Your shelves are filled with the bourbon that you love so much. It’s the one thing you go to after a long day and the thing that allows you to unwind. But perhaps you’re getting bored of the whole ‘on the rocks’ thing? We’re here to help because we have some cocktail ideas that will allow you to have fun and experiment!
1. Classic Old Fashioned
Talk to historians about the drinking culture in many countries and the Old Fashioned will come up in the conversation soon enough. With its roots reaching back to the early 1800s, this concoction stands the test of time. To make an Old Fashioned, you’ll need sugar, Angostura bitters, an orange slice, and good quality bourbon. Some use the word ‘charred’ to describe the flavour of bourbon and the bitters only complement this. Add orange and sugar to the mix and you have a winner.
2. Manhattan
Rich flavour, rich story. We’re talking sophisticated in abundance in a drink that effortlessly marries the audacity of bourbon with the charm of sweet vermouth and a touch of Angostura bitters. Stirred with ice and strained into a martini glass, it dances on the palate with an exquisite complexity and velvety smoothness. A libation fit for a chilly evening, this concoction strikes the perfect balance, with the sweet vermouth gracefully harmonising the whiskey’s robust character. Sip on this refined aperitif and delight in its allure.
3. Whiskey Sour
Sometimes we just need to feel refreshed by a drink and this one perhaps does this more than others on the list. It’s a delightful concoction of bourbon, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of sweet syrup, all shaken with ice and strained into a glass. This cocktail is the perfect harmony of sweetness and sourness, where bourbon finds its zingy soulmate, creating a match made in mixology heaven. Cheers to the perfect blend of flavours. The end result? Invigorating, zingy, all the fun words apply to this one and we don’t think you’ll go back after trying it.
4. Mint Julep
This bourbon delight is the ultimate summer celebration, with its refreshing mint and a touch of sweetness that will make your taste buds dance. Don’t forget the crushed ice – it’s the cool factor that keeps every sip as chill as it is delightful. Soaking up the sun is always welcome after a colder period and the smell of mint and bourbon just makes it loads better.
5. Boulevardier
Those who have clicked on this article purely for a bitter kick will love this suggestion (you’re welcome!). It’s essentially a Negroni, but bourbon is swapped in for the gin. You’ll get a complex drink full of depth. Composed of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari, the Boulevardier is garnished with an orange peel for an extra pop of citrus. The bittersweet Campari with the rich bourbon creates a harmoniously robust concoction that’s a true delight for the tastebuds.
Go into this process with the motto ‘simply add bourbon‘ and it won’t be long before your notebook has a list of stunning cocktails. Dive into the versatility of bourbon and surprise your palate with new and exciting combinations. With these cocktails on your list, your bourbon collection is all set for your next event or solo nightcap. Cheers to a world of spirited indulgence!