Ever wondered what truly makes a bourbon cocktail sing? It’s not just about the bourbon itself; the right mixer can transform a good drink into an unforgettable one. But standing in the liquor store aisle, faced with a rainbow of sodas, juices, and tonics, can feel overwhelming. You want to impress your friends or just treat yourself, but the fear of picking a mixer that clashes with your precious bourbon is real. What if you waste money on something that just doesn’t work?
This is where we come in. We’re diving deep into the wonderful world of bourbon mixers. Forget the guesswork! We’ll explore delicious pairings that bring out the best in your bourbon, from classic combinations to surprising new favorites. You’ll learn what flavors complement each other and discover simple tricks to elevate your home bartending game.
Get ready to unlock a new level of bourbon enjoyment. By the end of this post, you’ll have the confidence to choose the perfect mixer every time, creating cocktails that are sure to please. Let’s get mixing!
Our Top 5 Mixer With Bourbon Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mixer With Bourbon Detailed Reviews
1. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of guessing how to make the perfect Old Fashioned? Strongwater’s Old Fashioned Mix is here to help! This handcrafted syrup makes it super easy to whip up a delicious Old Fashioned cocktail. Just grab your favorite whiskey or bourbon, and you’re ready to go. It’s like having a professional bartender in a bottle.
What We Like:
- Makes a consistently great Old Fashioned every time.
- It’s a Good Food Award Finalist, meaning it’s really high quality.
- It uses real organic cherries and orange zest, plus spices like cinnamon and clove.
- It’s simple to use – just pour and mix with your spirit.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free, so more people can enjoy it.
What Could Be Improved:
- Once opened, it’s best used within 3-4 months.
- You still need to buy your own whiskey or bourbon.
This mix takes the guesswork out of making a classic cocktail. It’s a convenient way to impress your friends with delicious drinks.
2. Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Old Fashioned Syrup – More Complex than Bitters & Simple Syrup
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to shake up your home bar with Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix. This isn’t your average syrup; it’s a handcrafted cocktail mixer designed by bartenders to bring a whole new level of flavor to your drinks. Made with real ingredients and aged in bourbon barrels, it promises a more complex and satisfying Old Fashioned than you’ve ever made at home.
What We Like:
- Handcrafted by experienced bartenders using real, natural ingredients.
- Award-winning quality, recognized by prestigious publications like Garden & Gun and the Specialty Food Association.
- Unique bourbon barrel aging process adds incredible depth and notes of oak and bourbon.
- Incredibly simple to use – just add your favorite aged spirit for a perfect cocktail.
- No artificial ingredients, just classic bittering agents, sugar, and orange peel.
- Versatile enough to be used as a mocktail mixer, too.
- Makes a generous amount of cocktails per bottle.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the price reflects the quality, it might be a higher initial investment compared to basic syrups.
Bittermilk No.1 is a game-changer for any cocktail enthusiast. It makes crafting a superior Old Fashioned incredibly easy, elevating your home bartending experience.
3. Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix
Rating: 8.6/10
Introducing the Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix, your ticket to delicious, hassle-free cocktails and mocktails. This mix makes 12 drinks and is perfect for anyone who loves a good Old Fashioned but wants a healthier, more convenient option. It’s made with real fruit and is vegan, low carb, low sugar, and non-GMO, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
What We Like:
- Get Ready for a Party: Enjoy the tarty, sweet goodness of an Old Fashioned in 1 minute or less. The real fruit juice powders create the perfect flavor.
- Instant Bourbon Cocktail Mixer: No need for fancy ingredients or skills. Just mix 1 oz of bourbon or whiskey, 3 oz of water, and a packet of Craftmix. Add ice and you’re done.
- Low-Sugar, Low-Calorie Indulgence: These vegan cocktail mixers are fat-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free with only 25 calories per drink.
- Add Craftmix to Your Cocktail or Mocktail Kit: The super-cute packaging and health-conscious ingredients make Craftmix a great party favor or gift.
