Ever wondered what makes a good Bourbon mixer? It’s not always about the Bourbon itself. Sometimes, the perfect companion can elevate that rich, caramel flavor to a whole new level. But let’s be honest, standing in the drink aisle can feel overwhelming. So many sodas, juices, and even specialty mixers are out there, and picking the wrong one can leave your delicious Bourbon tasting… well, a little flat.
Choosing the right mixer can be tricky. You want something that complements, not overpowers, your favorite spirit. You might be tired of the same old cola or ginger ale, searching for something new and exciting. This post is here to help you navigate those choices. We’ll explore some fantastic options that will make your next Bourbon drink sing.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of what works best with Bourbon. Get ready to discover some surprising pairings and learn how to create truly memorable cocktails. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Bourbon mixers!
Top Bourbon Mixer 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.
- 4 Award-Winning Flavors – This handcrafted cocktail syrup sampler set brings home the magic of 4 bold blends: Classic, Maple Pecan, Espresso & Smoked. Each cocktail syrup is a SIP Awards Platinum winner (2025) & Good Food Awards finalist (2019)
- Crafted for Sipping Moments – Made in the Colorado Rockies, these small-batch cocktail syrups feature organic cherries, orange peel & warm spices, and are free from artificial flavors or sweeteners. Each cocktail syrup adds depth, warmth & balance
- Make 16 Bar-Quality Cocktails – Each 1 oz bottle makes 4 drinks. Just mix with whiskey or bourbon over ice. Whether you’re hosting or relaxing solo, this cocktail syrup set turns everyday pours into old fashioned perfection in seconds
- Gift-Ready, Travel-Size Delight – This cocktail syrup set makes a memorable gift for home bartenders, holiday hosts & flavor explorers. Compact, elegant & versatile, it’s the perfect way to discover your favorite old fashioned cocktail syrup
- Simple to Mix, Hard to Forget – Add ice, a splash of cocktail syrup & your spirit of choice for a smooth, satisfying cocktail. These premium cocktail syrups also shine in mocktails for a zero-proof option that still feels special
- 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.
- 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 WINNING RECIPE - Using Bittermilk’s award-winning No.1 Bitter Formula found in our best selling Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned, this non-alcoholic Manhattan elixir was created to impart the flavors of Vermouth without the alcohol. Using our own herbal and botanical base and alcohol-removed port wine, combined with grapes, raisin, cherry and our No.1 Bitter Formula for subtle, aromatic bittersweetness. A bit of citrus peel and vanilla round out the flavors of the classic Manhattan cocktail.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unlike any other Manhattan cocktail, Bittermilk Manhattan cocktail syrup is slowly 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 - Two ingredients only make one amazing cocktail. Just add booze for a cocktail. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk Manhattan mix + 4 Parts Rye or Bourbon with lots of ice. Strain, serve up in a stemmed glass, and garnish with a brandied cherry. The most complex and perfect Manhattan cocktail 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.
- ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Using the Bitter Formula No.1 found in our award-winning Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned, 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. Non-Alcoholic Port Wine, cherries, raisins and grapes, vanilla and a hint of citrus peel, create a balanced cocktail or mocktail layered with complexity.
- Platinum & Multi-Double Gold Medal Winner – Our Old Fashioned Cocktail mixer syrup is a perfect for anyone seeking a top-tier cocktail experience. Spend less time mixing and more time mingling
- Handcrafted – Kettle made in Portland, Oregon, with premium ingredients that deliver a balanced and rich complexity to your favorite bourbon, whiskey, or rye
- Smooth & Rich Taste – Perfectly pairs with oak barrel aged spirits, blending two premium natural bitters, orange, and Italian marasca cherry with traditional sorghum, maple syrup, and dark brown sugar
- Perfect for Home and On-the-Go – Pocket-sized single-serve sachets of Old Fashioned Cocktail mixer syrup, ideal for home, travel, or parties. No refrigeration, no waste, no sugar-stuck glass bottle lids
- Easy – Just add one sachet to two ounces of your favorite bourbon, rye, or whiskey, then add ice and stir for 30-seconds. Enjoy a perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail in seconds, anywhere and anytime
- Classic Bar-Quality Taste at Home: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix is a premium cocktail mixer that brings the authentic taste of a classic Old Fashioned to your glass; This expertly crafted Old Fashioned mixes delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it an ideal choice for whiskey lovers; Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mixologist, this cocktail mix ensures a smooth, flavorful drink every time, perfect for any occasion
- Perfect Flavor Profile: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix offers a well-rounded taste profile with the flavor intensity; This cocktail mixer blends cherry, citrus, and bitters to create a smooth, rich taste, making it the ideal Old Fashioned mix for whiskey lovers; Whether you use it as a bar mix or for classic Old Fashioneds, it adds depth and complexity without overpowering your drink
- Made with Quality Ingredients: Made with water, pure cane sugar, and honey, delivering a naturally sweet, smooth flavor; Infused with natural flavors and colored with vegetable juice, this cocktail mixes provides an authentic taste without artificial additives; Free from GMOs, this Old Fashion mix is perfect for those who value clean, high-quality drink mixers crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Mix it Your Way: This Old Fashion cocktail mix is perfect for more than just classic Old Fashioneds; use it as an alcohol mixers for a variety of whiskey-based drinks or as an Old Fashion mixer for bourbon; Whether you’re crafting a traditional cocktail or experimenting with new recipes, this mix enhances any drink with its smooth, authentic flavor, making it a must-have for your home bar
- Package Details: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix - 12.7 oz Bottle (Pack of 1)
- Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup from Woodford Reserve
- Just add bourbon for a perfect cocktail!
