Ever wondered what makes that perfect bourbon cocktail sing? It’s not just the bourbon itself; the mixer plays a starring role! Picking the right mixer can feel like a treasure hunt, and sometimes you end up with a drink that just doesn’t hit the mark. Maybe you’ve tried a simple soda and found it too sweet, or perhaps a fancy juice just didn’t blend well.
Choosing the wrong mixer can turn a potentially amazing bourbon experience into a disappointing one. You want to highlight the rich, complex flavors of your bourbon, not overpower them. This is where understanding your mixers becomes key. We’re here to help you navigate the world of bourbon companions.
By the end of this post, you’ll know how to choose mixers that make your bourbon shine. We’ll explore different options and give you the confidence to mix up delicious drinks every time. Let’s dive into the art of finding the perfect partner for your favorite bourbon!
Our Top 5 Mixer For Bourbon Whiskey Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mixer For Bourbon Whiskey Detailed Reviews
1. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of complicated cocktail recipes? Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix is your shortcut to a delicious Old Fashioned. This handcrafted syrup makes it super easy to make great-tasting drinks. You just add your favorite whiskey or bourbon. It’s like having a professional bartender in a bottle!
What We Like:
- Makes a fantastic Old Fashioned every single time.
- It’s a Good Foods Award Finalist, so you know it’s good.
- Made with tasty organic cherries and fresh orange zest.
- It has a good mix of spices like cinnamon and clove.
- Simple to use: just pour, add whiskey, and stir.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s best used within 3-4 months after opening.
- The package only contains one bottle.
This mix is a real game-changer for Old Fashioned lovers. It’s the easy way to enjoy a perfectly crafted cocktail at home.
2. Art of Mixology: Bartender’s Guide to Bourbon & Whiskey – Classic & Modern-Day Cocktails for Bourbon and Whiskey Lovers (The Art of Mixology)
Rating: 8.8/10
The Art of Mixology: Bartender’s Guide to Bourbon & Whiskey is your ticket to becoming a home bar hero. This book teaches you how to make amazing bourbon and whiskey drinks. It covers both old-time favorites and new, exciting cocktails. Whether you’re new to mixing drinks or already a pro, this guide will help you create delicious beverages.
What We Like:
- It offers a great variety of recipes for bourbon and whiskey drinks.
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for beginners.
- It includes both classic cocktails everyone knows and trendy new ones.
- The book looks good and will make a nice addition to your kitchen or bar.
- It helps you understand the different flavors of bourbon and whiskey.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some recipes might require less common ingredients.
- It doesn’t include many pictures of the finished drinks.
This guide is a fantastic resource for anyone who enjoys bourbon and whiskey. You’ll be shaking and stirring like a pro in no time.
3. Collins Old Fashioned Kit
Rating: 9.4/10
The Collins Old Fashioned Kit is your ticket to crafting the perfect classic cocktail at home. This all-in-one set includes everything you need to create delicious old fashioned drinks. You get a generous 32 oz bottle of Collins Old Fashioned Mix, a jar of real orange twists, and a jar of sweet bourbon cherries. Plus, it comes with handy cocktail picks to complete your drink. It’s designed for ease, so you can enjoy a professional-tasting cocktail without the fuss.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one kit, making it super easy to get started.
- The mix is made with real juice and sugar, and the garnishes are premium quality.
- It’s a fantastic gift for anyone who loves cocktails, especially whiskey drinks.
- The directions are right on the box, so you can’t go wrong.
- You just need to add your favorite whiskey – it’s that simple!
What Could Be Improved:
- The kit doesn’t include glasses, so you’ll need to have those on hand.
- While the mix is great, some might prefer to make their own simple syrup from scratch.
This kit truly simplifies making a great old fashioned. It’s a convenient and high-quality way to enjoy a classic cocktail at home or give a thoughtful gift.
4. Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking for a quick and tasty way to enjoy an Old Fashioned? Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix is here to help! This mixer makes it super easy to whip up a delicious cocktail or mocktail in no time. It’s made with real fruit and is vegan, low in sugar, and low in carbs, making it a healthier choice for your drinks.
What We Like:
- Super fast and easy to make – ready in a minute or less!
- Uses real fruit juice powders for great flavor.
- You only need bourbon or whiskey, water, and the mix.
- It’s low in calories and sugar, so you can feel good about enjoying it.
- It’s vegan, fat-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.
- Comes in handy pre-measured packets, perfect for taking anywhere.
- Great for making both cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails.
- The cute packaging makes it a fun party favor.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some might prefer a more traditional, from-scratch 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 anyone who wants a delicious drink without the fuss.
5. Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Manhattan Cocktail Mix – Just Add Whiskey
Rating: 8.8/10
Craving a perfect Manhattan without the fuss? The Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix is your answer. This all-natural, handcrafted cocktail mixer lets you create delicious Manhattans at home with just two ingredients. It’s like having a professional bartender in a bottle!
What We Like:
- Handcrafted by bartenders: Real ingredients and expert flavor.
- Award-winning recipe: Captures the essence of Vermouth without alcohol.
