September 6, 2024
Ever thought about whipping up a 2-ingredient bourbon cocktail? You’re in for a treat. Bourbon’s bold, rich flavors make it a perfect choice for quick, no-fuss drinks that fit right into your busy schedule.
You don’t need fancy bartending skills or a long list of ingredients to enjoy something tasty. With just two ingredients, you can mix up delicious bourbon cocktails right in your kitchen. I’ll share some popular combos, tips to get the mix just right, and how to pick the best bourbon for your taste. These drinks are great for casual get-togethers, warm afternoons, or just unwinding at home.
Excited to try some easy bourbon cocktails? Let’s get started. You will see how fun and effortless it can be to create your favorite drinks. And of course, enjoy every sip along the way!
What to Mix with Bourbon
Choosing the right mixer for bourbon can take your drink to the next level. It’s all about finding flavors that bring out the rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak in your bourbon.
Ginger ale and cola are classics for a reason. They enhance the sweetness and spice of bourbon. If you’re in the mood for something lighter and refreshing, tonic water or hard seltzer are great choices.
For a tangy twist, lemonade is a perfect match for bourbon’s warm, bold flavors. If you’re craving something a bit more citrusy, grapefruit soda adds a bright, zesty note, making it a great pick for those hot summer days.
Iced tea is another fantastic option, especially for a laid-back afternoon. Even herbal teas, like chamomile, can bring a soothing touch to your bourbon.
Feeling nostalgic? Try cream soda or root beer for a sweet twist. Or, if you’re in the mood to experiment, flavored liqueurs like orange or coffee can add an extra layer of depth, perfect for creating more complex cocktails.
Think about the season and the occasion when choosing your mixer. On warm summer days, go for something light, like lemonade or tonic. For cooler months, richer mixers like ginger ale or root beer pair beautifully with bourbon’s cozy warmth.
The fun part is experimenting with different mixers to find what you love. Whether you’re highlighting bourbon’s oak notes with lemonade or bringing out the caramel and vanilla with cola, there’s always a new combination to try.
Easy 2 Ingredient Bourbon Cocktails to Try
If you love bourbon and you’re looking for easy cocktails that still pack a punch, these two-ingredient drinks are perfect. They’re quick to make and delicious to sip on. Let’s explore some of the best combos!
Bourbon Buck (Ginger Ale)
The Bourbon Buck is refreshing with just the right balance of sweet and spice. The ginger ale’s zing blends beautifully with bourbon’s smooth, rich flavor.
Just mix 1.5-2 oz of bourbon with ginger ale over ice, and add a lemon wheel or some fresh herbs for a little garnish. Want an extra kick? Swap in ginger beer and add a splash of lime juice!
Get the Bourbon Buck Cocktail Recipe
Bourbon Lemonade
Bourbon lemonade is a classic combo that’s perfect for hot summer days. The tartness of the lemonade complements the sweetness of bourbon.
Mix equal parts bourbon and lemonade over ice, and garnish with a lemon wedge. You can even toss in some fresh mint or berries for a fun twist.
Classic Bourbon Highball (Bourbon and Soda)
This one is all about simplicity. The Classic Bourbon Highball highlights the deep flavors of bourbon without overpowering it.
Just pour 2 oz of bourbon into a glass with ice, and top it with chilled soda water. It’s refreshing and easy to make.
Bourbon Paloma (Grapefruit Soda)
For something a bit different, try a Bourbon Paloma. The rich bourbon mixed with the bittersweet grapefruit soda makes for a unique combo.
Mix equal parts bourbon and grapefruit soda, serve over ice, and garnish with a lime wedge. A splash of lime juice can also add some brightness.
Bourbon and Coke
A classic favorite for bourbon fans. The sweetness of Coke blends smoothly with bourbon, creating an easy, satisfying drink.
Mix 1 part bourbon to 2 parts Coke, serve over ice, and if you’re feeling fancy, use a premium bourbon for extra depth.
Kentucky Tea (Bourbon and Iced Tea)
Kentucky Tea mixes bourbon with sweet iced tea for a refreshing drink, especially on a hot day.
Combine 2 oz of bourbon with 4 oz of iced tea, and serve over ice. Try using flavored teas like peach or mint to mix things up.
Boilermaker (Bourbon and Beer)
The Boilermaker is a simple, fun drink. It’s traditionally a shot of bourbon paired with a pint of beer.
A 1 oz shot of bourbon alongside a 12 oz beer like wheat beer or amber ale is a great combo for casual sipping.
Bourbon and Cream Soda
For something sweet and creamy, try Bourbon and Cream Soda. The two pair beautifully.
Mix equal parts bourbon and cream soda over ice. If you want to make it extra rich, add a splash of half-and-half.
Bourbon and Root Beer
Root beer’s nostalgic flavor works surprisingly well with bourbon, making for a sweet treat.
Mix them in equal parts, serve over ice, and for a fun twist, top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a float.
Bourbon and Hard Seltzers
If you want something light and trendy, bourbon and hard seltzers are a great choice.
Mix in equal parts and serve over ice with a citrus garnish. You can experiment with different flavored seltzers to find your favorite combo.
Bourbon and Lemon Lime Soda
For a citrusy, bubbly option, mix bourbon with lemon-lime soda. The soda’s bright flavors bring out the best in bourbon.
