12 Cocktails for Bourbon Lovers

Updated October 16, 2020

Bourbon is the star spirit in these cocktail recipes. The sweet, vanilla scent of bourbon works well in a variety of cocktails from the old fashioned to the hot toddy. We take it a step further by using bourbon in recipes like Kentucky Mule and Tangerine Bourbon Sidecars that are original, tasty and fun.

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Big-Batch Hot Bourbon Cocktail with Maple & Apple Cider

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Grab a mug and get all the flavors of fall—apple, maple and spices—in this warm mulled cider cocktail. And this version, with a hint of ginger liqueur for extra spice, is just as enjoyable whether you're sipping it around a bonfire or on your couch with a cozy blanket. It's like a New England autumn evening in drinkable form. If you'd like to make this alcohol-free for a family gathering and spike each glass individually, add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) bourbon and 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) ginger liqueur to each cup of mulled cider.

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The Good Farmer Cocktail

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This bourbon-spiked lemonade cocktail recipe is a spirit-lifter at the end of the day. If bourbon isn't your thing, rum, gin or vodka would all make delicious substitutions. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2015

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Tangerine Bourbon Sidecars

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A fresh twist on a classic cocktail, this quick drink recipe uses sweet tangerine juice to balance the tang of bourbon. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March/April 2016

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Kentucky Mule

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This rendition of a Moscow Mule is made with bourbon instead of vodka and infused with fresh ginger syrup. Using fresh ingredients helps create a healthy cocktail that people will love. Select a sharp, effervescent and not-too-sweet ginger beer, such as Fever Tree. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2020

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Bourbon-Cherry Seltzers

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Homemade cherry-infused bourbon (or rum) is the base for this adult seltzer. The bourbon syrup from the cherries is sweet, but if you like a sweeter cocktail, use ginger ale in place of the seltzer.

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Old Fashioned Cocktail

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Everyone should know how to make this classic cocktail. Old Fashioneds are easy to make and timeless. Source: EatingWell.com, March 2018

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Classic Mint Juleps

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These traditional mint juleps are a staple in the South--especially for the Kentucky Derby. Whip them up at home with this easy recipe. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018

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Pumpkin-Spice Hot Toddy

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Flavored decaf tea adds a seasonal twist to a traditional hot toddy recipe. You can use any flavor of tea for this easy cocktail, but we love the comforting notes of pumpkin-spice in the fall and winter. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2020

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Garden-Fresh Mint Julep

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This play on the Derby Day favorite the mint julep uses the whole sugar snap pea plant: pea greens in the simple syrup and snap pea "juice," plus pea blossoms for garnish, if you're lucky enough to find them. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2019

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Bourbon Hot Cocoa

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Chocolate and bourbon? Say no more. Make this delicious hot chocolate recipe from scratch on a cold winter day. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Kiwi-Mint Julep

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Kiwis add a tropical note to the Southern favorite. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June/July 2005

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Winter Honey Whiskey Cocktail

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Stay a little warmer this winter with this riff on a classic hot toddy. Ginger gives this healthy cocktail a pinch of spice. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019

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