Were you aware that the UK imported 27.6 million bottles of American whiskey in 2018? If you’re a sophisticated drinker, you’ve likely imbibed a few rounds at the pub.
Of all the skills a well-rounded man must possess, a rudimentary knowledge of mixology is a must to impress your colleagues and lovers. You don’t have to be a professional bartender, but learning how to mix a proper cocktail will give you an air of mystique.
Are you ready to learn how to make a bourbon cocktail that will impress and excite your cohort? Read on to discover the three best summer bourbon cocktails.
Old Fashioned
The old fashioned was a long-forgotten cocktail revived by the Don Draper character on Mad Men. As a cocktail, it’s both sweet enough to please any palate and stately for any well-groomed modern man to enjoy on a first date.
The citrus, sugar, and bitters also make the old fashioned king of all summer bourbon drinks. The best part is how easy it is to make.
Old Fashioned How-To
Start by placing a sugar cube in a cocktail tin and coat it with three dashes of Angostura bitters. Add a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry. For a sweeter drink, add a drop of cherry juice.
Use a cocktail muddler or bar spoon to muddle the orange, cherry, and sugar. Don’t muddle too much, just enough to release the juices from the orange slice. Fill the tin with ice and add roughly 45 ml of your favourite American whiskey.
Stir well, and then strain into a tumbler with fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a fresh orange slice and cherry.
Bourbon Sour
The classic bourbon sour is more a mixed drink than a proper cocktail. You can make fresh sours mix ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to purchase a quality mix. Though the classic recipe calls for egg whites, you may find using them to be too complicated.
This sweetest and most refreshing of summer cocktails should be an easy winner.
Bourbon Sour How-To
Start by filling a cocktail tin with ice, then add the 45 ml of bourbon. If you’ve made sours or purchased a mix, add equal parts and shake vigorously. Pour the contents into a tumbler and garnish with a cherry and an orange.
Don’t fret if you don’t have sours mix. An easy substitute is 22.5 ml of fresh lemon juice with 22.5 ml of simple syrup.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is a cocktail for all seasons, and it’s almost 160 years old. Ordering a Manhattan during a night out shows you’re serious about your drinking. Crafting a Manhattan at home is, however, very easy.
Manhattan How-To
Fill a cocktail tin with ice, and then add two dashes of Angostura bitters. Then add 60 ml of your preferred bourbon along with 30 ml of sweet vermouth. Stir, and then strain into a martini glass or tumbler filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Variations
Dry or perfect Manhattans are common and just as easy to make. For a dry Manhattan, substitute sweet vermouth for dry and garnish with a lemon twist. For a perfect Manhattan, add equal parts sweet and dry vermouth and garnish with a cherry.
The Best Bourbon Cocktail
Cocktail skills are a vital necessity for the modern gentleman. Learning how to craft these drinks will show the world you know how a man should drink. They’ll also help you make friends at any party.
Once you master a classic bourbon cocktail, you can expand your repertoire to fashion date night drinks for all seasons.
Are you ready to live the life of a modern gentleman? Make sure to check out our journal for more modern lifestyle tips.