1923 Prohibition Bar

7 Must-Have Bourbon Drinks

Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine spirits who appreciates the artistry and character that you get in each glass, or someone looking to branch out and try something new, whiskey remains one of the most appreciated forms of alcohol that you can try out. 

The global market size for whiskey is set to reach approximately $96 billion in the next few years. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is aged in a barrel and typically made from corn. There are plenty of bourbon drinks that you can try out if this suits your tastes. 

Here are seven of the most popular, tried, and true bourbon drinks to add to your list. 

1. Whiskey Neat or on the Rocks

You can never go wrong leaving the mixers to the side. Bourbon whiskey has so much flavor and depth of character that it doesn’t need sweeteners to mask it. There are plenty of drinks with bourbon that uses mixers, fruit, and other ingredients, but you won’t learn to develop your palate until you drink it straight. 

Invest in a nice, clean set of whiskey glasses, and pour your bourbon slightly chilled. You can also throw in a couple of ice cubes to kill a bit of the harshness while still preserving the taste notes. 

2. Old Fashioned

The first recorded mention of the Old Fashioned cocktail dates back to 1862 in a recipe book. It is, without question, one of the most popular bourbons or whiskey drinks and is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. 

Some of the ingredients included in the Old Fashioned include:

• Your favorite bourbon
• A sugar cube
• A few dashes of bitters
• An orange slice in the glass or as a garnish

This is one of the finest bourbon mixed drinks that you can try because the sweetness brings out the characteristics of the whiskey, and the bitters blend them all together. 

3. Manhattan

The Manhattan is a drink that has also stood the test of time as a bourbon classic. It was first recorded in history in 1948 in a recipe book and is a great option for people that also love Old Fashioneds. 

It’s a must-have option when you’re learning how to drink bourbon. Here are some of the ingredients that it’s made with:

• Rye bourbon
• Vermouth
• A couple of dashes of bitters
• A cherry or lemon for garnish

You will appreciate the different blends of flavor that the Manhattan brings, and using bourbon instead of other types of whiskey will add some different taste notes into the mix. 

4. Bourbon Sidecar

The Sidecar is also a great option when looking into bourbon cocktails. This is a more mainstream drink option that is ideal for people just getting into bourbon and whiskey. 

This drink is similar to a margarita and an option that you can easily order at your local restaurant, bar, or tavern. Here are the ingredients that you’ll get with a Bourbon Sidecar:

• Bourbon
• Triple sec
• Simple syrup
• Lemon juice
• A lemon peel for garnish

The mixture of sweet and tangy make this a crowd-pleaser for anyone looking to tickle their tastebuds. 

5. Bourbon Sour

If you prefer sour to sweet, this is the drink that you need. The whiskey sour is a favorite for many people, and you can also substitute traditional whiskey for bourbon. 

Here are the ingredients that you’ll include in a bourbon sour:

• A few ounces of bourbon
• An ounce of lemon juice
• Simple syrup or maple syrup
• Ice
• Orange peels or cherries

This is a favorite among bourbon drink recipes and can be enjoyed year-round with any type of food recipe that you order. 

6. Kentucky Mule

If you’re looking for the best bourbon drinks that also provide a bit of a kick – you can’t go wrong with the Kentucky Mule. Kentucky is one of the whiskey capitals of the world and has some of the tastiest and highest quality bourbon that you’ll find. 

It features an intense palate of flavors, giving you a mix of sweet, sour, savory, and tangy. The ingredients of the Kentucky Mule include:

• Kentucky bourbon
• Ginger beer
• Ginger slices (optional)
• Fresh lime juice
• Mint sprigs for garnish

This is a cocktail that is as refreshing as it is delicious, which is why it deserves to rank highly on your list. 

7. Bourbon and Berries

This is a spirit that is perfect for the colder weather seasons. Once fall rolls around and you’re going to the bar with a light jacket or coat, ordering a Bourbon and Berries can be just what the occasion calls for. 

It features the following ingredients:

• A few ounces of your bourbon of choice
• Strawberry and vanilla syrup
• Bitters
• An orange twist for a garnish

The mixture of sweetness and bitters will bring out the character in your bourbon while also stimulating your palate with each sip. Start with this drink menu the next time you’re looking into getting the most from your bourbon experience. 

Try These Delicious Bourbon Drinks

Bourbon drinks are some of the favorite cocktail options for people that appreciate the depth of character provided by alcoholic beverages. These beverages are a treat, and having an extensive menu to choose from will help steer your tastebuds in the right direction. 

1923 Prohibition Bar is one of the most prolific establishments in Las Vegas and is open to the public 7 days and nights a week. To book your next event or to learn more about our bar, send us a message or give us a call at (702)740-5800.