What to Mix with Bourbon: Creative Cocktails and Easy Recipes

Bourbon is a spirit that rewards mixing. Its caramel, vanilla, and oak character gives you a useful starting point — sweet enough to pair with citrus and fruit, bold enough to hold up against bitters and vermouth, smooth enough to work in a simple highball. Whether you want something quick to build in the glass or a classic worth stirring properly, the right mixer makes all the difference. Here’s what works, and why.

What mixes well with bourbon? 

So, what can you mix with bourbon when you want something easy, balanced, and not just another bourbon-and-cola? Start with mixers that either soften bourbon’s warmth, sharpen its sweeter notes, or add a little sparkle. Sugar and bitters bring out the classic cocktail side, cola keeps things casual and fizzy, ginger ale adds a smooth spicy lift, and soda water gives bourbon a lighter, crisper finish. Basically, you’ve got options—and if you want to compare bourbon with other bottles on your shelf, our guide to the best whiskey mixers is a handy next stop. 

Sugar and bitters

Sugar and bitters are the backbone of some of the most enduring bourbon cocktails. The sweetness of sugar balances bourbon’s bold, warming character — ideal with a bourbon like Wild Turkey, while bitters add an aromatic depth and complexity.   

Get the balance right and the drink takes care of itself: the bitters add shape, the sweetness rounds the spirit, and the result is clean and well-defined. 

• Old Fashioned (opens in new window): A classic cocktail made with bourbon, a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a twist of citrus peel.
• Sazerac (opens in new window): Served neat in a chilled, absinthe-coated glass, this New Orleans classic combines bourbon or rye, a sugar cube, Peychaud’s bitters, and an absinthe rinse.
• Whiskey Sour (opens in new window): A mix of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, egg white, and simple syrup, often garnished with a cherry or lemon slice. 

DID YOU KNOW? Bitters were originally developed in the 19th century as patent medicines, often containing a mixture of herbs and botanicals believed to have medicinal properties. 

Cola

Cola is a popular mixer for bourbon, providing a sweet and fizzy counterpoint to the liquor’s strong and smoky flavor. The caramel and vanilla notes in cola also make it a favorite among those who enjoy a sweeter, more approachable drink. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing combination that works well for casual gatherings and barbecues. 

Bourbon Cola

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon

• Cola, to top

• Ice

Method

1. Fill a glass with ice

2. Add bourbon

3. Top with cola

4. Gently stir to combine

5. Serve

Ginger ale 

If you’re wondering what is a good mixer for bourbon when you want something smooth, fizzy, and easy to sip, ginger ale is a safe bet. Its gentle spice plays well with bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes, while the bubbles keep the drink light instead of heavy. A simple bourbon and ginger ale is already a solid serve over ice, but you can also take it in a classic Highball cocktail direction: bourbon, ginger ale, plenty of ice, and a citrus garnish to brighten the finish.  

Soda water 

If you’re asking what is a good mixer for bourbon when you want a lighter, crisper pour, soda water is an easy answer. It adds fizz and length without bringing extra sweetness, so the bourbon stays in the spotlight. For a brighter twist, try a Bourbon Rickey: bourbon, fresh lime juice, soda water, and ice, served tall with a lime wedge. Clean, zesty, and very low-fuss. 

 Classic cocktail mixers that work with bourbon 

Once you move beyond the easy highball-style serves, bourbon has plenty of room to get a little more cocktail-bar about it. Bitter aperitifs, sweet vermouth, and fruit juice all bring out a different side of the spirit: Campari sharpens the edges, sweet vermouth adds smooth herbal depth, and fruit juice brings brightness, sweetness, and a bit of fresh zip. Same bourbon, very different mood.

Campari

Campari (opens in new window) is a bold, bitter aperitif that adds a citrusy, herbal flavour to bourbon cocktails. Its bitterness contrasts beautifully with bourbon’s sweetness, creating a sophisticated, complex drink. This mixer is ideal for those who appreciate a more nuanced cocktail experience and enjoy the interplay of different flavors. 

• Boulevardier (opens in new window): Stirred with ice, strained into a glass and garnished with an orange twist, this rich cocktail combines bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth.  

• Old Pal (opens in new window): A drier variation of the Boulevardier, made with bourbon, Campari, and dry vermouth (opens in new window) 

DID YOU KNOW? Campari was invented in 1860 by Gaspare Campari in Novara, Italy. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret and has remained unchanged since its creation.   

