Classic Bourbon Cocktails for Hosting

5 Bourbon Cocktails for the Holidays

Bourbon has long been a staple of mixology, offering a rich, complex foundation for cocktails that range from classic to innovative. When selecting a bourbon for your next cocktail, the choice between brands like Maker's Mark and Basil Hayden can make a significant difference in flavor and character. Maker's Mark is known for its approachable sweetness and smooth, wheated profile, making it ideal for cocktails that benefit from a softer edge. In contrast, Basil Hayden boasts a spicier, high-rye mash bill, delivering a bold and peppery finish that stands out in recipes where bourbon takes center stage. Both are excellent choices, but understanding their nuances will help you craft the perfect drink for your palate.

With that in mind, let’s explore five exceptional bourbon cocktail recipes that highlight the versatility and depth of this iconic spirit.

1. The Classic Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark for a sweeter profile or Basil Hayden for spicier notes)
• 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the sugar cube in a glass and add the bitters. Muddle until dissolved.
2. Add a large ice cube and pour the bourbon over it.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Express the orange peel over the drink by squeezing it to release the oils, then drop it into the glass.

The Old Fashioned is a timeless favorite, and the choice of bourbon can dramatically influence its flavor. Maker’s Mark adds a caramelized sweetness, while Basil Hayden brings a spicy complexity.

2. Bourbon Sour

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark for softer citrus notes or Basil Hayden for a tangy kick)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional, for a creamy texture)
• Angostura bitters, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker without ice. Shake vigorously to emulsify.
2. Add ice and shake again until chilled.
3. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
4. Garnish with a few drops of bitters and swirl with a toothpick for a decorative finish.

The Bourbon Sour is a crowd-pleaser, balancing sweetness and tartness. Maker's Mark enhances the smooth citrus harmony, while Basil Hayden adds depth with its spice.

3. Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark for a smooth finish or Basil Hayden for an herbal punch)
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Crushed ice
• Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

Instructions

1. Gently muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in a julep cup or glass.
2. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice and pour in the bourbon.
3. Stir well, then top with more crushed ice to create a mound.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve with a straw.

A symbol of Southern charm, the Mint Julep shines with either bourbon. Maker's Mark offers a sweeter, mellow base, while Basil Hayden adds a refreshing spice that complements the mint.

4. Bourbon Manhattan

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark for a smooth blend or Basil Hayden for a robust profile)
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The Manhattan is a sophisticated cocktail that adapts beautifully to your bourbon choice. Maker's Mark creates a velvety finish, while Basil Hayden adds complexity with its rye-forward spice.

5. Boulevardier

Ingredients

• 1 oz bourbon (Maker's Mark for a balanced profile or Basil Hayden for extra spice)
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until chilled and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Garnish with an orange twist.

This bourbon-based cousin of the Negroni delivers a bold, bittersweet flavor. Maker's Mark rounds out the bitterness with its sweetness, while Basil Hayden accentuates the herbal notes of the Campari.