Bourbon….I could stop right there and this post would be perfect. It has long been a favorite among men who appreciate a smooth, flavorful drink of choice. It can be enjoyed neat, or on the rocks. But when mixed as a cocktail the possibilities are endless. If you’re a bourbon lover looking to expand your cocktail repertoire, then this article is for you. Here are five bourbon cocktails that every man should know:
- Old Fashioned – The Old Fashioned is a classic bourbon cocktail that has stood the test of time. It’s simple to make and is perfect for sipping on a lazy afternoon. To make an Old Fashioned, you’ll need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Club soda
- Orange slice
- Maraschino cherry
Place the sugar cube or sugar in an Old Fashioned glass and add the bitters. Muddle until the sugar is dissolved. Add the bourbon and a few ice cubes, then stir to combine. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
- Manhattan- The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has been around since the late 1800s. It’s a sophisticated drink that’s perfect for sipping on a special occasion. To make a Manhattan, you’ll need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Whiskey Sour The Whiskey Sour is a refreshing and tart cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. To make a Whiskey Sour, you’ll need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- Orange slice
- Maraschino cherry
Fill a shaker with ice and add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake until well chilled, then strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
- Boulevardier- The Boulevardier is a variation on the classic Negroni cocktail that replaces gin with bourbon. It’s a bold and flavorful drink that’s perfect for sipping after dinner. To make a Boulevardier, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ oz bourbon
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange peel
Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir until well chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
- Mint Julep- The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. It’s a refreshing and herbaceous drink that’s sure to quench your thirst. To make a Mint Julep, you’ll need:
- 2 ½ oz bourbon
- 1 tsp sugar
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Muddle the sugar and mint leaves in the bottom of a Julep cup or rocks glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice, then add the bourbon. Stir until well chilled, then garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
As you can see, these five bourbon cocktails are essential for any man who appreciates a good drink and will be sure to impress at your next get-together. They range from classic and sophisticated to refreshing and tart, so there’s something for every occasion. Give them a try and impress your friends with your bartending skills. And don’t forget to share your favorite recipes with us!!! Cheers