Cocktails with Bourbon
Bourbon is America's native whiskey, made primarily from corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. It offers rich, sweet flavors with vanilla, caramel, and oak notes.
No Bourbon? What to use instead
- Type
- Spirit
- Strength
- 40–50% ABV
- Aroma
- Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Corn sweetness, Baking spices
- Taste
- Sweet corn, Vanilla, Caramel, Oak, Gentle spice
- Finish
- Warm, Sweet, Medium to long, Oak tannins
36 drinks with Bourbon
- Amaretto SourAmaretto, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Boston SourLemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White
- BoulevardierCampari, Sweet Vermouth
- Bourbon Peach SlushPeach Purée, Ginger Beer, Lime Juice
- Bourbon RenewalLemon Juice, Crème de Cassis, Simple Syrup
- Brown DerbyGrapefruit Juice, Honey Syrup
- Cherry SourCherry Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- FanciulliSweet Vermouth, Fernet-Branca
- Fancy FreeMaraschino Liqueur, Angostura Bitters, Orange Bitters
- French 95Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Champagne
- Gold RushLemon Juice, Honey Syrup
- HalekulaniLemon Juice, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice
- Kentucky BuckLemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters
- Kentucky MaidLime Juice, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaves
- Kentucky MuleLime Juice, Ginger Beer
- Lion's TailAllspice Dram, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- Man o WarTriple Sec, Sweet Vermouth, Lime Juice
- Maple Old FashionedMaple Syrup, Angostura Bitters
- Marzipan Old FashionedAmaretto, Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters
- Midnight StingerFernet-Branca, White Crème de Menthe
- Mint JulepSimple Syrup, Mint Leaves
- New York SourLemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White
- Old FashionedAngostura Bitters, Sugar Cube, Water
- Paper PlaneAperol, Amaro Nonino, Lemon Juice
- Port LightLemon Juice, Honey Syrup, Passion Fruit Syrup
- Pumpkin Spice Old FashionedRye Whiskey, Pumpkin Spice Syrup, Orange Bitters
- RevolverKahlúa, Orange Bitters
- Salted Caramel Pecan SourAmaretto, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Spiced Apple SlushApple Juice, Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon Juice
- Spiked Hot Apple CiderApple Juice
- Suffering BastardGin, Lime Juice, Angostura Bitters
- Toffee Apple SourApple Brandy, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Tropical ItchDark Rum, Overproof Rum, Lemon Juice
- Whiskey SmashLemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaves
- Whiskey SourLemon Juice, Simple Syrup
- Whiskey Sour SlushLemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Water
History
Bourbon originated in Kentucky in the late 18th century, named possibly after Bourbon County or the French royal family. It became distinctly American when settlers began using corn as their primary grain. Congress declared bourbon a distinctive product of the USA in 1964, establishing strict production standards.
How it’s made
By law, bourbon must be made from at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and aged in new charred American oak barrels. Most bourbons use a mash bill including corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley. The char level of barrels significantly affects flavor development during aging.
Bottles to try
Buffalo TraceBudget
Benchmark Kentucky bourbon with balanced vanilla, caramel, and subtle spice. Excellent value.
Maker's MarkMid-range
Wheated bourbon known for its soft, approachable character with red fruit and caramel notes.
Woodford ReservePremium
Complex Kentucky bourbon with rich fruit, chocolate, and spice from triple distillation.
Evan Williams BlackBudget
Kentucky straight bourbon, caramel and vanilla, great mixer.
Buffalo TraceMid-range
Award-winning, complex with notes of toffee and spice.
Maker's MarkPremium
Wheated bourbon, soft and sweet, distinctive red wax seal.
Got Bourbon at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.