There’s no better way to celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month than with some fantastic bourbon cocktails! Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast or just discovering a love for this American whiskey, these five cocktails are a great way to experience some of our favorite bourbons. 

Manhattan

One of the most popular cocktails in the world, the Manhattan is believed to have been first created in the 1880s. Although there are conflicting stories about who was the first person to enjoy a Manhattan, most credible records name NYC’s Manhattan Club as the place it was created. Our ideal Manhattan is one that highlights the amazing spirits made in New York!

2 oz Tuthilltown Spirits Hudson Whiskey NY Mets Edition
1 oz Method Sweet Vermouth
2-3 drops Bennett’s Cocktail Bitters
Garnish: Luxardo Maraschino Cherry

Add the bourbon, vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cherry.

Whiskey Smash

A cousin to the Mint Julep, the Whiskey Smash made its official debut in Jerry Thomas’ The Bartenders Guide in 1887, although it’s believed that variations were made long before that. Whether you’ve been indulging in whiskey for decades or just being introduced to it, this delightfully yummy cocktail will keep you coming back for more.

3 Lemon Wedges
2 oz Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon
¾ oz Simple Syrup
4 Mint Leaves
Garnish: Mint Sprig

Muddle the lemon wedges in a shaker. Add bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves, and ice, and shake until well-chilled. Double strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice, and garnish with mint sprig.

Paper Plane

A modern variation on the Last Word, the Paper Plane was invented in 2008 by Sam Ross, who was inspired by M.I.A.’s hit song “Paper Plane.” This cocktail exhibits a really delectable balance between bitter, sour, and herbal notes, making it the perfect cocktail for everyone (21+ of course)!

¾ oz Old Forester 86 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey
¾ oz Aperol
¾ oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Garnish: Lemon Twist

Add all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Gold Rush

First created at Milk & Honey, a NYC bar, in the early 2000s, the Gold Rush became a worldwide sensation mistakenly thought to be a classic cocktail. If you love a Whiskey Sour or a Bee’s Knees cocktail, the Gold Rush should be right up your alley! 

2 oz Black Button Four Grain Straight Bourbon
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
¾ oz Honey Syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, stir until dissolved)
Garnish: Lemon Twist

Add all the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over one large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Bourbon Cobbler

A famous variation of the Sherry Cobbler, the Bourbon Cobbler is an old-time favorite. A fantastic cocktail to highlight the star of the show – bourbon! 

2½ oz Amador Whiskey Co. Double Barrel Cab. Sauv. Finish Bourbon
½ oz Simple Syrup
Crushed Ice
Garnish: Orange Slice, Luxardo Maraschino Cherry, or Season Fruit

Pack a stemless wine glass with crushed ice. Pour in the bourbon and simple syrup, stir briefly, and garnish with desired fruit.