20 Best Bourbon Cocktails: Your Happy Hour Just Got Happier
Jun 25, 2024
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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!
Table of Contents
- Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
- Red Moon Over Manhattan Cocktail Recipe
- Best Hibiscus Mint Julep
- Peach Bourbon Smash
- Fall Bourbon Cocktail
- Bourbon Smash
- Pumpkin Sangria with Bourbon
- Blueberry Bourbon Smash
- Tootsie Roll Cocktail
- Hibiscus Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail
- Frangelico Sour: Two Variations
- Apple Cider Bourbon Thyme Smash
- Blood Orange Bourbon Smash Cocktail
- Mixed Berry Bourbon Smash with Champagne
- Amaretto Sour Cocktail
- Bourbon Margarita
- Sweet Tea Mint Julep Cocktail
- Sparkling Mint Juleps
- Kentucky Mule Recipe (Bourbon Mule)
Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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)


