20 Best Bourbon Cocktails: Your Happy Hour Just Got Happier

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Who knew bourbon could do so much more than just sit neat in a glass? Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or kicking off a weekend celebration, these bourbon cocktails are here to add a splash of excitement to your happy hour. From classic concoctions to modern marvels, there’s a bourbon cocktail for every taste and occasion. Cheers to finding your new favorite sip!

Brown Sugar Old Fashioned

A cocktail garnished with an orange peel and ice cubes, stirred with a wooden muddler.
Photo Credit: The Littlest Crumb.

The Brown Sugar Old Fashioned gives a sweet upgrade to a timeless classic, using rich brown sugar to enhance the deep flavors of bourbon. A dash of bitters and an orange twist complete this drink, making it a must-try for bourbon lovers.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Old Fashioned

Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

A glass of purple cocktail containing a large ice cube, garnished with a skewer holding two black cherries. A bowl of black cherries next to the glass.
Photo Credit: Sugar and Charm.

The Red Moon Over Manhattan mixes blood orange juice with bourbon and sweet vermouth for a vibrant twist on a classic. Its citrusy brightness is a perfect match for bourbon’s robust character.
Get the Recipe: Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

Best Hibiscus Mint Julep

A metal cup filled with crushed ice and garnished with fresh mint leaves, surrounded by scattered flower petals on a white surface.
Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz.

The Hibiscus Mint Julep refreshes the classic with a floral twist. Hibiscus tea adds a tart note that pairs wonderfully with bourbon and mint, making it ideal for hot days.
Get the Recipe: Best Hibiscus Mint Julep

Peach Bourbon Smash

A diamond-patterned glass containing a cocktail, garnished with mint leaves and slices of fruit; blurred container and background elements.
Photo Credit: A Full Living.

Peach Bourbon Smash combines juicy peaches with bourbon for a summer treat. The sweetness of the peaches balances the richness of the bourbon, creating a refreshing cocktail perfect for warm evenings.
Get the Recipe: Peach Bourbon Smash

Fall Bourbon Cocktail

A glass filled with a drink, garnished with a cinnamon stick and an orange peel. In the background, there are additional similar drinks and a decorative pumpkin.
Photo Credit: Aleka’s Get Together.

The Fall Bourbon Cocktail blends apple cider, cinnamon, and maple syrup with bourbon for a cozy autumn drink. It’s perfect for capturing the season’s warm, spicy flavors in a glass.
Get the Recipe: Fall Bourbon Cocktail

Bourbon Smash

A glass filled with ice and a yellow drink, garnished with a lemon slice on the rim. There are lemon slices and green leaves next to the glass.
Photo Credit: Art of Natural Living.

The Bourbon Smash offers simplicity with muddled lemon and mint complementing the bourbon’s depth. This fresh, zesty drink is versatile enough for any occasion, making it a go-to bourbon cocktail.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Smash

Pumpkin Sangria with Bourbon

A mason jar filled with a drink, garnished with fruit slices, rosemary sprigs, and a cinnamon stick.
Photo Credit: Beyond Mere Sustenance.

Pumpkin Sangria with Bourbon is a festive fall option, combining pumpkin puree, spices, and bourbon. This unique blend captures the essence of the season and is a great choice for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Sangria with Bourbon

Blueberry Bourbon Smash

A silver cup containing pink crushed ice, garnished with blueberries and a green leaf. In the background, there is a white cloth and scattered blueberries.
Photo Credit: Champagne Tastes.

The Blueberry Bourbon Smash is a fruity delight with fresh blueberries and basil. Muddled together with bourbon, it creates a colorful and flavorful drink that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Bourbon Smash

Tootsie Roll Cocktail

Two geometric glasses filled with a dark brown liquid, garnished with twisted orange peels on cocktail picks. The glasses are set against a dark background.
Photo Credit: Beyond Mere Sustenance.

The Tootsie Roll Cocktail combines chocolate liqueur, orange juice, and bourbon to mimic the classic candy’s taste. It’s a sweet, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for dessert or a fun cocktail party.
Get the Recipe: Tootsie Roll Cocktail

Hibiscus Old Fashioned Cocktail

A red drink with a large ice cube in a glass, surrounded by dried hibiscus petals.
Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz.

