Imagine this: you’ve just poured a beautiful glass of bourbon. The rich amber liquid gleams, promising warmth and flavor. But then comes the big question: what do you mix it with? Choosing the wrong mixer can turn a delightful drink into a disappointing one, masking the bourbon’s best qualities instead of enhancing them.
Many bourbon lovers face this same challenge. The sheer variety of sodas, juices, and even teas out there can be overwhelming. You want a mixer that complements your bourbon, not overpowers it. You’re looking for that perfect balance, that satisfying sip that makes you say “wow!” But finding it feels like a treasure hunt with no map.
Don’t worry, we’re here to be your guide. In this post, we’ll explore the best mixers for bourbon. We’ll break down what makes a good pairing and give you some fantastic ideas to try. By the end, you’ll be confident in choosing mixers that elevate your bourbon experience, making every drink a winner.
Our Top 5 Mixer For Bourbon Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mixer For Bourbon Detailed Reviews
1. Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Old Fashioned Syrup – More Complex than Bitters & Simple Syrup
Rating: 8.5/10
Elevate your home bar with Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix. This all-natural, handcrafted cocktail mixer is designed to create complex and delicious Old Fashioned cocktails with ease, offering a flavor profile that goes beyond traditional bitters and simple syrup.
What We Like:
- Crafted by experienced bartenders using real, natural ingredients like gentian root, cinchona bark, spices, and fresh orange peel.
- Aged in Willett bourbon barrels, it adds a unique depth of flavor with notes of bourbon and oak, making it stand out from other mixers.
- Award-winning quality, recognized by publications like Garden & Gun and the Specialty Food Association.
- Incredibly simple to use: just mix 1 part Bittermilk with 4 parts of your favorite aged spirit, add ice, and garnish.
- Makes over 17 cocktails per bottle, offering great value for creating multiple sophisticated drinks.
- Versatile enough for mocktails, using the same bittering, sweetening, and acid balance.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it mixes well with aged spirits, it might not be the best choice for lighter, unaged liquors.
- The price point may be higher than a basic simple syrup, reflecting its premium ingredients and aging process.
Bittermilk No.1 simplifies the art of the Old Fashioned, delivering a rich, barrel-aged taste that impresses. It’s the perfect shortcut to a professional-quality cocktail at home.
2. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 9.2/10
The Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix is your secret weapon for crafting delicious Old Fashioned cocktails right at home. This handcrafted syrup takes the guesswork out of making a perfectly balanced drink. It’s packed with great flavors and is super easy to use. You just add your favorite whiskey or bourbon. This mixer makes about 32 cocktails, so it’s great for parties or just enjoying a sophisticated drink on a quiet evening. It’s a finalist for a Good Foods Award, which means it’s seriously good!
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What We Like:
- It makes amazing Old Fashioneds every single time. The flavor is smooth and complex.
- The mix uses real organic cherries and orange zest. It also has yummy spices like cinnamon and cardamom.
- It’s super simple to use: just add ice, the syrup, and your whiskey. You’ll have a perfect cocktail in seconds.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free, so more people can enjoy it.
- Being a Good Foods Award Finalist shows its high quality.
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What Could Be Improved:
- Once opened, it should be used within 3 to 4 months. You need to remember to use it up.
This Old Fashioned mix makes enjoying a classic cocktail incredibly easy and delicious. It’s a fantastic addition to any home bar for anyone who loves a well-made Old Fashioned.
3. Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix – Classic Whiskey Drink Mixer w/Sweetness
Rating: 9.1/10
If you love a classic Old Fashioned but don’t always have the time or ingredients to make it from scratch, Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix is your new best friend. This expertly crafted mixer brings the bar-quality taste right to your home. It’s designed to give you a perfectly balanced drink every time, whether you’re a seasoned cocktail maker or just starting out. This 12.7 oz bottle is packed with flavor.
What We Like:
- It delivers that classic bar-quality taste for Old Fashioneds right at home.
- The flavor is a great mix of sweet, cherry, citrus, and bitters, making it smooth and rich.
- It’s made with good ingredients like pure cane sugar and honey, with no artificial stuff or GMOs.
- You can use it for classic Old Fashioneds or get creative with other whiskey drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for a classic taste, some might prefer to adjust the sweetness or bitters themselves.
- The single bottle pack might not be enough for serious cocktail enthusiasts or parties.
Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix makes enjoying a delicious Old Fashioned simple and convenient. It’s a fantastic addition to any home bar for easy, quality cocktails.
4. Strongwater Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Mixer Sample 4 Pack – Makes 16 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Gift Set – Travel-Friendly
Rating: 9.1/10
The Strongwater Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Mixer Sample 4 Pack is your ticket to delicious, bar-quality Old Fashioned cocktails right at home. This set includes four amazing flavors: Classic, Maple Pecan, Espresso & Smoked. Each one is a winner, recognized by awards like the SIP Awards Platinum and Good Food Awards. Made with real ingredients like organic cherries and orange peel, these syrups are crafted in the Colorado Rockies. They contain no artificial sweeteners or flavors, just pure, rich taste. You can easily make 16 amazing drinks with this set. Just add your favorite bourbon or whiskey, and you’re good to go. It’s also perfect for gifting or taking on the go.
What We Like:
- Four award-winning, unique flavors that elevate your cocktails.
