These 10 Old-Fashioned Bourbon Cocktails Will Take You On A Journey
Bourbon is one of the world’s most iconic spirits. It has a long and storied history, and it’s easy to see why people love it so much. Whether you’re looking for a classic drink to sip on after work or something more revolutionary to show off at a party, these ten best old fashioned bourbon cocktails will have you feeling like a legend in no time.
The Manhattan
Manhattan cocktails are synonymous with sophistication and class. These old-fashioned cocktails will take you on a journey back in time to when they were first created.
1. The Manhattan: This classic cocktail is made with whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Add a twist by using orange instead of lemon juice for the garnish.
2. The Sazerac: This cocktail is made with rye whisky, absinthe, Pernod Alexandre, and Peychaud’s Bitters. It features an interesting history as it was originally created in New Orleans in 1884 by Antoine Amedee Peychaud, who added bitters to improve its flavor.
3. The Old Fashion : Made with bourbon, sugar, water, and a Dash of Angostura Bitters, this cocktail is one of the most popular drinks out there and can be enjoyed any time of day. For an extra kick, try adding a twist by using cherries or peach slices as your fruit addition!
The Old Fashioned
With autumn just around the corner, what better way to prepare yourself for the chilly days ahead than by enjoying a warm old-fashioned cocktail? Whether you’re in the mood for a gentle sweet drink or something more savory, these bourbon cocktails will take you on a delightful journey.
1. The Manhattan: Created in 1783, the Manhattan is considered one of the oldest classic cocktails and is made up of white wine (or dry vermouth), sugar, bitters, and Rye whiskey.
2. The Sazerac: Named after its creator Antoine Amedee Peychaud, the Sazerac is made up of cognac, Lillet Blanc (or other anise-flavored liqueur), absinthe (a spirit made from wormwood and other herbs), simple syrup (made from sugar and water), and Peychaud’s bitters.
3. The Old Fashioned: Probably most well-known now as a whiskey drink, the Old Fashioned is actually based on a Plymouth Gin cocktail created in 1806 by Noah Drury. This drink is composed of bourbon (or rye), sugar, club soda, orange bitters, and a twist of orange or lemon peel.
The Sazerac
The Sazerac is one of the oldest cocktails in the book. It dates back to 1846 when Antoine Peychaud mixed equal parts sweet vermouth and dry gin for his customers at his New Orleans liquor store. Today, there are many variations on the Sazerac, but its essential components remain the same: a spirit (usually whiskey), sweetener (most commonly sugar syrup), and bitters. The key to a great Sazerac is balance–the drink should be flavorful without being overpowering. Here are seven tips for making one yourself:
1. Use high-quality spirits and ingredients. A good Sazerac requires top-shelf ingredients, so don’t skimp on your booze or syrup.
2. Be precise with your measurements. Make sure everything is measured accurately before you start mixing–you’ll avoid any disasters along the way!
3. Don’t overdo it with the bitters. A little bit of bitter flavor is nice, but go too far and you’ll end up with a harsh cocktail instead of a refined taste sensation.
4. Start with a cold drink base. Bringing your drink to room temperature will help tame any fiery flavors that may be present in your recipe.
5. Use quality glassware to capture all of the delicious flavors of your cocktail! A nice tulip or old-fashioned glass will do the trick nicely…or opt for something more unique like an Old-Fashioned glass made out of absinthe flasks.
6. Serve your Sazerac neat or on the rocks. A stirred drink will result in a cloudy texture, while a un-muddled drink will be clearer.
7. Don’t be afraid to experiment! There are endless combinations of ingredients that can make for a great Sazerac, so give it a try and see what you like best!
The Whiskey Sour
A whiskey sour is a perfect drink for anyone who wants to get in the mood for a classic movie. The combination of bourbon and the sour mix makes for a smooth and delicious drink that is perfect for any occasion. You can make your own whiskey sour at home or order one from a bar, but be sure to enjoy it with some friends!