- Delicious Cocktails Anywhere You Go: Pre-measured packets mean you can enjoy a great drink while watching a game, camping, or after a long day. It’s also perfect for mocktails.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it simplifies making an Old Fashioned, some purists might prefer to muddle their own ingredients for a truly traditional taste.
- The “skinny” aspect means it might not satisfy those looking for a richer, more complex flavor profile typically associated with a classic Old Fashioned.
Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix offers a convenient and healthier way to enjoy a classic cocktail. It’s a fantastic option for parties or personal enjoyment, providing great taste with minimal effort.
4. Master of Mixes Handcrafted Cocktail Mixers for Bourbon and Whiskey
Rating: 9.0/10
Shake up your home bar with the Master of Mixes Handcrafted Cocktail Mixers for Bourbon and Whiskey, Ready to Use Bundle. This fantastic three-pack brings classic whiskey cocktails right to your fingertips. You get three delicious flavors: Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour. Each bottle is a generous 33.8 fluid ounces, so you can make plenty of drinks. These mixers are made with great ingredients to give you that authentic, scratch-made taste without all the hassle.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to make amazing whiskey cocktails. Just add your favorite whiskey!
- You get three classic flavors in one convenient pack, perfect for trying different drinks.
- The Manhattan mixer tastes like sweet cherry with subtle vermouth and bitters.
- The Old Fashioned mixer has bright orange and sweet cherry notes with a hint of spice.
- The Whiskey Sour mixer is a perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweetness.
- These mixers work with all kinds of whiskey, from bourbon to Scotch.
- The bottles are well-packaged for safe delivery.
What Could Be Improved:
- While convenient, some serious cocktail enthusiasts might prefer to make their own mixes from scratch.
- The sweetness level might be a little strong for those who prefer less sugar in their drinks.
This bundle is a fantastic way to enjoy expertly crafted whiskey cocktails at home. It’s a simple solution for delicious drinks anytime.
5. Still Branch Single-Serve Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Syrup – Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer with Real Bitters
Rating: 8.7/10
The Still Branch Single-Serve Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Syrup is a real game-changer for anyone who loves a classic Old Fashioned. This handcrafted syrup makes it super easy to whip up a delicious cocktail without all the fuss. It’s packed with great flavors and is perfect for enjoying at home or even on the go.
What We Like:
- Platinum & Multi-Double Gold Medal Winner: This syrup is proven to be top-notch, giving you a fantastic cocktail experience.
- Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon: Made with care using premium ingredients for a rich and balanced taste.
- Smooth & Rich Taste: It perfectly blends natural bitters, Italian cherry, sorghum, maple, and dark brown sugar for a delicious flavor.
- Perfect for Home and On-the-Go: The single-serve sachets are super convenient for travel or parties, and you don’t need to refrigerate them.
- Easy to Use: Just add one sachet to your favorite whiskey, ice, and stir for a perfect Old Fashioned in seconds.
- No Waste: The single-serve packets mean you only use what you need.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Availability: Depending on where you live, it might be hard to find.
- Requires Alcohol Purchase: You still need to buy your own bourbon, rye, or whiskey.
Overall, the Still Branch Old Fashioned Mix Syrup offers an incredibly convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic cocktail. It’s a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced cocktail makers.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Mixers for Your Bourbon Bliss
Bourbon is a fantastic spirit. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and it’s perfect for sipping on its own. But sometimes, you want to mix it up! That’s where a good mixer comes in. A great mixer can bring out the best in your bourbon, creating delicious and refreshing drinks. This guide will help you choose the perfect mixer for your next bourbon creation.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a mixer for bourbon, think about what you want in your drink. Do you like something sweet, something fizzy, or something with a bit of tang?
- Flavor Profile: Does the mixer complement bourbon’s caramel, vanilla, and oak notes? Some mixers are too sweet and can overpower the bourbon. Others are too bitter and can clash.
- Carbonation Level: Do you prefer a gentle fizz or a strong bubbly sensation? Some mixers are naturally carbonated, while others have added carbonation.
- Sweetness Level: How sweet do you like your drinks? Many mixers are sweetened. Look for options with natural sweeteners or those that let you control the sweetness.
