoy!

Bourbon Eggnog Cocktail

This holiday season, treat your friends and family to a festive and delicious bourbon eggnog cocktail.

Our spiked eggnog recipe calls for only the finest bourbon whiskey, deliciously garnished with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Perfect for your holiday toast, this cozy beverage is sure to fill everyone's glasses with cheer and spirits

Bourbon Milk Punch

This smooth, frothy mix of Bourbon, Milk, Vanilla Extract, and Simple Syrup is garnished with freshly grated nutmeg for an elegant finish.

More Bourbon

  • Punch Flora Cocktail
    A Floral Bourbon Tea Cocktail
  • Bourbon Lemonade Recipe
    Bourbon Lemonade
  • Mint Julep
    Mint Julep Recipe
  • Kentucky Maid Cocktail
    Kentucky Maid – Summer Bourbon Cocktail
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