The Hibiscus Old Fashioned introduces a floral note to the traditional recipe. Hibiscus tea enhances bourbon with a tart, fragrant twist, making this a refreshing take on an old favorite.
Get the Recipe: Hibiscus Old Fashioned Cocktail

Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail

A glass with a golden rim holds an amber-colored beverage, a large ice cube, and a star anise garnish. Cardamom pods and cloves are scattered below.
Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz.

The Chai Old Fashioned infuses bourbon with chai tea’s warm spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. This cozy cocktail is perfect for those who love a bit of spice with their bourbon.
Get the Recipe: Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail

Frangelico Sour: Two Variations

Two glass tumblers with large ice cubes, each containing a sour cocktail garnished with a black cherry and orange peel on a pick, set on a white surface.
Photo Credit: Ugly Duckling Bakery.

Frangelico Sour offers two delightful versions, combining hazelnut liqueur with bourbon and lemon juice. The first is tangy and nutty, while the second adds egg white for a creamy texture, making both unique bourbon cocktails.
Get the Recipe: Frangelico Sour: Two Variations

Apple Cider Bourbon Thyme Smash

A glass with an orange drink and ice cubes, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a green herb. The glass has a sugared rim and is on a silver tray with red petals nearby.
Photo Credit: Bakers Table.

The Apple Cider Bourbon Thyme Smash combines fresh apple cider and thyme with bourbon, creating a refreshing yet warm drink. This cocktail captures the essence of fall, making it perfect for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Bourbon Thyme Smash

Blood Orange Bourbon Smash Cocktail

A drink featuring a pinkish-orange liquid, ice cubes, a slice of blood orange, and a sprig of fresh mint.
Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz.

The Blood Orange Bourbon Smash mixes blood orange juice with bourbon, honey, and mint. This vibrant and refreshing drink is perfect for adding a burst of color and flavor to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange Bourbon Smash Cocktail

Mixed Berry Bourbon Smash with Champagne

A glass with a gold rim containing an iced beverage, garnished with blueberries, a blackberry, and fresh mint leaves.
Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz.

The Mixed Berry Bourbon Smash with Champagne blends berries with bourbon and tops it with champagne. This bubbly, fruity cocktail is great for celebrations and adds a festive touch to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Berry Bourbon Smash with Champagne

Amaretto Sour Cocktail

A colorful glass filled with a yellowish drink, garnished with two cherries on top. Additional cherries and lemons are visible in the background.
Photo Credit: Living in Normal.

The Amaretto Sour Cocktail combines amaretto and bourbon with lemon juice for a perfect blend of sweet and sour. It’s an easy-to-love drink that showcases bourbon’s versatility.
Get the Recipe: Amaretto Sour Cocktail

Bourbon Margarita

A glass filled with a yellowish drink containing ice and lime slices, with a salted rim, placed on a coaster, surrounded by scattered salt.
Photo Credit: The Littlest Crumb.

The Bourbon Margarita replaces tequila with bourbon, adding depth to the classic margarita’s lime and orange liqueur flavors. It’s a delightful twist for those who enjoy both margaritas and bourbon.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Margarita

Sweet Tea Mint Julep Cocktail

A metal cup filled with ice cubes, garnished with a mint sprig and a lemon twist.
Photo Credit: Dash of Jazz.

The Sweet Tea Mint Julep combines sweet tea and mint with bourbon for a refreshing Southern-inspired drink. Perfect for hot summer days, this cocktail is a delightful way to enjoy bourbon.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Tea Mint Julep Cocktail

Sparkling Mint Juleps

A glass of cocktail with fresh mint leaves.
Photo Credit: The Kitchen is My Playground.

Sparkling Mint Juleps add a bubbly twist to the traditional mint julep. Topped with sparkling wine, this effervescent drink is refreshing and elegant, making it perfect for celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Mint Juleps

Kentucky Mule Recipe (Bourbon Mule)

A cup containing ice-cold liquid, garnished with two lime slices and sprigs of fresh mint leaves. A section of a cloth is visible beside the cup.
Photo Credit: A Full Living.

The Kentucky Mule combines ginger beer, lime juice, and bourbon for a spicy, tangy drink. Served in a copper mug, this refreshing cocktail is a must-try for fans of the classic Moscow Mule.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Mule Recipe (Bourbon Mule)

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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