25+ Bourbon Cocktails To Make at Home

Published: November 13, 2025 | Last Updated: November 14, 2025
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Bourbon cocktails are bold and boozy. With classic recipes and fun twists, there’s plenty of drinks for every palate.

A clear cocktail with ice, garnished with a lemon peel, served in a glass with a gold polka dot pattern. A metal jigger and another drink are in the background.

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Your ultimate guide to bourbon cocktails

Bourbon, you’re my forever favorite. There’s just something about that warm, vanilla-caramel thing it has going on that feels like instant comfort. Whenever I’m mixing drinks for friends or planning a cozy night in, I always end up reaching for it first.

So I put together a roundup of my go-to bourbon cocktails, the ones I make on repeat when I want something smooth, a little indulgent, and easy enough for any home bartender to pull off.

Whether you’re craving a classic, a twist on an old favorite or something totally fresh, these recipes bring all the cozy, spirited energy I love about bourbon all year long.

Best bourbon whiskey for cocktails

There are plenty of popular and well-known brands of bourbon that will work well for these drinks. If you already have a favorite, opt for that!

I have a lot of favorites, but I love having these on my bar cart: Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Angel’s Envy, Blanton’s, Four Roses, Old Grand-Dad. Test different brands in different recipes to find out what you like best.

Don’t miss Bourbon 101 where you can learn more about my favorite brands and bottles to buy.

Food pairings

Bourbon goes with savory or sweet dishes. Charcuterie cups are the perfect, elegant savory appetizer, especially when you pair them with puff pastry cheese twists for an added crunch. Spinach artichoke dip comes together in 30 minutes, but is sure to wow.

Need something sweet? Try bourbon ginger ale cake or a tray of bourbon balls for a sweet-and-spicy combination.

The best bourbon cocktails

Whether you already love bourbon cocktails or want to try something new, here are some of my favorite recipes:

1

A glass of Old Fashioned cocktail with an orange peel and cherry garnish, placed on a wooden coaster. A decorative stirrer is in the glass. A small bowl of cherries is nearby.

Classic Old-Fashioned Cocktail

There’s something grounding about an Old-Fashioned — it’s timeless, smooth and built to let good bourbon shine. A touch of sugar and bitters draws out its caramel depth, while an orange twist adds a hint of brightness. This recipe is meant to be savored slowly.

2

two whiskey sours with a bottle of bitters

Whiskey Sour

Bright lemon meets bourbon’s smooth warmth in this classic Whiskey Sour. The citrus sharpens the whiskey’s sweetness, creating a tangy, balanced sip that never goes out of style. It’s simple, satisfying and always crowd-pleasing.

3

A glass of dark brown cocktail garnished with two cherries on a skewer, placed on a white surface. Another similar glass is partially visible in the background.

Manhattan Cocktail

Elegant and silky, the Manhattan highlights bourbon’s bold side. Sweet vermouth rounds the edges while bitters add spice, giving this recipe a rich, layered depth. It’s what you pour when the night calls for something timeless.

4

A frothy, creamy drink in a textured glass sits on a marble coaster, with another similar glass blurred in the background.

New Orleans-Style Milk Punch

Creamy, sweet and just a little boozy, this Southern favorite hits like a grown-up milkshake. Bourbon gives it warmth and depth beneath the vanilla and cream. Light enough for brunch yet rich enough for dessert, it’s easy to see why this recipe endures.

5

A clear cocktail with ice, garnished with a lemon peel, served in a glass with a gold polka dot pattern. A metal jigger and another drink are in the background.

Gold Rush Cocktail

Simple, smooth and perfectly balanced, the Gold Rush brings bourbon, honey and lemon into effortless harmony. The citrus lifts the whiskey’s caramel tones while honey softens the edges. It’s modern, mellow and endlessly repeatable.

6

A cocktail in a ribbed glass topped with foam, garnished with a cherry and lemon twist on a skewer. A gold cocktail shaker is partially visible in the background.

New York Sour

A whiskey sour with a twist, this recipe finishes with a float of red wine for that striking two-tone look. Tart lemon and rich bourbon form the base, while the wine adds depth and a hint of fruit. Elegant but approachable, it’s a sure conversation piece.

7

Top view of a strawberry cocktail garnished with a lemon slice and strawberry, surrounded by whole strawberries and a lemon.

Kentucky Buck Cocktail

Fresh, fruity and just the right amount of fiery, the Kentucky Buck pairs bourbon with strawberry and ginger beer. The spice keeps it lively while the fruit adds charm and color. It’s proof that bourbon can shine well beyond winter.

8

Two glasses of red iced tea garnished with lemon slices on a white background.

Woodford Reserve Spire Cocktail

Bright and crisp, the Spire is a lighter take on bourbon. Lemon and cranberry sharpen the whiskey’s sweetness, creating a drink that’s refreshing but still grounded in warmth. Ideal for summer afternoons or easy evening pours.

9

A Paper Plane cocktail recipe with blue paper airplanes in the glass.

Paper Plane Cocktail

Slightly bitter and perfectly balanced, the Paper Plane shows off bourbon’s versatility. Aperol, Amaro and lemon bring tartness and depth, giving this recipe its modern edge. It’s one of those cocktails that feels effortlessly stylish.

10

A John Collins cocktail sits next to gold bowls of cherries and orange slices.

John Collins Drink

A bourbon twist on the Tom Collins, this drink is bubbly, tangy and completely refreshing. Lemon and soda lift the flavor while whiskey keeps it grounded and smooth. This recipe is an easy pick for sunny afternoons or backyard get-togethers.