- Natural cherry and orange flavor combined with bitters and raw demerara sugar
- EASY TO MAKE! Pour 30 ml of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, add 10 ml of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup, stir, add ice and garnish - that's all you need to make a great Old Fashioned!
- Premium Cocktail Mix: Our Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix features real bitters and cane sugar, offering a gourmet Traditional flavor perfect for crafting high-quality cocktails at home
- Handcrafted Syrup: Enjoy the rich, handcrafted quality of our cocktail syrup, made to enhance your bartending skills with its unique and delicious flavor profiles
- Easy to Make: Create fast and easy craft cocktails with our syrup. Just mix with your favorite Bourbon, Whiskey, or Rye for a quick, professional-grade Old Fashioned
- Versatile Ingredient: Ideal for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, our natural syrups are perfect for cocktails or mocktails
- Generous Size: The 16oz bottle ensures you have enough mix for multiple servings, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or enjoying drinks at home
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Bourbon Mixer
Bourbon is a delicious spirit all on its own, but sometimes you want to mix it up! That’s where a good bourbon mixer comes in. These aren’t just plain old sodas. They are special drinks designed to complement the rich, caramel, and oaky flavors of bourbon. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting, finding the right mixer can make your drink even better.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a bourbon mixer, keep these things in mind:
- Flavor Profile: Does it taste good with bourbon? Some mixers are sweet, some are a little tart, and some have spices. Think about what kind of taste you enjoy.
- Carbonation: This means how fizzy the drink is. A good fizz can add a nice sparkle and lightness to your bourbon drink.
- Sweetness Level: You don’t want a mixer that’s too sweet, or it will overpower the bourbon. A balanced sweetness is best.
- Natural Ingredients: Mixers made with real fruit juices or natural flavors often taste better and are healthier.
- Low Calories/Sugar: If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for options that are lighter.
Important Materials
The ingredients are what make the mixer. Here’s what to look for:
- Real Fruit Juices: Like lemon, lime, or cherry juice. These add a natural tartness and flavor.
- Natural Sweeteners: Such as cane sugar or agave. These are often better than artificial sweeteners.
- Botanicals: These are plants like ginger or herbs that add interesting flavors and aromas.
- Water: Clean, filtered water is important for a crisp taste.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a mixer great or just okay?
- Freshness: A mixer that’s just bottled will taste better than one that’s been sitting around for a long time.
- Balance: The best mixers have a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and other flavors. Nothing should taste too strong.
- Artificial Ingredients: Too many artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners can make a mixer taste fake and less enjoyable.
- Overly Strong Flavors: If a mixer has a flavor that’s too powerful, it can hide the taste of the bourbon.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your bourbon mixer?
- Simple Highball: The easiest way to enjoy bourbon is with a mixer and ice. A classic like ginger ale or soda water works well.
- Cocktails: Mixers can be the base for more complex drinks. Think of a mint julep or an Old Fashioned variation.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Some people enjoy the flavor of bourbon mixers even without the bourbon! They can be a refreshing drink on their own.
- Parties and Gatherings: Having a few different bourbon mixers on hand means everyone can find a drink they like.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bourbon Mixers
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in a bourbon mixer?
A: You should look for a good flavor profile that complements bourbon, a nice level of fizziness (carbonation), a balanced sweetness, and natural ingredients. Low calorie and sugar options are also good to consider.
Q: Are natural ingredients important for a bourbon mixer?
A: Yes, natural ingredients like real fruit juices and natural sweeteners usually make the mixer taste better and more authentic. They also tend to be healthier.
Q: How do artificial ingredients affect the quality of a bourbon mixer?
A: Artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners can make a bourbon mixer taste less natural and can overpower the subtle flavors of the bourbon. This reduces the overall quality.
Q: What is the best way to use a bourbon mixer?
A: You can use them to make simple drinks like a highball by mixing with bourbon and ice. They are also great for creating more complex bourbon cocktails or enjoyed on their own as a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
Q: How does carbonation affect a bourbon mixer?
A: Good carbonation, or fizziness, adds a pleasant sparkle and lightness to your bourbon drink. It helps to lift the flavors and make the drink more refreshing.
Q: Should I worry about the sweetness of a bourbon mixer?
A: Yes, it’s important. A mixer that is too sweet will hide the taste of the bourbon. You want a mixer with a balanced sweetness that enhances, not overpowers, the bourbon.
Q: Can I drink bourbon mixers without bourbon?
A: Absolutely! Many bourbon mixers are delicious on their own as a refreshing, flavorful beverage, especially if they are made with good quality ingredients.
Q: What are some common use cases for bourbon mixers?
A: They are perfect for making easy bourbon and mixer drinks, crafting various bourbon cocktails, serving as a crowd-pleasing option at parties, and even for enjoying as a flavorful non-alcoholic beverage.
Q: How does the freshness of a mixer impact its quality?
A: A fresh mixer tastes much better. It will have brighter flavors and better carbonation compared to a mixer that has been on the shelf for a long time.
Q: What does it mean for a mixer to have a “balanced flavor profile”?
A: A balanced flavor profile means that no single taste, like sweetness or tartness, is too strong. All the flavors work together nicely to create a pleasant and enjoyable taste that pairs well with bourbon.