The Mint Julep
If you’re looking for a bourbon cocktail that lets you take a step back in time, the Mint Julep is your drink. First developed in the 1800s, this classic cocktail combines sweetened mint tea with Kentucky bourbon to create an icy drink that’s sure to refresh you on a hot day.
To make a Mint Julep, start by mixing together 2 parts sweetened mint tea and 1 part Kentucky bourbon. Then fill an ice-filled glass with cracked ice and stir well. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
The Sidecar
When you think of cocktails, you probably don’t immediately think of sidecars. But that’s okay! These old-fashioned bourbon cocktails will take you on a journey and teach you something new about this classic libation.
To start, let’s make a simple Old Fashioned. Pour yourself a stiff shot of bourbon—depending on how much ice you want in your drink, use between 1 and 2 ounces—and drop in a twist of lemon. Stir it all around with a bar spoon, then strain it into a chilled glass.
Next up is the Chartreuse Sidecar. This cocktail uses green Chartreuse as its main liquor, and it’s delightful—not to mention easy—to make. Pour yourself an ounce or so of Chartreuse and top off with 1½ ounces of Aviation gin (or any other bright gin). Add cracked ice to fill your shaker, shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
And finally, there’s the Old Fashioned with Orange Bitters. This variation features orange bitters as its main flavor profile, making it both delicious and visually striking. To make it, pour yourself an ounce or so of orange bitters—such as Fee Brothers Orange Bitters—then top off with 1½ ounces of bourbon (or any other strong spirit). Add cracked ice to fill your shaker, shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
The Black and Tan
Are you looking for a spirit-filled evening cap to cap off your day? If so, you’ll want to give one of these old-fashioned bourbon cocktails a try! Whether you’re in the mood for a spiced-up Manhattan or a mellow Rob Roy, these drinks will have you taking a trip down memory lane.
Antique Gin and Tonic: For this drink, you’ll need classic gin (such as Tanqueray or Gordon’s), tonic water, and an orange slice. Add your desired spices (e.g., cinnamon stick, cloves) and shrub (e.g., Elderflower liqueur) to the shaker filled with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with an orange slice.
Old-Fashioned: To make this drink, combine 1 oz white whiskey, 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, and 1 dash Angostura bitters in an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice. Stir well and strain into the glass. Garnish with a green straw if desired.
Sourdough Mint Julep: To make this cocktail, combine 2 oz bourbon (such as Buffalo Trace), sugar cube, mint sprig (or fresh mint leaves), lime slice, and club soda and stir gently to mix before serving over crushed ice in a julep cup or hurricane glass.
The Rob Roy
When you think of bourbon cocktails, Rob Roy may not come to mind first. But this old-fashioned is a delicious way to celebrate any occasion.
1. Fill a shaker half full with ice and add the bourbon, orange juice, sweetener, and bitters. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
2. Garnish the drink with a slice of orange and a sprig of mint if desired. Serve immediately.
The Irish Coffee
No matter where you are in the world, no matter what time of year it is, there’s one thing that always brings people together: a good old-fashioned bourbon cocktail. Whether you’re mixing them at home for your own enjoyment or sipping on them while catching up with friends, these old-fashioned cocktails will take you on a journey.
Irish Coffee is probably the most famous bourbon cocktail around. It’s simple enough: whiskey, coffee, and cream (or sugar). But like all great things, there are many variations to this drink. For example, some folks add Bailey’s or Jameson to the coffee mixture to give it a little more flavor.
If you want to take your Irish Coffee drinking experience to the next level, try making it with blackstrap molasses instead of sugar or cream. This variation gives the drink a deep chocolate flavor that really elevates its profile. And if you want to get really creative, why not try adding some ginger ale or peach schnapps to the mix? The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a bourbon lover or just looking for new ways to enjoy your favorite spirit, these 10 old-fashioned cocktails are perfect for you. From Manhattan to the Sazerac, each drink will take you on a unique journey filled with flavor and history. Whether you’re hosting a fancy cocktail party or just trying something different on your weekly night out, give one (or all) of these drinks a try!