- Made with natural, organic ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.
- Easy to use – just mix with your spirit of choice for instant bar-quality drinks.
- Compact and travel-friendly, perfect for gifts or adventures.
- Versatile for both alcoholic cocktails and delightful mocktails.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sample size might leave some wanting more of their favorite flavors.
- The price point might be a bit high for a casual mixer, though the quality justifies it.
This Strongwater sampler pack makes creating impressive Old Fashioned cocktails incredibly simple and enjoyable. It’s a fantastic way to explore new tastes and impress your friends.
5. Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Manhattan Cocktail Mix – Just Add Whiskey
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of complicated cocktail recipes? Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix is your new best friend for crafting perfect Manhattans at home. This all-natural mixer, made by expert bartenders, brings the sophisticated taste of a classic Manhattan right to your kitchen. Just add your favorite whiskey, and you’re ready to impress!
What We Like:
- Handcrafted by bartenders using real ingredients.
- Award-winning recipe captures the essence of vermouth without alcohol.
- Bourbon barrel aging adds deep, complex flavors.
- Super simple to use: just mix with whiskey and ice.
- Makes 17 delicious cocktails from one bottle.
- All-natural ingredients create a layered, balanced taste.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ratio is a suggestion; some might prefer a different balance.
- Availability might be limited in some areas.
This mixer takes the guesswork out of making a great Manhattan. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a high-quality cocktail with minimal effort.
Finding Your Perfect Bourbon Mixer
So, you’ve got a bottle of bourbon and you’re ready to make something delicious. But what’s the best way to mix it? A good mixer can transform your bourbon from good to amazing. This guide will help you choose the perfect mixer for your bourbon adventures.
What to Look for in a Bourbon Mixer
When you’re picking out a mixer, think about what you want in your drink.
Key Features to Consider
- Flavor Profile: Does it complement or overpower your bourbon? Some mixers are sweet, some are spicy, and some are a little tart.
- Carbonation: Do you want bubbles? Sparkling mixers add a nice fizz.
- Sweetness Level: How sweet do you like your drinks? Some mixers are very sweet, while others are more subtle.
- Ingredients: Are the ingredients natural or artificial? Natural ingredients often taste better.
Important Materials
Most bourbon mixers are made from simple ingredients.
- Water: This is the base for most mixers.
- Sugar or Sweeteners: This adds sweetness. Look for natural sugars like cane sugar.
- Fruit Juices or Extracts: These give mixers their flavor, like cherry, lime, or ginger.
- Carbon Dioxide: This makes the mixer fizzy.
What Makes a Bourbon Mixer Great (or Not So Great)?
A few things make a mixer stand out.
Factors Affecting Quality
- Freshness: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Older mixers might taste flat.
- Balance: The best mixers have a good balance of sweet, tart, and other flavors. They don’t taste too artificial.
- Bourbon Pairing: Some mixers just taste better with certain bourbons. A spicy ginger ale might be great with a bold bourbon. A lighter, fruitier mixer might suit a smoother bourbon.
Using Your Bourbon Mixer
Think about how you’ll enjoy your bourbon and mixer.
User Experience and Use Cases
- Simple Highball: Pour bourbon over ice, top with your favorite mixer (like ginger ale or club soda), and add a garnish. It’s easy and refreshing.
- Craft Cocktails: Use mixers as a base for more complex drinks. You can add other spirits, liqueurs, or fresh herbs.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Many mixers are delicious on their own, even without bourbon! They make great sodas or mocktails.
- Entertaining: Having a variety of mixers on hand means you can make different drinks for different guests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Mixers
Q: What is the best mixer for bourbon?
A: There isn’t one single “best” mixer. It depends on your taste! Popular choices include ginger ale, club soda, cola, and tonic water. Experiment to find your favorite.
Q: Can I use any soda with bourbon?
A: Yes, you can! While some sodas pair better than others, feel free to try different ones. You might discover a new favorite combination.
Q: What’s the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer?
A: Ginger beer is usually spicier and has a stronger ginger flavor than ginger ale. Ginger ale is sweeter and milder.
Q: Is club soda good for bourbon?
A: Club soda is a great choice if you want a clean, bubbly mixer that lets the bourbon flavor shine through. It doesn’t add any extra sweetness or flavor.
Q: What does “mixer” mean in drinks?
A: A mixer is a non-alcoholic beverage that you add to an alcoholic spirit, like bourbon, to create a mixed drink or cocktail.
Q: Should I chill my mixers?
A: Yes, always! Chilled mixers will keep your drink colder for longer and taste much better.
Q: Can I make my own bourbon mixers?
A: Absolutely! You can make simple syrups with different flavors or carbonate your own water. It’s a fun way to get creative.
Q: Are there any mixers to avoid with bourbon?
A: Generally, avoid mixers with very strong, artificial flavors that might clash with the bourbon. Think of what flavors would naturally complement whiskey.
Q: What’s a good mixer for a beginner bourbon drinker?
A: Ginger ale is a classic and safe bet. Its sweetness and subtle spice are very forgiving and enjoyable for new bourbon drinkers.
Q: How much mixer should I use with bourbon?
A: A common ratio is 1 part bourbon to 2 or 3 parts mixer. However, this is a guideline. Adjust it to your preference for a stronger or weaker drink.
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.