Mix equal parts bourbon and soda over ice, and add a lime wedge for garnish. A splash of grenadine makes for a fun, colorful twist.
Bourbon and Bubbles
This one’s perfect for celebrations! Mix bourbon with sparkling wine or champagne for an elegant cocktail.
Go for a 1:1 ratio and serve in a champagne flute. A dry sparkling wine balances the bourbon’s sweetness just right.
Bourbon and Tonic
If you love a good gin and tonic, try swapping in bourbon for a twist on the classic. The tonic water adds a refreshing contrast to bourbon’s rich flavors.
Mix equal parts bourbon and tonic water over ice, and garnish with a lime wedge. Flavored tonics can add even more depth!
Rusty Spike (Bourbon and Drambuie)
The Rusty Spike mixes the herbal sweetness of Drambuie with bourbon’s warmth for a unique and flavorful cocktail.
Combine equal parts over ice and garnish with a lemon twist. Adding a dash of bitters can bring even more depth to this drink.
Bourbon and Iced Coffee
Need a little caffeine with your bourbon? Bourbon and iced coffee is a great way to get that boost with a delicious twist.
Mix 1.5 oz of bourbon with cold brew coffee over ice. For a dessert-like treat, top it with whipped cream or your favorite flavored syrups.
Tips for Making the Perfect 2 Ingredient Bourbon Drinks
- The bourbon you choose can make all the difference. A good-quality bourbon gives your cocktail a smooth, rich taste that’s hard to beat.
- When it comes to mixing, stirring works great for drinks like bourbon and soda, giving you a smooth and consistent blend. If you’re mixing bourbon with juice, shaking is the way to go. It chills and combines everything nicely.
Related: Shaken vs. Stirred: How to Mix Cocktails?
- Don’t be afraid to play around with the ratios. Some people like their drinks stronger, while others enjoy more mixer. The fun part is experimenting until you find what you like best.
- Garnishes can take your drink up a notch. A slice of citrus or a sprig of mint not only looks great but adds an extra layer of flavor too.
How to Choose the Right Bourbon for 2 Ingredient Cocktails
When it comes to making great 2-ingredient cocktails, picking the right bourbon is key. Don’t worry, though—you don’t need to be a bourbon expert to get it right!
Straight bourbon is a great choice if you like a smooth, sweet flavor with hints of caramel and vanilla. It’s aged for at least two years, and there are no funny additives, so what you’re tasting is pure bourbon goodness. Now, if you want something with a little more kick, go for rye whiskey. It’s got more rye in the mix, which gives it a spicy edge. And then there’s blended whiskey, which is a mix of different straight whiskeys, creating a nice balance of flavors.
The fun part is figuring out what pairs best with your bourbon. If you’re in the mood for something spicy and sweet, rye whiskey with ginger ale is a winning combo. That little spice kick from the rye? It plays so well with the sweetness of the ginger ale!
And here’s some good news: you don’t have to splurge on expensive bourbon to make a great cocktail. Brands like Buffalo Trace or Evan Williams are affordable and do the job wonderfully. But, if you’re looking to treat yourself, premium bourbons like Blanton’s or Pappy Van Winkle bring deeper, more complex flavors that pair beautifully with simple mixers like soda water.
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what you love. Affordable bourbons are perfect for everyday sipping, while those premium bottles can add a little extra flair when you want something special.
Conclusion
Making 2-ingredient bourbon cocktails is not only easy but also a lot of fun. All you need is some bourbon and your favorite mixer, and you’re ready to go.
Feel free to try different combinations. Play around with various bourbons and mixers until you find the perfect blend that you love. There’s no need to stick to just one recipe because mixing things up is part of the adventure.
And why keep it to yourself? Share your favorite combos with friends. You never know, you might inspire someone to try something new.
Cheers to delicious and easy-to-make 2-ingredient bourbon cocktails!
Frequently Asked Questions
What mixers go well with bourbon?
Mixers can really bring out the best in bourbon, adding variety and enhancing its flavors. Some popular options are ginger ale, cola, and tonic water. If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, citrus juices like orange, lemon, or grapefruit are great choices.
Want to mix it up a bit? Try something different like iced tea, apple cider, or even root beer. The fun is in experimenting to find what complements your bourbon the best.
Can bourbon be mixed with anything?
Bourbon is pretty versatile and works well with all sorts of ingredients. From sodas and juices to even coffee, the possibilities are endless.
The trick is choosing mixers that complement bourbon’s sweetness and complexity. Try out different combinations and see what hits the spot for you.
What’s the best mixer for a sweet bourbon cocktail?
If you’re after a sweeter cocktail, certain mixers really bring out bourbon’s rich, sweet notes. Cola, with its caramel flavor, is a classic choice. Ginger ale adds a nice balance of spice and sweetness, and cream soda can make your drink feel like a dessert.
For something lighter, lemonade gives a perfect mix of sweet and tart. Try a few and see which one hits the spot for you.
Is bourbon the same as whiskey?
Bourbon is actually a type of whiskey made mostly from corn. To be called bourbon, it has to age in new charred oak barrels and can’t be distilled above 160 proof.
While all bourbons are whiskey, not all whiskeys are bourbon. There are other types like Scotch, Irish whiskey, and rye whiskey, each with its own process and unique flavors. Understanding these differences helps you appreciate what makes bourbon special.
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