Bourbon drinks are all about character and craft. As a classic American whiskey with strict production standards, bourbon is loved for its warm sweetness, rich depth, and smooth woody notes that make every sip feel comforting yet bold.
In this article, we’ll explore a curated list of bourbon drink recipes, complete with simple ingredients and easy instructions. From timeless classics to creative twists, here are 15 bourbon drinks you can enjoy for every mood and occasion.
1. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a true icon among bourbon drink cocktails, often spotted on menus from classic lounges to stylish day clubs in Bali. While it was originally crafted with rye, using this American whiskey gives this drink a smoother, slightly sweeter twist that many people love.
Manhattan taste is bold, elegant, and timeless, exactly why it remains one of the most respected bourbon-based cocktails around.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon (or rye, if preferred)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2–3 Luxardo cherries (for garnish)
Method
- Pour the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently until well chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with Luxardo cherries and enjoy slowly.
2. New York Sour
The New York Sour is a beautiful twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, and one of those bourbon cocktail recipes that feels both classic and a little dramatic. What makes it special is the float of dry red local wine on top, adding a rich aroma, a striking layered look, and a deeper flavor contrast. It’s a great reminder that bourbon is an alcoholic drink that plays surprisingly well with wine when balanced right.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1–1.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 oz egg white
- Dry red wine (for the float)
Method
- Add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into a shaker without ice and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds (dry shake).
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 30 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Slowly pour the red wine over the back of a spoon, so it gently floats on top, creating that signature layered finish.
3. Sazerac Cocktail
The Sazerac is a true classic and is often called the soul of New Orleans in a glass. As one of the most iconic types of cocktails, it sits somewhere between an Old Fashioned and a spiced whiskey ritual, with a bold character and a subtle licorice note from the absinthe rinse.
While it’s traditionally rye-forward, it’s also a favorite reference point when exploring drinks with bourbon and other long bourbon drink that highlight depth rather than sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Rye Whiskey
- ¾ oz lemon–tarragon simple syrup
- 4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- Absinthe (to rinse the glass)
- Torched lemon peel (for garnish)
Method
- Coat a chilled glass with absinthe, swirling gently, then discard the excess and set the glass aside.
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine the whiskey, lemon–tarragon syrup, and Peychaud’s bitters.
- Stir slowly until the drink is well chilled and perfectly blended.
- Strain into the prepared glass and finish with a torched lemon peel for a smoky, aromatic touch.
4. Boulevardier Cocktail
The Boulevardier is a timeless classic with a backstory as stylish as its flavor. Created in 1920s Paris by Erskine Gwynne, the publisher of Boulevardier magazine, this drink later gained fame after being featured in the 1927 book Barflies and Cocktails.
Think of it as the Negroni’s bolder cousin, swapping gin for whiskey to create one of the most famous bourbon drinks, with a deeper, warmer character that highlights this type of alcohol beautifully. Rich, bittersweet, and endlessly smooth, the Boulevardier is a standout choice among bourbon mixed drinks, perfect for slow sipping and late-night conversations.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- Orange peel & Luxardo cherry (for garnish)
How to Make
- Pour the whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently until well chilled and balanced.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Finish with an orange peel and a Luxardo cherry for a classic touch.
5. Hot Toddy Cocktail
Often referred to as the original comfort drink, the Hot Toddy has been warming people up since the mid-1700s. Simple, soothing, and timeless, it began with just spirits, sugar, and hot water. However, today, bourbon is the favourite choice, thanks to its smooth sweetness and cosy depth.
It’s the kind of bourbon cocktail you’ll often find on seasonal menus at fancy restaurants, especially when the weather cools down. Warm, comforting, and effortlessly elegant, the Hot Toddy is one of the best mixes with bourbon, perfect for slow evenings, relaxed nights, or when you simply want a drink that feels like a hug.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- ¾ cup hot water
- 1 oz honey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- Garnish: cinnamon stick & lemon wheel
How to Make
- Pour hot water into a mug to warm it up.
- Add the bourbon, honey, and fresh lemon juice.
- Stir gently until the honey melts into the drink.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a lemon slice.
6. Paper Plane Cocktail
Created in 2008 by Sam Ross, one of New York City’s most influential bartenders, the Paper Plane is a modern classic that didn’t take long to win hearts. Loved for its beautifully balanced mix of sour, bitter, and sweet, this drink is now a favorite on many cocktail bars menus around the world.
It’s often described as a lighter, more playful bourbon cocktail, making it especially popular among those looking for elegant, girly bourbon drinks without losing depth.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 oz Aperol
- ¾ oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz demerara syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
How to Make
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until well chilled (keep it crisp, don’t over-shake).
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve immediately.
7. Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Old Fashioned is often called the king of common bourbon drinks, and for good reason. Dating back to the early 1800s, it started as a simple mix of spirit, sugar, bitters, and water. As flashy new cocktails emerged later on, loyal drinkers began asking for their whiskey “the old-fashioned way,” and the name stuck.
This timeless classic proves that when it comes to great bourbon drink recipes, simplicity, paired with quality bourbon, is everything. Smooth, bold, and endlessly elegant, the Old Fashioned remains one of the most iconic types of alcohol–based cocktails, perfect for slow sipping and appreciating bourbon at its finest.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Garnish: orange peel & Luxardo cherry
How to Make
- Add bourbon, simple syrup, bitters, and ice to a mixing glass.
- Stir gently until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Finish with an orange peel and a Luxardo cherry.
8. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is an icon of Southern charm and one of the best bourbon cocktails ever created. Closely associated with the Kentucky Derby, this drink is all about keeping things icy-cold, fresh, and incredibly refreshing, making it a true summer classic.
Traditionally served in a silver julep cup, it works just as beautifully in a chilled rocks glass. The secret? Plenty of crushed ice and a gently released mint aroma. Cool, crisp, and effortlessly elegant, the Mint Julep is one of those good beverages that proves bourbon can be just as refreshing as it is bold.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Garnish: fresh mint sprigs & a few drops of Angostura bitters (optional)
How to Make
- Gently press the mint leaves into the bottom of a chilled glass to release their aroma.
- Add bourbon, simple syrup, and crushed ice.
- Stir until the glass frosts over.
- Finish with a generous mint garnish and bitters if you like.
9. Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a bold twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swapping vodka for bourbon to create one of the most refreshing mixed drinks with bourbon. The drink brings warmth and depth, pairing beautifully with the spicy kick of ginger beer and bright lime.
Served ice-cold in a copper mug, it stays crisp longer and feels instantly refreshing, clearly different from a mocktail, thanks to its rich, full-bodied character.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer, to top
- Garnish: fresh mint sprig
How to Make
- Pour bourbon and lime juice into a chilled copper mule mug.
- Fill with ice, then top with ginger beer.
- Give it a gentle stir and finish with a mint garnish.
10. Maple-Bourbon Smash
This cozy twist on the classic Smash swaps simple syrup for real maple syrup, adding a warm, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with this American whiskey’s oaky notes.
Bright lemon and fresh mint keep it lively, making this one of those drinks made with bourbon that feels comforting yet refreshing. Perfect for easygoing nights or crisp afternoons among your favorite spirit drinks.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- ½ oz pure maple syrup
- 2 lemon wedges
- 4–5 fresh mint leaves
- Garnish: mint sprig and lemon slice
How to Make
- Add lemon wedges, mint, and maple syrup to a shaker and gently muddle to release the flavors.
- Pour in the bourbon and add ice, then shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon slice for a fresh finish.
11. Shadow Woman
Moody, smooth, and quietly powerful, Shadow Woman is one of those bourbon drinks made for late nights and low lights. It leans into bourbon’s darker side, blending rich herbal notes and a gentle bittersweet edge that feels elegant, mysterious, and perfect for an after-dinner sip.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- ¾ oz Amaro (Averna or Meletti work beautifully for a soft herbal sweetness)
- 2 dashes of chocolate bitters
- Garnish: orange peel or black cherry
How to Make
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir slowly until silky-smooth and well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Finish with an orange peel for a fragrant lift, or a black cherry for a deeper, indulgent touch.
12. Withering Sunrise
Inspired by the classic Tequila Sunrise, this version lets this American whiskey take center stage. The result is a cocktail that’s just as beautiful to look at, with soft sunset layers, but richer and more complex in flavor thanks to the warmth of whiskey, bright citrus, and a gentle hint of bitterness.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz grenadine or pomegranate syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
How to Make
- Shake the bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, and bitters with ice until well-chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass so it settles at the bottom, creating that signature sunrise effect.
- Garnish with a fresh orange slice and enjoy the view before the first sip.
13. Banana-Rum Old Fashioned
This cocktail gives the classic Old Fashioned a playful tropical upgrade. A splash of banana rum adds a smooth, fruity sweetness that surprisingly clicks with bourbon’s warm notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla. It feels familiar yet fresh, perfect if you want something comforting but a little unexpected.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- ½ oz banana rum
- ¼ oz simple syrup or demerara syrup
- 2 dashes black walnut bitters (or chocolate bitters)
- Garnish: banana chips or an orange peel
How to Make
- Add the bourbon, banana rum, syrup, and bitters into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Finish with banana chips or a twist of orange peel for aroma.
14. Ginger & Bourbon
This easygoing mix is a timeless favorite for a reason. The bright, spicy kick of ginger cuts through bourbon’s warmth, creating a drink that feels refreshing, balanced, and effortlessly drinkable. Think of it as a no-fuss cousin of the Kentucky Mule, it taste simpler, lighter, but still full of character.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- 4–5 oz ginger ale or ginger beer (choose ginger beer for extra spice)
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Garnish: lime wedge or crystallized ginger
How to Make
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the bourbon and orange bitters.
- Top with ginger ale or ginger beer.
- Give it one gentle swirl to keep the bubbles lively.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or a piece of crystallized ginger.
15. In Cold Blood
With a name as dramatic as its flavor, this cocktail delivers a bold, slightly edgy experience. Dark red fruit notes like blood orange or blackberry blend with herbal bitterness to create a taste that feels cool, sharp, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of drink you choose when you’re in the mood for something expressive, layered, and full of character.
Ingredients
- 2 oz New Riff Kentucky Straight Bourbon
- ¾ oz blood orange juice or blackberry syrup
- ½ oz Campari or Aperol for a gentle bitter touch
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- Garnish: fresh blackberry or blood orange peel
How to Make
- Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Finish with a fresh blackberry or a twist of blood orange peel.
Final Thought on Bourbon Drink Recipe
Bourbon drinks offer endless ways to enjoy this classic spirit, from timeless sips to creative modern mixes that suit every mood and moment.
If you’re in Bali, take the experience further at Jungle Club Ubud, where you can get fresh tequila infused with its signature wild edge, adding an unexpected twist to your cocktail journey in a stunning jungle setting.
