If you’ve read any of my posts or emails, or even taken a moment to check out my recipes, you’ll pretty quickly pick up on the fact that I love an Old Fashioned. In fact, I’m having one right now as I write this. A standard, classic Old Fashioned. Nothing crazy, no fancy liqueurs or creative ingredients. But the reason I love playing around with the ingredients, is that creating variations of classic bourbon cocktails can refresh a timeless drink with a modern twist. Also, I do recognize that my recipe list is pretty top-heavy on the Old Fashioned. I’ve been slowly branching out and trying other bourbon-based drinks, and I do admit that a solid Manhattan or Bourbon Sour is a joy to behold. But even those could stand to be tweaked a little, don’t you think? So here are four interesting variations of classic bourbon cocktails:
Old Fashioned
- Classic Ingredients: Bourbon, sugar, water, bitters, orange peel.
- Variation – Spiced Cherry Old Fashioned: Add a spoonful of cherry preserves and a pinch of cinnamon to the classic recipe. Replace the orange peel with a cherry and an orange slice for garnish. This adds a fruity and spiced dimension to the traditional Old Fashioned.
Comment: This is a must-try. Sounds like a great cool-weather alternative to the Old Fashioned. And then we’ll have the Smokin’ Peach for warmer weather. Old Fashioneds year-round!
Mint Julep
- Classic Ingredients: Bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, water.
- Variation – Blackberry Mint Julep: Muddle fresh blackberries along with the mint and sugar before adding bourbon and crushed ice. The blackberries add a tart and fruity flavor that complements the mint and bourbon beautifully.
Comment: There’s absolutely nothing not to like about this. Fresh blackberries, mint, bourbon… another warm-weather refresher guaranteed to satisfy!
Manhattan
- Classic Ingredients: Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, cherry.
- Variation – Smoky Maple Manhattan: Replace sweet vermouth with maple syrup and add a dash of liquid smoke along with the Angostura bitters. This variation introduces a smoky sweetness that makes the drink more complex and perfect for autumn evenings.
Comment: Ohhh yes… Bourbon, maple syrup, bitters, and a dash of smoky goodness. This is almost a Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, though. The vermouth is what makes a Manhattan a Manhattan. Oh well, still worth a try.
Bourbon Sour
- Classic Ingredients: Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, egg white (optional).
- Variation – Honey Lavender Bourbon Sour: Substitute the sugar with honey syrup (honey diluted with a bit of warm water) and add a few drops of lavender extract or muddle fresh lavender if available. This version offers a floral and sweet twist, making the cocktail more aromatic and visually appealing with lavender garnish.
Comment: another wonderful option for a late-summer/early-autumn refresher. Note you can always substitute a dash of Fee Brothers’ Fee Foam or other non-egg foamer if (like me) you’re wary of using raw egg whites.
Each of these variations takes a classic bourbon cocktail and adds an element that enhances the original flavors while introducing new ones. As I like to say, “you do you” – feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences and enjoy experimenting with these delightful twists.