Sweet vermouth

Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine infused with herbs and spices, adding a smooth, herbal sweetness to bourbon cocktails. It pairs wonderfully with bourbon, enhancing its depth and complexity. This combination is the backbone of several classic cocktails that have stood the test of time.  

• Manhattan: A timeless cocktail made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters.  
• Rob Roy: Similar to the Manhattan but made with Scotch instead of bourbon.   

Fruit Juice

Fruit juices add a fresh, vibrant element to bourbon cocktails, ushering in some natural sweetness and acidity that can brighten up the liquor. Whether you prefer citrus, berries, or tropical fruits, there’s sure to be a juice that will perfectly elevate your bourbon drinks. 

Bourbon Lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon

• 4 oz Lemonade

• Splash Club soda

• Ice

• Lemon wheel, for garnish

Method

1. Fill a glass with ice

2. Add bourbon and lemonade

3. Top with a splash of club soda

4. Stir gently to combine

5. Garnish with a lemon wheel

6. Serve

For the freshest orange juice, choose ripe oranges and squeeze them just before serving. To enhance flavor, consider adding a touch of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar or honey, if desired.   

What to mix with apple bourbon

If you’re wondering what to mix with apple bourbon, start with mixers that can either sharpen the fruit or lean into its cosy side. Ginger beer adds spice, bubbles, and a little snap, which keeps the apple flavour from tasting too sweet. Apple cider goes the other way: round, mellow, and autumn-ready, with enough tartness to keep the bourbon balanced. One brings the kick; the other brings the orchard mood. 

Ginger beer

Ginger beer brings a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness to bourbon cocktails. Its effervescence also adds a pleasant fizziness. 

Bourbon Mule

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon

• 4 oz Ginger beer

• 0.5 oz Lime juice

• Ice

• Lime wedge, for garnish

Method

1. Fill a copper mug or glass with ice

2. Add bourbon and lime juice

3. Top with ginger beer

4. Stir gently to mix

5. Garnish with a lime wedge

6. Serve

Apple cider 

Apple cider’s sweet and tart profile complements bourbon beautifully, especially in the fall.   

Apple Cider Bourbon  

Ingredients 

• 2 oz Bourbon 

• 4 oz Fresh apple cider 

• Ice 

• Cinnamon stick, for garnish 

Method 

1. Fill a glass with ice 
2. Add bourbon and apple cider 
3. Stir gently to mix 
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick 
5. Serve 

 To preserve freshness, store apple cider in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or less. It’s best consumed within 7-10 days of opening for optimal taste and quality.  

What to mix with bourbon cream 

The best answer to what to mix with bourbon cream usually starts with coffee, chocolate, ice, and dessert-style serves. Coffee is a natural match, especially in an Espresso Martini with bourbon cream, where the roasted notes keep the drink from feeling too sweet. Chocolate works just as well in a Bourbon Cream Chocolate Martini, bringing out the creamy side with a little extra indulgence. You can also keep things simple and pour bourbon cream over ice, stir it into iced coffee, or use it in a White Buffalo cocktail when you want something cool, silky, and very easy to sip. 

Seasonal bourbon mixers 

Bourbon is the kind of base that can shift with the season without needing a full personality change. In spring, simple or lavender syrup can bring a softer, floral lift; in summer, cold brew coffee makes a chilled bourbon drink feel rich but still refreshing. When the weather cools down, spiced honey syrup leans into the warmer side of bourbon with cinnamon, clove, and a little cozy sweetness. Different season, same bottle, new mood.

Simple or lavender syrup

Spring is a good moment to bring syrups into your bourbon drinks, especially when you want a softer, brighter serve. Simple syrup keeps things classic and smooth in bourbon cocktails like a Mint Julep (opens in new window) or Whiskey Smash (opens in new window), while lavender syrup adds a soft floral note that plays off bourbon’s oak and vanilla without fighting it. Keep portions small — a little goes a long way before it tips into perfume territory. 

Lavender Bourbon Sour

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon

• 1 oz Lavender syrup

• 1 oz Lemon juice

• Ice

• Lavender sprig, for garnish

Method

1. Add bourbon, lavender syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice

2. Shake well until chilled

3. Strain into a serving glass

4. Garnish with a lavender sprig

5. Serve

Want to make your own lavender syrup at home? We wouldn’t dream of stopping you. Here’s an easy recipe. 

