13 Best Bourbon Cocktails That Will Make You Rethink Whiskey Drinks

Bourbon might be known for its rich, deep flavors, but it’s not just for cozy winter nights. With the right mix of citrus, fresh fruit, and herbs, this whiskey transforms into bright, refreshing Bourbon cocktails that are perfect for warm evenings, backyard hangouts, or just kicking back after a long day.

This lineup proves that bourbon plays just as well with light and bubbly mixers as it does in bold, spirit-forward drinks. Whether you’re into crisp, citrusy sips or something a little fruity with a hint of sweetness, there’s a cocktail here to shake (or stir) up your usual routine. So grab your glass, and let’s mix up some bourbon drinks that might just change the way you think about whiskey.

Cherry Smash Bourbon Cocktail

This Cherry Smash Bourbon Cocktail is where bold meets refreshing. Juicy muddled cherries bring a deep fruitiness that pairs perfectly with bourbon’s caramel warmth, while a splash of lemon and simple syrup keeps things bright and balanced. Want to lighten it up? Add a bit of soda for a bubbly touch. However you serve it, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (or more to taste)
• 6 fresh cherries, pitted
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• Ice cubes
• Club soda
• Luxardo or maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the fresh cherries and simple syrup. Muddle until the cherries are fully broken down and release their juices.
2. Pour in the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Top with a splash of club soda. Skewer Luxardo or maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick and place them on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, fruity bourbon experience!

Four Roses Bourbon Old Fashioned

A classic for a reason, the Four Roses Bourbon Old Fashioned keeps it simple but sophisticated. Smooth bourbon, a touch of sugar, and a few dashes of bitters create a slow-sipping drink with just the right balance of richness and depth. An orange peel finishes it off, bringing out the whiskey’s natural spice notes.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Four Roses Bourbon
• 1 sugar cube (or ½ tsp simple syrup)
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• 1 large ice cube (or a few smaller ones)
• Splash of water (optional)
• Maraschino cherry (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a rocks glass, place the sugar cube and add the Angostura bitters. If using simple syrup, pour it in instead. Muddle until the sugar dissolves. If needed, add a small splash of water to help dissolve the sugar.
2. Pour in the Four Roses Bourbon and gently stir to combine. Add a large ice cube (or a few smaller ones) to chill the drink while maintaining its strength.
3. Twist the orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then run it around the rim of the glass before dropping it in.
4. Optionally, add a maraschino cherry for a touch of sweetness. Give the drink one final gentle stir, and enjoy.

Light Bourbon Lemonade

Bourbon and lemonade were made for each other, and this cocktail proves it. Fresh lemon juice keeps it crisp, a little simple syrup rounds out the tartness, and a splash of sparkling water makes it extra refreshing. It’s bright, easy to make, and the kind of drink you’ll want on repeat.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 3–4 oz sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and mint leaves, for garnish
• Sugar (for optional rim)

Instructions

1. Rim the glass with sugar by dipping the rim in lemon juice, then rolling it in sugar.
2. In a short glass filled with ice, add the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well to combine. Pour in the sparkling water or club soda and gently stir to maintain the carbonation.
3. Add a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Apple Cider and Bourbon Fizz

Bourbon and apple cider? Always a good idea. This cocktail combines smooth whiskey with crisp cider, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of maple syrup for natural sweetness. A splash of ginger beer or sparkling water adds the perfect fizz, making it as refreshing as it is cozy.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3 oz fresh apple cider
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz maple syrup or simple syrup
• 2–3 oz sparkling water or ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Apple slices and cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a short glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Shake well for about 10 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice. Top with sparkling water or ginger beer for a refreshing fizz.
3. Add a few thin apple slices on the rim and place a cinnamon stick in the drink. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Spring Berry Bourbon Smash

This bourbon smash is bursting with fresh berries, a little citrus, and a hint of mint to keep things extra refreshing. The blackberries add just the right amount of sweetness, balancing out the bourbon’s rich, oaky notes. Serve spring berry Bourbon smash over crushed ice, top it with a splash of soda (if you like), and enjoy a smooth, fruity sip.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (or more to taste)
• 5 fresh blackberries (plus more for garnish)
• 4 fresh mint leaves (plus more for garnish)
• Crushed ice
• Club soda
• Lime wedge, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the blackberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup. Muddle until the berries release their juices and the mint is fragrant. Pour in the bourbon and fresh lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
2. Strain the mixture into a short glass filled with crushed ice. Top with a splash of club soda.
3. Skewer fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick and place them on the rim. Add a lime wedge and a sprig of mint for a refreshing finish.

Bulleit Bourbon Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a classic for a reason—simple, smooth, and ridiculously refreshing. Fresh mint and a little sugar bring out Bulleit bourbon’s softer side, while crushed ice keeps it ice-cold. It’s the kind of cocktail that tastes just as good at the Kentucky Derby as it does on your porch.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ oz Bulleit Bourbon
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 6–8 fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig, for garnish
• Powdered sugar (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a chilled glass, add the fresh mint leaves and simple syrup. Gently muddle with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the mint’s natural oils, being careful not to over-muddle.
2. Pour in the Bulleit Bourbon, then fill the glass to the top with crushed ice. Stir well to mix the flavors and chill the drink.
3. Add a fresh sprig of mint on top and lightly dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Old Forester Bourbon Sour

Tart, smooth, and just the right amount of sweetness, this Old Forester Bourbon Sour brings everything into balance. Fresh lemon juice gives it that signature zing, while simple syrup rounds it out. Want to take it up a notch? Add egg white for a velvety finish, and top it off with a fresh peach slice for a summer-ready touch.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Old Forester Bourbon
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup or maple syrup
• ½ oz peach purée
• 1 egg white (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Peach slice and fresh thyme sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine Old Forester Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and peach purée. If using an egg white, add it now for a creamy texture. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds without ice to help the egg white emulsify (skip this step if not using egg white).
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for another 15 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a short glass filled with fresh ice. If using egg white, a creamy foam should form on top.
3. Place a fresh peach slice on the rim and add a sprig of thyme for a fragrant, elegant touch.

