Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is primarily made from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. To be considered bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the United States and meet certain legal requirements set by the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits.
Some of the key characteristics of bourbon whiskey include:
- Mash bill: Bourbon must be made from a mash bill that contains at least 51% corn, with the remaining portion consisting of other grains such as rye, wheat, or barley.
- Barrel aging: Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. The charred interior of the barrel gives the whiskey its distinctive flavor and color.
- Proof: Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof) and bottled at no less than 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
- No additives: Bourbon may not contain any additives other than water, which can be used to adjust the proof.
Bourbon whiskey is known for its sweet, smooth flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails such as the classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Some popular bourbon brands include Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Buffalo Trace.
Bourbon Whiskey Cocktails Recipes
Old Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 tsp simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist for garnish
In a rocks glass, muddle the simple syrup and bitters together. Add ice and bourbon, and stir gently to combine. Garnish with an orange twist.
Manhattan
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry for garnish
In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir together the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cherry.
Whiskey Sour
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Lemon wheel for garnish
In a shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Mint Julep
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
In a julep cup or highball glass, muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup together. Fill the glass with crushed ice and pour in the bourbon. Stir well and garnish with a mint sprig.
Boulevardier
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange twist for garnish
In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir together the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange twist.
Mint Julep Smash
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup. Add the bourbon, lime juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Bourbon Sour
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
- Angostura bitters
- Lemon twist for garnish
In a shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using). Dry shake (without ice) for 10-15 seconds, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass and add a few dashes of bitters on top. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Kentucky Mule
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Lime wedge for garnish
Fill a copper mug with ice, then add the bourbon and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Whiskey Smash
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add the bourbon and ice and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Smoky Bourbon Maple
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Laphroaig scotch
- Lemon twist for garnish
In a shaker, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, and scotch. Shake well with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Apple slice and cinnamon stick for garnish
In a shaker, combine the bourbon, apple cider, cinnamon syrup, and lemon juice. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Bourbon Peach Tea
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3 oz iced tea
- 1 oz peach liqueur
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- Peach slice for garnish
In a shaker, combine the bourbon, iced tea, peach liqueur, and lemon juice. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a peach slice.
About Bourbon Whiskey
Origin: Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is distilled from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. It is believed to have originated in Bourbon County, Kentucky in the late 18th century.
Ingredients: Bourbon whiskey is made from a mash bill that consists of at least 51% corn, with the remainder being a combination of other grains such as rye, wheat, and barley. The mash is fermented and then distilled, typically in a pot still, to a maximum of 160 proof. The whiskey is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
Flavor: Bourbon whiskey is known for its sweet and smooth flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The use of new, charred oak barrels gives it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other types of whiskey.
Proof: Bourbon whiskey must be distilled to a maximum of 160 proof and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume).
Usage: Bourbon whiskey is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails. It is also commonly used in cooking and baking, particularly in recipes that call for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Serving: Bourbon whiskey is typically served in a rocks glass with ice or neat in a snifter glass. It can also be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails, such as the classic Old Fashioned or Mint Julep.
Production: Bourbon whiskey is produced in a number of different states in the United States, but it must be made from a mash bill that consists of at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels. The whiskey is typically aged for a minimum of two years, but many bourbons are aged for much longer to achieve a more complex flavor profile.
Manufacturer: There are many different bourbon whiskey brands, ranging from small craft distilleries to large multinational companies. Some well-known bourbon whiskey brands include Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Wild Turkey.
Variations: There are several variations of bourbon whiskey, including rye bourbon (which uses a higher percentage of rye in the mash bill), wheated bourbon (which uses wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain), and high-rye bourbon (which uses a higher percentage of rye in the mash bill than traditional bourbon). There are also many flavored bourbons available on the market, such as honey or cherry-flavored bourbon.
Bourbon whiskey can be mixed with a variety of mixers and ingredients, including:
- Ginger ale or ginger beer
- Lemon or lime juice
- Sweet vermouth
- Orange juice
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Bitters
- Club soda or tonic water
- Apple cider or apple juice
- Peach or apricot liqueur
- Mint or other herbs
- Coffee or espresso
Bourbon whiskey can also be used in cooking and baking, such as in barbecue sauce, glazes for meats, and desserts like bourbon pecan pie.