The South is known for its hospitality and good old-fashioned charm. It's no surprise that Southern bourbon cocktails have become a staple in bars and households alike.
The rich, smoky flavor of bourbon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of Southern ingredients like honey, peaches, and lemonade.
But what is bourbon, you may ask? Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made primarily from corn and aged in charred oak barrels.
It's a quintessential American spirit, with its roots tracing back to the late 18th century. Bourbon is often associated with the state of Kentucky, but it can be made anywhere in the United States.
Southern bourbon cocktails are not just about the drink itself, but also about the experience. They're perfect for sipping on a front porch swing, enjoying a warm summer evening with friends, or even just relaxing after a long day at work.
The ingredients used in these cocktails are often locally sourced, adding to the authenticity and charm of the drink.
Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or just looking to try something new, Southern bourbon cocktails offer a unique and delicious way to enjoy this classic spirit.
From sweet and fruity to bold and spicy, there's a bourbon cocktail for everyone. So, grab a bottle of your favorite bourbon, some fresh ingredients, and get ready to mix up some of the best Southern bourbon cocktails around.
1. Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic Southern Bourbon Cocktail that has stood the test of time. It was the first drink to be called a cocktail and is a potent concoction of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar.
The specific recipe that we enjoy today with bourbon or other whiskey was invented in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper, a prominent bourbon distiller. The Old Fashioned is a simple yet delicious cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It has a rich history and is celebrated every year during the first two weeks of June in Louisville, Kentucky.
2. Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade
"Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade" is a refreshing and flavorful Southern Bourbon Cocktail that is perfect for summer evenings. Made with fresh blackberries, tart lemonade, and a subtle hint of mint, this cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet and sour flavors.
The use of Maker's Mark bourbon adds a smooth and balanced taste to the drink. This cocktail can be enjoyed with or without the muddled blackberries and mint, making it a versatile drink for any occasion. If you're looking for a unique and delicious Southern Bourbon Cocktail to try, "Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade" is definitely worth a taste.
3. Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail
The Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail is a perfect Southern brunch drink that is simple to make and incredibly refreshing. This cocktail is a combination of Southern sweet tea and bourbon, served over ice. The bourbon used in this cocktail has strong notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel, which makes it a pleasant and smooth liquor.
This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether it's casual or classy, and can be enjoyed on the porch with friends, at a Kentucky Derby party, or poolside in the summer. The Sweet Tea and Bourbon Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a refreshing and delicious cocktail.
4. Bourbon Lemonade
The Bourbon Lemonade is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. It's a delicious combination of sweet and sour flavors, with the smoothness of bourbon perfectly complementing the tartness of lemonade.
It's incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Overall, it's a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves a good Southern drink.
5. Mint Julep Cocktail
The Mint Julep Cocktail is a classic Southern Bourbon cocktail made with crushed ice, sugar, mint, and high-end bourbon. It has been enjoyed for centuries and is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
The combination of flavors is simply divine, and the frost that builds on the cup is a sophisticated touch. If you are looking for a refreshing and elegant cocktail, the Mint Julep is definitely worth trying.
6. Bourbon Basil Lemonade
The Bourbon Basil Lemonade is a refreshing and unique cocktail that perfectly blends the sweetness of lemonade with the boldness of bourbon. The addition of fresh basil adds a touch of greenery to the drink, making it a great choice for those who want to try something new.
This cocktail is perfect for parties or for a relaxing afternoon on the porch. Whether you're a bourbon lover or not, this drink is sure to impress with its Southern flair and delicious taste.
7. Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with bourbon instead of vodka. The combination of bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer creates a spicy and refreshing taste that is perfect for a hot summer day.
The addition of ginger beer adds a unique flavor and fizziness to the drink, making it a must-try for any bourbon lover.
8. Bourbon Amaretto Cocktail
The Bourbon Amaretto Cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is perfect for bourbon lovers and those who are new to the spirit.
The combination of bourbon, amaretto, and cherry juice creates a sweet and nutty flavor that is perfectly complemented by the addition of Sprite. This cocktail is a great choice for any occasion, but it is especially refreshing during the summer months.
9. Southern Peach Cocktail
The Southern Peach Cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet peaches and smokey bourbon, making it the ultimate summer drink. This colorful and fruity cocktail is perfect for a summer cookout or a party with friends. The strong bourbon flavor is balanced out by the smooth fruit flavors, making it a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The addition of grenadine gives it a beautiful ombre look, reminiscent of a summer sunset. While it is recommended to use Maker's Mark bourbon, any bourbon of your preference can be used. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves peaches and is looking for a delicious Southern Bourbon Cocktail.
10. Alabama Slammer Cocktail
The Alabama Slammer Cocktail is a sweet, fruity drink that packs a punch. Made with Southern Comfort, sloe gin, and amaretto, this cocktail is a signature drink of the Crimson Tide and is perfect for sipping by the pool or at a tailgate party.
Legend has it that it was created at the University of Alabama in the mid-1970s, but its origins remain a mystery. With its bright red color and blend of fruity flavors, the Alabama Slammer Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of the South. So why not mix one up and see what all the fuss is about?
11. Bourbon and Orange Brûlée Cocktail
The Bourbon and Orange Brûlée Cocktail is a sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned. It combines the rich flavor of bourbon with the sweetness of orange liqueur and ginger syrup.
The drink is garnished with a brûléed orange slice, which adds a sweet and caramelized flavor. The cocktail is perfect for sipping during the winter season and has a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress.
12. Bourbon Old Fashioned With Vanilla
The Bourbon Old Fashioned with Vanilla is a classic cocktail with a twist. Made with high-quality bourbon, vanilla simple syrup, and bitters, this cocktail is a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. The vanilla adds a subtle flavor that complements the bourbon perfectly.
