Bourbon is America’s classic whiskey, and has a unique place in its drinking culture. Its place in history is also cemented by the fact that it has a storied reputation as the foundation of tons of cocktails – including many that are very, very famous.
If you’d like a taste for some of the best bourbon cocktails, here are 7 that you should definitely try:
• The Old-Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails in the world, and is still one of the most popular. It is made by mixing 2 ounces of bourbon with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, 1 sugar cube, and topping it all off with club soda. If you want you can garnish it with an orange twist or cinnamon stick.
• The Manhattan is another classic cocktail that can be made using either rye whiskey or bourbon. It is easy enough to make, and all you need to do is mix 2 ounces of bourbon with 1 ounce of Italian vermouth and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
• Whiskey Sour is so popular that you can even buy pre-made mixes (though making it fresh is far better). If you want to blend it you should mix 2 ounces of bourbon with 1 ounce of lemon juice and a teaspoon of sugar. To make it a bit creamy you should then shake in ½ an egg white that will help to soften the cocktail’s bite.
• Suffering Bastard was originally created as a hangover cure about 70 years ago, but nowadays it has morphed into a popular bourbon cocktail in its own right. It is made from 1 ounce bourbon, 1 ounce London dry gin, ½ an ounce of fresh lime juice, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and topped off with ginger ale – depending on how potent you want it to be.
• Mint Julep is Kentucky’s most popular bourbon cocktail. To mix it you should first place 5 to 6 mint leaves in a cup then add a teaspoon of sugar and crush it slightly. Next, pack the glass with finely-crushed ice, and pour in 3 ounces of bourbon. For best results you should choose mint leaves that are small and tender, and mix it in a pre-chilled mug.
• Bourbon Cider Slushie is a cooling and refreshing sensation. It is made from 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of vanilla syrup, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1 ounce of apple cider. Just take all those ingredients and put them in a blender with cubed ice and blend it until it is a smooth slushie.
• Bourbon Sidecar is one of the most popular and well-balanced sour cocktails. If you want to try making it, take 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce orange liqueur, and 1 ounce of lemon juice – then shake well with ice cubes and strain it. Once you’re done you can garnish it with a twist of lemon.
As you can see each of these cocktails is unique, and when you try them out you’ll be able to savor the distinct taste they bring to the table. At the end of the day however it all boils down to a question of taste, and there’s nothing wrong with having your bourbon whiskey neat or with just a few drops of water (like purists do) – if that’s what you prefer.
To put it simply, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to drink bourbon, and the only mistake is if you force yourself to drink it in a way that you don’t enjoy. With that in mind, it would be best if you experiment with different cocktails and mixes so that you find out what fits your tastes best.
I am a bourbon drinker but never cocktails. I remember seeing and hearing about these cocktails some in the movies other with friends drinking them. I may have to check some of these cocktails out. I usually go straight on ice