Simple and Delicious Bourbon Drinks to Try Tonight

Bourbon is a beloved spirit known for its rich flavor and versatility. Whether you're winding down after a long day or entertaining friends, a well-crafted bourbon drink can elevate any evening. In this post, we'll explore a variety of simple and delicious bourbon drinks that you can try tonight. Let’s dive into the world of bourbon drinks and discover how to create exciting beverages that will impress your taste buds.

Bourbon Drinks for Every Occasion

Bourbon drinks can range from classic cocktails to creative variations that bring new life to this traditional spirit. Bourbon is made primarily from corn, giving it a sweet and smooth taste. It pairs wonderfully with different mixers and ingredients to create something special for every occasion.

Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned remains one of the most iconic bourbon cocktails. It's a classic that highlights the bourbon's robust flavor without overpowering it with mixers.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon

• 1 sugar cube

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange twist (for garnish)

• Maraschino cherry (optional)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Muddle the sugar cube and bitters with a splash of water at the bottom of a glass.

2. Fill the glass with ice and pour in the bourbon.

3. Stir until well mixed.

4. Garnish with an orange twist and cherry.

   
   

Classic Old Fashioned with orange twist and cherry

The Old Fashioned's blend of sweet and bitter notes creates a well-rounded cocktail that showcases the unique flavors of bourbon.

Mint Julep: A Southern Staple

If you are looking for a refreshing bourbon drink, look no further than the mint julep. This cocktail is particularly famous in the southern United States and is often enjoyed during the Kentucky Derby.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon

• Fresh mint leaves

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• Crushed ice

• Mint sprig (for garnish)

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a mint julep cup or a glass, muddle the mint leaves and sugar together with a splash of water.

2. Fill the cup with crushed ice and add the bourbon.

3. Stir gently until chilled.

4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

   
   

Refreshing mint julep in a classic copper cup

The mint julep is refreshing and perfect for warm evenings or outdoor gatherings.

What is a Bourbon Smash?

The bourbon smash is an excellent cocktail for those who desire a fruity twist. It's super simple to make and combines fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon

• 1 ounce simple syrup

• 1 lemon (cut into wedges)

• Fresh mint leaves

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves.

2. Add the bourbon and simple syrup.

3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.

4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.

   
   

A vibrant bourbon smash with mint leaves and lemon

The bourbon smash is an easy way to showcase the spirit while still incorporating fresh and zesty flavors.

Fruity Bourbon Lemonade

Bourbon can also be beautifully paired with fruity flavors, and a bourbon lemonade is a fantastic option for a warm evening gathering. This drink is vibrant and perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon

• 4 ounces fresh lemonade

• Lemon slices (for garnish)

• Fresh berries (optional)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Pour in the bourbon and top it off with lemonade.

3. Stir gently to combine.

4. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh berries if desired.

   
   

Colorful bourbon lemonade with lemon slices and mint

This bourbon drink provides a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Easy Bourbon Drinks for Beginners

If you’re new to mixing bourbon cocktails, there’s a myriad of easy bourbon drinks you can try. These drinks are straightforward to prepare and require minimal ingredients, ensuring you can mix them up with confidence.

Bourbon Ginger Highball

The bourbon ginger highball is a simple yet sophisticated drink that pairs well with the spicy notes of ginger ale.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon

• 4 ounces ginger ale

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Pour in the bourbon and top with ginger ale.

3. Squeeze a lime wedge for added flavor.

4. Stir gently and enjoy.

   
   

The ginger ale perfectly balances the sweetness of the bourbon, making it an easy and refreshing cocktail option.

Bourbon and Cola: A Crowd Favorite

Another straightforward option is bourbon and cola. This drink combines the richness of bourbon with the familiar taste of cola, offering a rich flavor perfectly suited for casual evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon

• 4 ounces cola

• Lemon wedge (for garnish)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Pour in bourbon and top with cola.

3. Stir gently and garnish with a lemon wedge.

   
   

This bourbon and cola mix requires no special skills and can be enjoyed by anyone, making it a hit at parties.

Bourbon Mojito Twist

For those who enjoy a mojito, consider adding a bourbon twist. The bourbon mojito combines the classic mint and lime flavors found in a traditional mojito, with the rich flavor of bourbon.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon

• 1 ounce fresh lime juice

• 1 ounce simple syrup

• Fresh mint leaves

• Soda water

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a glass, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup.

2. Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon.

3. Top off with soda water and stir gently.

4. Garnish with a mint sprig.

   
   

Refreshing bourbon mojito twist with mint leaves

The bourbon mojito twist is a delicious mix that blends refreshing herbs with the depth of bourbon.

Final Thoughts on Delicious Bourbon Drinks

There’s a bourbon drink for every taste and every occasion. From the classic Old Fashioned to the refreshingly fruity bourbon lemonade, these cocktails showcase the versatility of bourbon. With just a few ingredients, you can create easy bourbon drinks that will delight your friends and family at any gathering.

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or just starting to explore this delightful spirit, give these recipes a try tonight. Whip up a few, enjoy the creativity of mixing drinks, and let the warm flavors of bourbon elevate your evening. Cheers!