11

A grey and white straw in a glass of bourbon slushy.

Bourbon Slush

Think frozen bourbon lemonade for grown-ups — icy, citrusy and dangerously easy to drink. The mix of bourbon, lemon and a touch of sweetness hits that perfect summer note. Great for parties, BBQs or any time you want something fun and refreshing.

12

A dark brown cocktail with ice sits surrounded by a whole lime and gold cocktail tools.

Whiskey & Coke

Sometimes simple really is best. The sweet cola draws out bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes, turning two ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Unfussy and familiar, it’s a timeless go-to.

13

a brown derby drink with a grapefruit wedge garnish

Brown Derby Cocktail

Light, bright and perfectly balanced, the Brown Derby pairs bourbon with grapefruit and honey for a refreshing mix of sweet and tart. The citrus keeps things lively while the whiskey grounds it in richness. A clean, modern classic.

14

A glass of iced lemonade garnished with a fresh mint sprig, with lemons and another glass in the background on a white surface.

Whiskey Smash

Fresh mint, lemon and bourbon come together in this bright, lively cocktail. Muddling the ingredients brings out bourbon’s herbal, citrusy side, landing somewhere between a julep and a sour. It’s summer in a glass.

15

asparagus and bacon in a bloody derby cocktail

Bloody Derby

A savory spin on the Bloody Mary, the Bloody Derby swaps vodka for bourbon and doesn’t hold back on flavor. Tomato, spice and whiskey’s smoky depth make a bold, brunch-ready combo. For bourbon lovers who like a little heat.

16

a mint julep with a heaping scoop of crushed ice

Classic Mint Julep

Cool, minty and unapologetically strong, the Mint Julep is the ultimate summer sipper. Bourbon anchors the sweetness with its oaky depth while crushed ice keeps every sip frosty. Simple yet refined, this recipe belongs on porches and at races alike.

17

a bourbon hot toddy cocktail in a glass mug

Bourbon Hot Toddy

When the weather turns cold, the Bourbon Hot Toddy is pure comfort. Warm whiskey, honey and lemon blend into a soothing mix that’s equal parts cozy and curative. It’s basically a hug in a mug.

18

A moscow mule cocktail in a copper mug garnished with a lime wedge and fresh mint leaves.

Kentucky Mule Cocktail

Bourbon’s answer to the Moscow Mule, the Kentucky Mule is bold, gingery and endlessly refreshing. Lime juice adds a bright tang while bourbon smooths the edges. Served over ice in a copper mug, it’s a year-round favorite.

19

Two glasses of iced bourbon ginger shrub with lime wedges and candied ginger skewers, accompanied by half a lime and ginger pieces on a pristine white background.

Bourbon Ginger Shrub Cocktail

Tangy and just a little spicy, this bourbon ginger shrub brings a lively edge to whiskey drinking. The vinegar’s bite cuts through the sweetness, highlighting bourbon’s caramel notes. It’s an unexpected twist that feels both vintage and new.

20

A tall glass filled with iced orange beverage, garnished with sugared orange peel and a striped straw, against a white tiled background.

The Presbyterian Cocktail

Simple, crisp and full of fizz, the Presbyterian mixes bourbon with soda and ginger ale for a refreshing highball. Light enough for daytime sipping but grounded in whiskey character, this recipe proves less can be plenty.

21

A honey lemon whiskey sour cocktail sits with several of its ingredients with a cocktail jigger on a teal dish towel in background

Honey Lemon Whiskey Sour

A softer take on the classic, the Honey Lemon Whiskey Sour trades sugar for honey to add warmth and depth. Fresh lemon keeps it bright and balanced. It’s comfort in cocktail form — easy, smooth and endlessly drinkable.

22

A Seelbach Bourbon Champagne Cocktail fills a champagne flute with a golden-brown drink, garnished with a lemon twist and set on a patterned napkin.

The Seelbach Cocktail

For when you’re feeling fancy, the Seelbach brings bourbon and sparkling wine together in a bubbly, bitters-kissed mix. The whiskey’s depth contrasts beautifully with the effervescence, giving this recipe a lively, aromatic finish. Perfect for celebrations or elegant nights in.

23

A tall glass of caramel milkshake with whipped topping and caramel drizzle, two straws, and a syrup bottle in the background.

Maple Bourbon Milkshake

Dessert meets cocktail in this creamy, boozy milkshake. Maple syrup adds cozy sweetness that melds effortlessly with bourbon’s caramel notes. Indulgent and nostalgic, it’s the kind of treat that feels impossible to share.

24

A gray and white dish towel wraps around a half of a lime, a gold spotted glass, a gold spoon and cocktail jigger and a Seagram's Ginger Ale

Whiskey Ginger Cocktail

Sweet, spicy and delightfully simple, the Whiskey Ginger is an easy favorite. Ginger ale adds sparkle and heat, while bourbon smooths everything out. It’s refreshing, unfussy and reliably good every time.

25

A drink for the races, the Belmont Jewel is the #1 drink for toasting the Belmont Stakes. Bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice served over crushed ice make for a fruity punch that's delicious all summer long. (via feastandwest.com)

Belmont Jewel Cocktail

Bright and fruit-forward, the Belmont Jewel pairs bourbon with pomegranate and lemon for a balanced, refreshing sip. The whiskey’s richness anchors the tart fruit beautifully. Light enough for summer but bold enough to stand out year-round.

About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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