It takes a bit of grit to drink bourbon neat, room temperature and without any ice. Many bourbons – enjoyed straight – boast subtly sweet and smoky flavor profiles with notes of vanilla and caramel. But if you’re looking for a new way to enjoy bourbon, you’ve come to the right place. Our network of bartenders shared their favorite bourbon mixers with us below. Venture forward to taste greatness.
4 Best Mixers for Bourbon Cocktails
Water
A bit of water or soda water draws out the more subtle flavor profiles present in your bourbon. Make your bourbon a little bubbly by trying this:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 oz soda water
- Ice
- Lemon, garnish
Pour Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey and soda water into a highball glass with ice. Garnish with lemon.
Coke
Bourbon and coke are delicious on their own, but together you can “taste the difference.” Coke cuts the strength of bourbon, but accentuates notes of vanilla and caramel. Try this:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 oz Coca Cola (or other coke)
- Ice
- Lime wedge, garnish
Pour Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey and coke into a Collins glass with ice. Garnish with lime.
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Apple Cider
Bourbon and apple cider combine to create the perfect fall cocktail, which can be served hot or cold. Apple cider highlights the sweet and spice in a bourbon. Try this:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 oz apple cider
- 1 oz Thatcher’s Organic Blood Orange Liqueur
- .5 oz lemon juice
- 2 oz ginger beer
- Apple slice, garnish
- Cinnamon stick, garnish
Combine Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Thatcher’s Organic Blood Orange Liqueur, apple cider, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with apple wedge and cinnamon stick.
Looking for something more boozy? Use Farmstand’s Squeeze Hard Cider or Caramel Apple Hard Cider.
Orange Liqueur
The citrus taste of orange liqueur helps balance out the more robust bourbon flavor. Try this Bourbon Sidecar cocktail recipe:
- 2 oz Flying Ace Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Thatcher’s Organic Blood Orange Liqueur
- .75 oz lemon juice
- Lemon wedge, garnish
Add Flying Ace Bourbon, Thatcher’s Blood Orange Liqueur, and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until combined. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
When you want something different from bourbon neat, try one of these best mixers for bourbon. Check out our other blog posts for more thrilling drink recipes. Remember to sip responsibly and to share your bourbon cocktails on social media using #flyingacespirits. Enjoy!