Bourbon Orange Spritz

If you love a light and citrusy cocktail, this Bourbon Orange Spritz is for you. Fresh orange juice keeps it bright, a little simple syrup or honey smooths it out, and a splash of Prosecco or sparkling water adds the perfect effervescence. Garnish with an orange slice and sip away.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• ½ oz simple syrup or honey syrup
• 2 oz sparkling water or Prosecco
• Ice cubes
• Orange slice and rosemary sprig for garnish

Instructions

1. In a short glass filled with ice, pour the bourbon, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
2. Top with sparkling water or Prosecco for a refreshing effervescence. Place a fresh orange slice on top and add a sprig of thyme or rosemary.
3. Serve immediately and sip on this crisp, citrusy bourbon spritz!

Tropical Bourbon Breeze

Bourbon meets the tropics in this smooth, fruity cocktail. Pineapple juice, fresh lime, and a little honey syrup bring a naturally sweet balance to whiskey’s deep caramel notes. A few fresh strawberries and a splash of soda make it light, refreshing, and perfect for when you want something a little different.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
• 2–3 fresh strawberries, sliced
• Ice cubes
• 2 oz club soda
• Pineapple wedge and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh strawberries and honey syrup. Add bourbon, pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
2. Strain into a short glass filled with fresh ice. If desired, top with a splash of club soda for a light, fizzy touch.
3. Place a pineapple wedge on the rim and add a sprig of fresh mint for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately and enjoy this tropical bourbon delight!

Pineapple Ginger Bourbon Mule

This bourbon mule brings a tropical touch with pineapple juice and a zesty kick of ginger beer. Fresh lime juice balances everything out, making each sip smooth, tangy, and refreshing. Served in a copper mug (or a glass if you prefer), it’s the perfect mix of bold and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a short glass or copper mule mug with ice to chill the drink. Pour the bourbon, pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice over the ice. Stir gently to combine.
2. Slowly pour in the ginger beer and give it a light stir to maintain the carbonation.
3. Add a lime wheel to the drink and optionally garnish with a fresh mint sprig for an extra refreshing touch. Serve immediately and savor the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Watermelon Basil Bourbon Cooler

This Watermelon Basil Bourbon Cooler is summer in a glass. Fresh watermelon juice brings a natural sweetness, basil adds a herbal kick, and a splash of lime ties it all together. Add bourbon for that smooth depth, and top it with a bit of soda if you want to keep it extra light.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3 oz fresh watermelon juice (blended and strained watermelon)
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 3–4 fresh basil leaves
• Ice cubes
• 2 oz club soda
• Watermelon wedge and basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh basil leaves and simple syrup. Gently muddle to release the basil’s essential oils without tearing the leaves. Pour in the bourbon, fresh watermelon juice, and lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
2. Strain the mixture into a short glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda.
3. Place a fresh watermelon wedge on the rim and add a sprig of basil for a fragrant, visually appealing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing bourbon cocktail’s perfect mix of sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavors.

Peach Bourbon Smash

Juicy peaches, fresh mint, and smooth bourbon come together in this refreshing peach bourbon smash. A little lemon juice brightens it up, and crushed ice keeps it extra cool. If you love fruit-forward cocktails but still want that whiskey kick, this one’s for you.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• ½ fresh peach, sliced
• ½ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 4–5 fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice
• Peach slice and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh peach slices, mint leaves, and simple syrup. Muddle gently until the peach releases its juices and the mint is fragrant. Pour in the bourbon and fresh lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
2. Strain the mixture into a short glass filled with crushed ice, allowing the peach flavor to infuse the drink.
3. Place a fresh peach slice on the rim and add a sprig of mint for an aromatic, elegant touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of smooth bourbon, juicy peach, and refreshing mint.

Bourbon Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberries and lemonade are a classic duo, but add bourbon and you’ve got something next level. Fresh muddled strawberries bring natural sweetness, while honey or simple syrup rounds out the tangy lemonade. Serve it over ice, garnish with basil or mint, and you’ve got the ultimate easy-to-make, impossible-to-resist cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3 oz fresh lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ oz honey syrup or simple syrup
• 3–4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Ice cubes
• 1 oz club soda
• Fresh basil or mint sprig, for garnish
• Strawberry slice or lemon wheel, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh strawberry slices and honey syrup. Gently muddle until the berries release their juices. Pour in the bourbon and fresh lemonade. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
2. Strain the mixture into a short glass filled with fresh ice. If you prefer a lighter drink, top with a splash of club soda.
3. Add a sprig of fresh basil or mint and garnish with a strawberry slice or lemon wheel on the rim. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and bold bourbon flavors.

The Final Sip: Bourbon Cocktails Worth Shaking Up

Bourbon isn’t just for slow sips by the fire—it also shines in bold, refreshing cocktails. From citrusy highballs to fruit-forward smashes and spirit-forward classics, there’s a bourbon cocktail for every vibe.

Personally, I’ll never say no to a Mint Julep (crisp, refreshing, and packed with fresh mint), but a Bourbon Peach Smash? That’s summer in a glass. No matter what you’re craving, these cocktails bring the perfect balance of smooth whiskey and bright, flavorful ingredients. So shake things up, try a new favorite, and let bourbon take center stage in your next round. Cheers!