Served over ice and garnished with an orange peel, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a good old fashioned. It's a perfect drink for sipping on a warm summer evening or enjoying with friends at a dinner party. If you're looking for a Southern Bourbon Cocktail recipe that's easy to make and delicious, give the Bourbon Old Fashioned with Vanilla a try.
13. Bourbon Cherry Coke
Bourbon Cherry Coke is a simple and delicious Southern Bourbon Cocktail that requires only four ingredients: whiskey, Coca Cola, cherries, and sugar.
The cherry pulp adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the cocktail, which is balanced out by the smoothness of the whiskey and the refreshing fizz of the Coke. It's a versatile drink that can be made with any type of whiskey, making it easy to customize to your personal taste.
14. Honey Bear Cocktail
The Honey Bear Cocktail is a refreshing and slightly sweet cocktail that captures the flavors of fall. Made with a simple syrup of honey, sage, and orange, and combined with Southern bourbon over ice, this cocktail is perfect for sipping on cool autumn evenings.
The combination of sweet honey, earthy sage, and smooth bourbon creates a unique and delicious flavor profile. Served in any glass of your choosing, the Honey Bear Cocktail is a versatile and tasty addition to any cocktail menu.
15. Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash
The Smoked Peach Maple Bourbon Smash is a sweet and spicy cocktail that captures the essence of fall. Made with grilled peaches, smoked maple bourbon, fresh thyme, spicy ginger beer, and a dash of bitters, this drink is perfect for sipping on a crisp autumn evening.
The unexpected combination of flavors is sure to impress, making it a must-try for bourbon lovers and skeptics alike.
16. Peach Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Peach Old Fashioned Cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail with a Southern flair. This cocktail is a perfect blend of bourbon and peach flavors, making it a refreshing summer drink. The recipe is simple, with just four ingredients, but the taste is anything but ordinary.
The use of Simply Peach juice and a muddled peach slice infuses the cocktail with a nice peach flavor. This cocktail is perfect for those who are not big fans of bourbon, as the peach flavor helps to mellow out the strong taste of the bourbon. If you're looking for a unique and refreshing cocktail to try this summer, the Peach Old Fashioned Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
17. Salted Caramel White Russian
The Salted Caramel White Russian is a decadent and indulgent dessert cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. This creamy and velvety drink combines the smooth buttery taste of caramel with a coffee liqueur and cream, creating a rich and flavorful experience for your taste buds.
The addition of Southern Cream Salted Caramel Crown Royal adds a touch of Southern charm to this classic cocktail. The drizzle of caramel sauce and pinch of flaked sea salt on top adds a perfect finishing touch. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet and boozy treat.
18. Smoked Orange Old Fashioned
The Smoked Orange Old Fashioned is a must-try cocktail for bourbon lovers looking for a twist on a classic recipe. This cocktail features a touch of smoke and orange bitters, giving it a unique depth of flavor that is both bitter and sweet. The smoky essence from the orange peel adds a delightful aroma to the cocktail, making it perfect for a cozy winter night.
To enjoy the full experience, it is recommended to use large sphere ice molds and Angostura Orange Bitters. Overall, the Smoked Orange Old Fashioned is a simple yet elegant cocktail that is sure to impress your guests or make for a perfect nightcap.
19. Vanilla Bean-Orange-Infused Bourbon
The Vanilla Bean-Orange-Infused Bourbon is a delightful addition to any bourbon lover's collection. This infused bourbon recipe takes a few weeks to prepare, but the wait is worth it. The combination of orange and vanilla flavors adds a sweet and citrusy kick to the bourbon, making it perfect for a variety of cocktails.
This infusion is versatile and can be used in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Kentucky Mule, or even spiked in eggnog or hot chocolate. The undertones from the bourbon barrels pair beautifully with desserts like creme brûlée or gingerbread. Overall, the Vanilla Bean-Orange-Infused Bourbon is a must-try for anyone looking to add a unique twist to their bourbon cocktails.
20. Kentucky Peach Vodka Cocktail
The Kentucky Peach Vodka Cocktail is a refreshing and light bourbon cocktail that is perfect for summer. This cocktail is made with Seagram's Peach Flavored Vodka, bourbon, and lemonade, and is further intensified with a muddled peach. The combination of the peach vodka and bourbon creates a unique and unexpected flavor that is surprisingly delicious.
This cocktail is easy to make and the ingredients are easily sourced, making it a great addition to any summer gathering or backyard barbecue. If you're looking for a Southern Bourbon Cocktail that is both refreshing and flavorful, the Kentucky Peach Vodka Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
21. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic Southern Bourbon Cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. This refreshing drink is perfect for sipping on a hot day or for celebrating the Kentucky Derby. This particular recipe adds a twist to the classic by incorporating blackberry syrup and lemon juice, creating a fruity and lightly sweet flavor.
The blackberry syrup is made through a simple maceration method, which adds a rich and full-flavored syrup to the cocktail. Traditionally served in a julep cup, this cocktail retains the ice's chill and forms a beautiful layer of frost on the outside. If you're looking for a refreshing and unique twist on a classic Southern cocktail, give the Blackberry-Lemon Mint Julep a try.
22. Bourbon Peach Sweet Tea
The Bourbon Peach Sweet Tea is a refreshing and delicious summer cocktail that combines smooth bourbon with sweet peaches, fresh lemon, and thyme, and a hint of fruity Aperol. This cocktail is perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying on a hot summer day.
However, be warned that it's easy to drink all day long, so drink responsibly. If you're looking for a new Southern Bourbon Cocktail recipe to try, the Bourbon Peach Sweet Tea is definitely worth a taste.
