Shake, Stir & Sip
There are endless cocktails to mix and enjoy. When it comes to crafting an unmissable drink, the type and quality of bourbon you use is essential. Believe it or not, this can make or break your entire cocktail. This article explores some of the most delicious, high-quality cocktails you can make from exceptional bourbon like Maker's Mark Bourbon and Basil Haydon Bourbon.
1. Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark or Basil Hayden)
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (for garnish)
Directions
- Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass and saturate it with bitters.
- Add a splash of water and muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- Fill the glass with ice and pour in the bourbon.
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.
Best bourbon choice: Maker's Mark for a sweeter finish; Basil Hayden for added spice.
2. Mint Julep
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark or Basil Hayden)
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig (for garnish)
Directions
- Muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice and add the bourbon.
- Stir gently until the glass is frosty.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Best bourbon choice: Maker's Mark for a smooth and herbaceous drink.
3. Whiskey Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark or Basil Hayden)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Optional: 1/2 oz egg white
- Lemon wheel or cherry (for garnish)
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously (if using egg white).
- Add ice and shake again until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass with ice or a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry.
Best bourbon choice: Basil Hayden for a zesty and balanced flavor.
4. Boulevardier
Ingredients
- 1 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark or Basil Hayden)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange twist (for garnish)
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass with ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Best bourbon choice: Basil Hayden for its rye spice that complements the Campari.
5. Manhattan
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark or Basil Hayden)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry (for garnish)
Directions
- Combine the bourbon, vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Best bourbon choice: Maker's Mark for a smoother profile; Basil Hayden for a spicier twist.
6. Bourbon Smash
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark or Basil Hayden)
- 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- Ice
Directions
- Muddle the lemon wedges, mint and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add bourbon and ice, then shake well.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig or lemon wheel.
Best bourbon choice: Maker's Mark for a sweeter, citrus-forward flavor.
7. Bourbon Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark or Basil Hayden)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup hot water
- Lemon wheel and cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Directions
- Combine bourbon, honey and lemon juice in a mug.
- Add hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick.
Best bourbon choice: Maker's Mark for its warm, sweet profile.
Sip and Savor These Drinks
Bourbon is one of the most dynamic, versatile liquors out there. Whether you’re interested in shaking it up and trying something brand new, or perhaps you like to stick to the classics, you can never go wrong with a bourbon-based cocktail. From the smooth sweetness of Maker's Mark to the spicy complexity of Basil Hayden, bourbon cocktails offer endless opportunities to explore and enjoy your mixology journey.