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\u2019s warmth, sharpen its sweeter notes, or add a little sparkle. Sugar and bitters bring out the classic cocktail\u00a0side,\u00a0cola keeps things casual and fizzy, ginger ale adds a smooth spicy lift, and soda water gives bourbon a lighter, crisper finish.\u00a0Basically, you\u2019ve\u00a0got options\u2014and if you want to compare bourbon with other bottles on your shelf, our guide\u00a0to\u00a0<\/span>the best whiskey mixers<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is a handy next stop.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sugar and bitters are the backbone of some of the most enduring bourbon cocktails. The sweetness of sugar balances bourbon\u2019s bold, warming character \u2014 ideal with a bourbon like\u00a0<\/span>Wild Turkey<\/span><\/a>, while bitters add an aromatic depth and complexity.\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Cola is a popular mixer for bourbon, providing a sweet and fizzy counterpoint to the liquor\u2019s 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n 2 oz Bourbon<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cola, to top<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Method<\/strong><\/p>\n Fill a glass with ice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add bourbon<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Top with cola<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Gently stir to combine<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Serve<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0wondering what\u00a0is a good mixer for bourbon\u00a0when you want something smooth, fizzy, and easy to sip, ginger ale is a safe bet. Its gentle spice plays well with\u00a0bourbon\u2019s\u00a0caramel and vanilla notes, while the bubbles keep the drink light instead of heavy. A simple bourbon and ginger ale\u00a0is\u00a0already a solid serve over ice, but you can also take it in a classic\u00a0<\/span>Highball cocktail<\/span><\/a>\u00a0direction: bourbon, ginger ale, plenty of ice, and a citrus garnish to brighten the finish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0asking what\u00a0is a good mixer for bourbon\u00a0when 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\u00a0<\/span>Bourbon Rickey<\/span><\/a>: bourbon, fresh lime juice, soda water, and ice, served tall with a lime wedge. Clean, zesty, and very\u00a0low-fuss.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once you move beyond the easy highball-style\u00a0serves, 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\u00a0side of the spirit: Campari sharpens the\u00a0edges,\u00a0sweet vermouth adds smooth herbal depth, and fruit juice brings brightness, sweetness, and a bit of fresh zip. Same bourbon,\u00a0very different\u00a0mood.<\/span><\/p>\n Campari<\/span><\/a> is a bold, bitter aperitif that adds a citrusy, herbal flavour to bourbon cocktails. Its bitterness contrasts beautifully with bourbon\u2019s 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sweet\u00a0vermouth\u00a0is a fortified wine infused with herbs and spices, adding\u00a0a smooth, herbal sweetness to bourbon cocktails. It\u202fpairs wonderfully with bourbon, enhancing its depth and complexity. This combination is the backbone of several classic cocktails that have stood the test of time.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019s sure to be a juice that will perfectly elevate your bourbon drinks.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n 2 oz Bourbon<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 4 oz Lemonade<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Splash Club soda<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lemon wheel, for garnish<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Method<\/strong><\/p>\n Fill a glass with ice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add bourbon and lemonade<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Top with a splash of club soda<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stir gently to combine<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Garnish with a lemon wheel<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Serve<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n If you\u2019re 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ginger beer<\/span> brings a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness to bourbon cocktails. Its effervescence also adds a pleasant fizziness.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n 2 oz Bourbon<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 4 oz Ginger beer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 0.5 oz Lime juice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lime wedge, for garnish<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Method<\/strong><\/p>\n Fill a copper mug or glass with ice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add bourbon and lime juice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Top with ginger beer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Stir gently to mix<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Garnish with a lime wedge<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Serve<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Apple cider\u2019s sweet and tart profile complements bourbon beautifully, especially in the fall.\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Method<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>To preserve freshness, store apple cider in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40\u00b0F or less.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0best consumed within 7-10 days of opening for\u00a0optimal\u00a0taste and quality.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u00a0cocktail when you want something cool, silky, and\u00a0very easy\u00a0to sip.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Bourbon is the kind of base that can shift with the season without needing a full personality change. In spring,\u00a0simple\u00a0or lavender syrup can bring a softer, floral lift; in summer, cold brew coffee makes a\u00a0<\/span>chilled bourbon drink<\/span><\/a>\u00a0feel 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\u00a0season, same bottle, new mood.<\/span><\/p>\n 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\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Mint\u00a0<\/span>Julep<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Whiskey Smash<\/span><\/span><\/a>, while lavender syrup adds a soft floral note that plays off bourbon\u2019s oak and vanilla without fighting it. Keep portions small \u2014 a little goes a long way before it tips into perfume territory.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n 2 oz Bourbon<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 1 oz Lavender syrup<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 1 oz Lemon juice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Lavender sprig, for garnish<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Method<\/strong><\/p>\n Add bourbon, lavender syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Shake well until chilled<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strain into a serving glass<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Garnish with a lavender sprig<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Serve<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Want to make your own lavender syrup at home? We\u00a0wouldn’t\u00a0dream of stopping you.\u00a0Here’s\u00a0an easy recipe.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSugar and bitters<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/dev.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/06\/683.-Tiny-Cocktails_Minor-Old-Fashioned_Firefly_GP_AnnaBetStemmet-1024x512.jpg\")
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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.\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Cola<\/h3>\n
![\"Vodka](\"https:\/\/dev.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/10\/330.-What-to-mix-vodka-with_COLA_Canva_-bhofack2-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBourbon Cola<\/h4>\n
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Ginger ale<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Soda water<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
\u00a0<\/span>Classic cocktail mixers that work with bourbon<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Campari<\/h3>\n
![\"Classic](\"https:\/\/dev.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/Old-Pal_Midjourney_GP_HelenaLombard-1-1024x512.jpg\")
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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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Sweet vermouth<\/h3>\n
![\"Front](\"https:\/\/dev.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/07\/13_Manhattan_21873-1024x512.jpg\")
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Fruit Juice<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/dev.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/Gin-Mix_Orange-Juice-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBourbon Lemonade<\/h3>\n
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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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/blockquote>\n
What to mix with apple bourbon<\/span><\/h2>\n
Ginger beer<\/h3>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/dev.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/663.-Pineapple-Gin-Cocktails_Tropical-Gin-Mule_Midjourney_GP_AnnaBetStemmet-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBourbon Mule<\/h4>\n
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Apple cider<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Apple Cider Bourbon<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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What to mix with bourbon cream<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Seasonal bourbon mixers<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Simple or lavender syrup<\/h2>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/dev.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/695.-What-to-Mix-with-Bourbon_LAVENDER-OLD-FASHIONED_Firefly_HelenaLombard-1024x585.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLavender Bourbon Sour<\/h4>\n
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DIY\u00a0lavender\u00a0syrup<\/span><\/i>