- Bourbon barrel aged: Adds depth and unique notes from aged bourbon barrels.
- Simple to use: Just add whiskey for a fantastic cocktail.
- All-natural ingredients: Uses quality botanicals, spices, and fruit.
- Makes 17 cocktails: Great value for many delicious drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it aims for the classic Manhattan flavor, some may find the herbal notes a bit pronounced.
- The sweetness level might need slight adjustment depending on your preferred whiskey.
This mixer makes crafting a complex and satisfying Manhattan incredibly easy. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your home bar experience.
Finding Your Perfect Mixer for Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon whiskey is a fantastic spirit. It’s smooth and has a rich flavor. But sometimes, you want to mix it up. A good mixer can make your bourbon even better. This guide will help you choose the best mixer for your bourbon.
Key Features to Look For
When picking a mixer for bourbon, think about what you want.
Flavor Profile
Does the mixer have a flavor that goes well with bourbon? Some mixers are sweet. Others are a little tart. Think about what tastes good to you.
Carbonation Level
Do you like fizz? Some mixers are very bubbly. Others have less fizz. The amount of bubbles can change how the drink feels in your mouth.
Sweetness Level
Bourbon can be sweet. You don’t want a mixer that is too sweet. It can make the drink taste like candy. Look for mixers that are not overly sweet.
Ingredients
What is in the mixer? Good mixers use natural ingredients. They might use real fruit juice. Avoid mixers with a lot of artificial stuff. Artificial flavors and colors can change the taste.
Important Materials
The ingredients matter a lot.
Natural Sweeteners
Mixers that use sugar, honey, or maple syrup often taste better. They give a more natural sweetness.
Real Fruit Juices
If a mixer has fruit flavor, it should come from real fruit juice. This makes the taste fresh and bright.
Filtered Water
The water used in a mixer is important. Filtered water makes the taste clean. It lets the bourbon’s flavor shine.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a mixer great. Others can make it not so good.
What Improves Quality
- Natural ingredients
- Balanced sweetness
- Good carbonation
- Fresh flavors
When a mixer has these things, it makes your bourbon drink taste better. It’s like adding a good spice to food. It makes everything taste richer.
What Reduces Quality
- Too much sugar
- Artificial flavors
- Too much fizz or no fizz
- Weird aftertaste
These things can hide the bourbon’s taste. They can make your drink taste fake or unpleasant. You want the mixer to help the bourbon, not fight it.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the mixer is important.
Simple Highball
The easiest way to enjoy bourbon is with a simple mixer. You can mix bourbon with ginger ale or club soda. Add ice and a slice of lime. This is a classic and easy drink.
Craft Cocktails
You can get creative with bourbon mixers. Try using flavored sparkling waters. Or use a mixer with a hint of citrus. These can make your cocktails special.
When to Mix
Mixers are great for relaxing after a long day. They are also good for parties. You can make a big batch of bourbon punch for guests. Or just enjoy a quiet drink by yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best mixer for bourbon?
A: The best mixer depends on your taste. Many people like ginger ale or ginger beer. Club soda is also a popular choice. It lets the bourbon flavor stand out.
Q: Can I use soda water with bourbon?
A: Yes, you can. Soda water, also called club soda or seltzer water, is a great mixer. It adds bubbles without adding sweetness. This lets the bourbon’s natural flavor be the main taste.
Q: Is ginger ale a good mixer for bourbon?
A: Yes, ginger ale is a very popular mixer for bourbon. Its spicy-sweet flavor complements the rich taste of bourbon. It makes a classic drink called a Bourbon Highball.
Q: What about diet mixers?
A: Diet mixers can work. They are usually sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Some people don’t mind them. Others prefer the taste of natural sweeteners. Try one to see if you like it.
Q: How much mixer should I use with bourbon?
A: The amount depends on how strong you like your drink. A good starting point is a 1:2 ratio. That means one part bourbon to two parts mixer. You can always add more mixer if you want it lighter.
Q: Can I mix bourbon with cola?
A: Yes, you can mix bourbon with cola. This makes a drink called a Bourbon and Coke. The sweetness and flavor of the cola can be nice with bourbon.
Q: What is a Bourbon Highball?
A: A Bourbon Highball is a simple drink made with bourbon and a carbonated mixer, like ginger ale or club soda. It is usually served over ice with a lemon or lime garnish.
Q: Are flavored sparkling waters good with bourbon?
A: Yes, flavored sparkling waters can be very good with bourbon. Choose flavors that don’t overpower the bourbon. Citrus flavors like lemon or grapefruit work well. Or try a subtle berry flavor.
Q: What should I avoid mixing with bourbon?
A: You should avoid mixers that are too sweet or have very strong, artificial flavors. These can hide the nice taste of the bourbon. Also, avoid mixers that are very sour unless you want a very tart drink.
Q: Does the type of bourbon matter when choosing a mixer?
A: Yes, the type of bourbon can matter. A lighter, more delicate bourbon might pair well with a simpler mixer like club soda. A bolder, spicier bourbon might stand up better to a flavored mixer like ginger beer.
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!