Does the perfect glass of bourbon always have to be enjoyed neat? While purists might argue for nothing but a single ice cube, the truth is that a high-quality bourbon is a versatile canvas waiting for the right companion. Whether you are hosting a summer backyard barbecue or unwinding after a long Tuesday, the right mixer can transform a standard pour into a sophisticated cocktail that highlights the spirit’s rich notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
However, staring at a shelf full of sodas, juices, and bitters can feel overwhelming. It is easy to accidentally mask the complex flavors of a good bottle with a mixer that is too sweet or too sharp. You do not want to ruin a great bourbon, but you also do not want to stick to the same boring routine. The pressure to get the balance right often leads many drinkers to play it safe, missing out on some truly delicious flavor combinations.
In this guide, we will take the guesswork out of your home bar experience. You will learn how to pair specific mixers with different styles of bourbon to enhance, rather than hide, their unique profiles. We are moving beyond the basic cola to explore refreshing, bold, and surprising ingredients that will elevate your next drink. Grab your favorite bottle, and let’s dive into the best ways to mix your bourbon.
Top Things To Mix With Bourbon Recommendations
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixes.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- Hardcover Book
- Parragon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 10/09/2022 (Publication Date) - Cottage Door Press (Publisher)
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- ALL-IN-ONE COCKTAIL KIT – There’s nothing better than a classic old fashioned. This kit includes a 32 oz Collins Old Fashioned Mix, a jar each of orange twists cocktails and bourbon cherries, plus cocktail picks for effortless serving.
- INCLUDES MIX, CHERRIES, ORANGE TWISTS AND PICKS - From the cocktail mix to the garnishes, this cocktail kit has everything you need to whip up the perfect old fashioned cocktail recipe. Grab your favorite old fashioned glasses, mix it up, and enjoy.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS - Formulated with professional bartenders, Collins Old Fashioned Mix is made with real juice and sugar. Our bourbon cherries and orange twists are the perfect garnishes for old fashioneds and other whiskey drinks.
- JUST ADD WHISKEY- Just add your favorite bourbon or rye to make a delicious old fashioned cocktail. Each bottle of cocktail mix contains a recipe and measurements, so you can craft a perfectly balanced old fashioned every time.
- DIRECTIONS ARE ON THE BOX – Packaged with a recipe printed on the lid, this kit makes a thoughtful idea for cocktail lovers. Pair it with bitters for cocktails and give someone everything needed to enjoy iconic drinks at home.
- Bourbon Smoked Chili Spice Snack Mix
- Made in specialty small-batches
- Perfect snack to bring to your next party or gathering
- Delicious honey-roasted peanuts, honey mustard onion pretzel pieces, cheddar whales, corn sticks & chips, & honey roasted sesame sticks!
- A flavor combination like no other!!!
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer mix with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilke old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- EACH BOTTLE MAKES ONE COCKTAIL - Just add to 2oz of bourbon or rye whiskey. Makes five on-the-go old fashioned drinks from the cocktail box set.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- CRAFT THE PERFECT OLD FASHIONED: Skip the guesswork and enjoy a bar-quality cocktail at home. Our syrup is expertly balanced with rich bitters, citrus notes, and natural sweetness for a smooth, classic Old Fashioned every time.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: Made with real orange peel, cherry, and warm spices like cinnamon and clove to capture the timeless flavor of this iconic cocktail. No artificial flavors or shortcuts - just authentic taste.
- SIMPLE & CONVENIENT: Just add whiskey, bourbon, or rye, stir over ice, and garnish. In seconds, you’ll have a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned without the hassle of muddling or measuring.
- BAR-QUALITY, AT HOME OR ON THE GO: Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet night in, or gifting a cocktail lover, our Old Fashioned syrup delivers a consistent, crowd-pleasing experience.
- CLEAN & RESPONSIBLE: Non-GMO, gluten-free, and alcohol-free syrup you can feel good about keeping on your bar cart. Once opened, best enjoyed within 3-4 months.
- The Ultimate Whiskey Pairing Snack Set: This curated gift bundle includes our signature Whiskey Nuts and Whiskey Jerky, two gourmet snacks crafted to enhance the tasting experience of bourbon, scotch, and whiskey.