DIY lavender syrup
Ingredients 

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers (culinary grade)

 Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add dried lavender flowers and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
4. Strain out the lavender flowers and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.

Cold brew coffee

Cold brew coffee enhances bourbon’s rich, robust flavours. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy the deep, roasted notes of coffee paired with the warmth of bourbon. 

Cold Brew Bourbon

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon

• 4 oz Cold brew coffee

• Ice

Method

1. Fill a glass with ice

2. Add bourbon and cold brew coffee

3. Stir gently to combine

4. Serve

Spiced honey syrup

Spiced honey syrup adds a warm, aromatic sweetness to bourbon. The spices add an extra layer of complexity, making this mixer ideal for fall and winter drinks. 

Ingredients  

• 0.5 cup honey  

• 1 cup water  

• 1 cinnamon stick  

• 3 cloves  

Method  

1. Combine water, honey, and spices in a small saucepan.   

1. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.   

1. Remove from the heat, strain out the spices with a slotted spoon, and let the syrup cool to room temperature.   
2. Transfer the honey syrup to a clean jar or bottle.    

Other flavours to consider

The versatility of bourbon pairs well with a variety of flavours. Experimenting with ingredients like oak, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate can enhance the liquor’s natural characteristics in unique and exciting ways. Here’s how you can incorporate each of these flavours into your cocktails: 

• Oak: While you can’t add oak directly to a bourbon cocktail, you can simulate its effects by using barrel-aged bitters or serving the cocktail in a smoked glass. This enhances the bourbon’s woody characteristics, adding depth to drinks like a Smoked Revolver. 

Learn all about making smoked bourbon cocktails HERE. 

• Caramel:  To sweeten bourbon cocktails, add a caramel syrup or drizzle to bring out its natural caramel notes. Try a Caramel Old Fashioned by adding a touch of caramel syrup along with bitters and a twist of orange peel.  
• Vanilla:  Infuse vanilla extract or vanilla bean into simple syrup to create a mixer with a vanilla flavour. Use this syrup in cocktails like a Vanilla Bourbon Sour, where it complements the bourbon’s smoothness. 
• Cinnamon: Add a cinnamon stick as a garnish, or infuse bourbon with cinnamon for a warm, spicy kick. Try a Cinnamon Bourbon Hot Toddy, combining the infused bourbon with hot water, honey, and lemon. 
• Chocolate: Use chocolate bitters or a splash of chocolate liqueur to enhance the rich flavours of bourbon.  

Food pairings with bourbon cocktails

Bourbon cocktails pair wonderfully with a variety of foods. Here are some suggestions: 

Appetizers

• Cheese platters: A mix of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and aged gouda complements the complexity of bourbon. Serve with crackers or crusty bread. 

• Smoked meats: Prosciutto or smoked salmon add a savoury, rich flavour that pairs well with bourbon’s smoky notes. 

• Nuts: Roasted or spiced nuts provide a crunchy, flavorful contrast to bourbon cocktails. 

Main courses

• Grilled steaks: The charred, smoky taste of a well-cooked steak complements bourbon’s rich profile. 

• Smoky lentil and vegetable stew: A hearty vegetable stew, infused with smoked paprika, complements bourbon’s depth and warmth. 

• Barbecue ribs: Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce enhances bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes. 

• Grilled portobello mushrooms: These meaty mushrooms, marinated and grilled to perfection, provide a robust and earthy flavour that pairs wonderfully with bourbon. 

• Roasted chicken: Seasoned with herbs and spices, roasted chicken pairs well with bourbon for a satisfying meal. 

Desserts

• Pecan pie: The buttery, nutty flavours of pecan pie harmonise with bourbon’s caramel and vanilla undertones. 

• Chocolate brownies: Deep cocoa richness complements bourbon’s bold flavours, creating a decadent pairing. 

• Caramel flan: Creamy texture and caramel sweetness provide a smooth contrast to bourbon’s robust profile. 

There you have it – a comprehensive look at what to mix with bourbon, some food pairing suggestions to elevate your drinks in social situations, and a few deeper insights into the tasty history of bourbon. To stay in the know, sign up for our newsletter, and make sure to stock up on Wild Turkey (opens in new window) so you can start shaking up amazing bourbon drinks at home.