- Ingredient Quality: High-quality ingredients make a big difference. Natural flavors and juices are often better than artificial ones.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The best mixers use simple, good-quality ingredients. This makes your bourbon drink taste its best.
- Natural Fruit Juices: Freshly squeezed or high-quality bottled juices like lemon, lime, or cranberry are excellent. They add natural sweetness and tartness.
- Carbonated Water: Sparkling water or club soda is a classic for a reason. It adds effervescence without adding flavor, letting the bourbon shine.
- Botanicals: Things like ginger, mint, or herbs can add a complex layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with bourbon.
- Sweeteners: Cane sugar, agave nectar, or honey are often used. These are generally preferred over artificial sweeteners.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a mixer shine, while others can make it fall flat.
- Improved Quality:
- Natural Ingredients: Using real fruit juices and natural flavors makes a big difference.
- Balanced Sweetness: A mixer that isn’t too sweet allows the bourbon’s flavor to come through.
- Good Carbonation: Proper fizz adds to the overall drinking experience.
- Unique Flavors: Interesting additions like ginger or unique fruit combinations can elevate a drink.
- Reduced Quality:
- Artificial Flavors and Colors: These can make a drink taste chemical and less natural.
- Excessive Sugar: Too much sugar can mask the bourbon’s subtle notes.
- Low-Quality Carbonation: Flat or weak fizz can make a drink unappealing.
- Overpowering Flavors: A mixer that is too strong in its own flavor will hide the bourbon.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a good mixer makes making bourbon drinks easy and enjoyable.
- Easy to Mix: A good mixer should blend seamlessly with bourbon. You don’t want to struggle to get the flavors to combine.
- Versatility: Can you use it in different bourbon cocktails? Or is it only good for one specific drink?
- Refreshing: Does the mixer make a refreshing drink that you can enjoy on a warm day?
- Taste: Ultimately, does it taste good with bourbon? This is the most important factor.
Common Use Cases:
- Simple Highball: Bourbon and club soda with a squeeze of lime is a classic.
- Bourbon Ginger Ale: A fizzy, slightly spicy combination.
- Bourbon Sour: Mix bourbon with lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup or a sweetened mixer.
- Bourbon and Cranberry: A tart and refreshing choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of mixer for bourbon?
A: The best mixer depends on your personal taste! Many people enjoy carbonated water, ginger ale, or fruit juices like cranberry or lemon with bourbon.
Q: Should I use a sweet or unsweetened mixer with bourbon?
A: It’s a matter of preference. Unsweetened mixers let the bourbon flavor stand out more. Sweetened mixers can create a sweeter, more dessert-like drink.
Q: Can I use diet soda as a mixer for bourbon?
A: Yes, you can. However, diet sodas often have artificial sweeteners that some people find affect the taste of the bourbon.
Q: What are some good mixer brands for bourbon?
A: Popular choices include Fever-Tree, Q Mixers, Canada Dry, and Schweppes. Many craft soda companies also make excellent mixers.
Q: How does carbonation affect bourbon?
A: Carbonation can make bourbon drinks feel lighter and more refreshing. The bubbles can also help carry the aromas and flavors to your nose.
Q: What’s the difference between club soda and sparkling water?
A: Club soda has added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate, which give it a slightly different taste. Sparkling water is simply carbonated water.
Q: Can I use fruit juice alone as a mixer?
A: Yes, but often it’s best to dilute strong juices with water or club soda to balance the flavor and sweetness.
Q: How do I make a simple bourbon and mixer drink?
A: Fill a glass with ice. Add your preferred amount of bourbon. Top with your chosen mixer. Stir gently and enjoy!
Q: Are there any mixers that don’t go well with bourbon?
A: Very sweet or very strong flavored mixers can sometimes overpower the delicate notes of bourbon. For example, a very sweet cola might not be the best pairing for a subtle bourbon.
Q: Where can I buy good mixers for bourbon?
A: You can find a wide selection at most grocery stores, liquor stores, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!