- Gourmet Whiskey Nuts: A slightly sweet, slightly salty, and perfectly crunchy blend of almonds, peanuts, corn nuts, and honey roasted sesame sticks designed to bring out the rich, complex notes in your favorite whiskey.
- Maple Bourbon Whiskey Jerky: Made with premium beef, real maple syrup, and smooth bourbon. Sweet, smoky, and bold with an exotic whiskey-infused flavor that jerky lovers can’t resist.
- Freshness You Can Taste: Both snacks are packed in foil-lined, resealable bags to lock in freshness, preserve flavor, and keep every tasting session as delicious as the first.
- Made in the USA: Proudly crafted by Swag Brewery, known for whiskey and beer-inspired gourmet foods made with care and quality ingredients right here in the USA.
The Ultimate Guide to Mixing the Perfect Bourbon Drink
Bourbon is a bold and flavorful spirit. Many people love to drink it neat, but mixing it opens up a world of new tastes. Whether you want a refreshing cocktail or a simple highball, choosing the right mixer is key. This guide helps you pick the best companions for your favorite bottle of bourbon.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a mixer, think about the flavor profile of your bourbon. High-proof bourbons handle strong mixers well. Sweeter bourbons pair nicely with tart or citrus-based mixers. Always look for high-quality ingredients. Fresh juices and premium sodas will make your drink taste much better than store-brand alternatives.
Important Materials and Tools
You do not need a lot of gear to mix a great drink. However, a few basics help:
- Quality Glassware: Use a heavy-bottomed rocks glass for spirit-forward drinks. Use a tall Collins glass for long, fizzy drinks.
- Bar Spoon: A long spoon helps you stir drinks gently without bruising the ice.
- Jigger: This tool measures your pours accurately. Precision ensures a balanced flavor every time.
- Large Ice Cubes: Large cubes melt slowly. They keep your drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your drink depends on how you balance the ingredients.
- Sugar Content: Too much sugar masks the complex notes of the bourbon. Use simple syrups sparingly.
- Temperature: Always chill your mixers before you pour them. Warm soda ruins the texture of a good bourbon.
- Freshness: Use freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice. Bottled juice often contains preservatives that leave a metallic aftertaste.
User Experience and Use Cases
Mixing bourbon is all about the occasion. If you are hosting a summer party, a refreshing Bourbon Smash with mint and lemon is perfect. If you want to relax after a long day, a classic Old Fashioned is the best choice. Some people prefer a simple Bourbon and Ginger Ale for a quick, spicy kick. Experimenting is part of the fun. Start with small amounts of your mixer and add more until you find your perfect ratio.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best mixer for beginners?
A: Ginger ale or ginger beer is a great start. The spice of the ginger balances the sweetness of the bourbon perfectly.
Q: Should I use tap water or filtered water?
A: Always use filtered water. Tap water often contains chlorine, which changes the taste of the bourbon.
Q: Can I mix bourbon with cola?
A: Yes, many people love a Bourbon and Coke. Use a high-quality craft cola to get a more complex flavor.
Q: Does the age of the bourbon matter when mixing?
A: Yes. Save your expensive, old bourbons for drinking neat. Use younger, more affordable bourbons for mixing.
Q: How can I make my drink look more professional?
A: Use a fresh garnish. A slice of orange, a sprig of mint, or a cocktail cherry makes a huge difference.
Q: Is it okay to mix bourbon with fruit juice?
A: Absolutely. Orange juice or apple cider works well with the vanilla notes found in most bourbons.
Q: How do I know how much mixer to use?
A: A good rule of thumb is a 1:3 ratio. Use one part bourbon to three parts mixer, then adjust to your taste.
Q: Does shaking or stirring matter?
A: Stir drinks that are mostly spirit, like an Old Fashioned. Shake drinks that contain fruit juice or dairy to emulsify the ingredients.
Q: Can I use sparkling water?
A: Yes, a Bourbon Highball with sparkling water is very refreshing and highlights the natural flavors of the whiskey.
Q: What if my drink tastes too strong?
A: Add a little more mixer or a splash of water. Water helps open up the aromas of the bourbon.