Forget cola – these are the best ways to get the most out of this complex dark spirit.
Bourbon might have a bit of a blokey image, but don’t let that put you off – its reputation doesn’t come close to doing it justice. And you can do a whole more with this dark spirit than just mix it with Coke, too. Bourbon’s typically rich flavours and sweet oaky notes of vanilla and caramel bring all sorts of deliciousness to a huge range of cocktails, making it a surprise MVP for the home bar.
For anyone uninitiated to bourbon, this type of whiskey must be produced in the US, aged in new, charred oak barrels, and made with 51% corn. There’s a big swing in flavours and styles, so mixing up your bourbon – or perhaps even choosing another type of whiskey altogether – will put a very different spin on your drink.
With that in mind, we bring you a selection of hand-picked bourbon cocktails to play around with below. There are a couple of timeless stiff drinks in the mix to give you a taste of what bourbon’s all about, but if you prefer brighter, more refreshing cocktails, we have some brilliant recipes for that, too.
- What is the best bourbon for cocktails?
The best bourbon for your cocktail is always the one you like most, but we’re big advocates for mixing and matching your whiskies – each one will bring different flavours and complexities to the final drink.
- Can I substitute other whiskies for bourbon in cocktails?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of bourbon, have run out, or just like to experiment with your base spirit, trial Scotch, rye or whatever whisk(e)y tickles your fancy.
- What kind of glass should I use for bourbon cocktails?
You can’t go wrong with an old fashioned or rocks glass, or for a Whisky Highball, you’ll be set with a Collins glass (or any other tall glass).







