Ever wondered what makes a good drink even better? Sometimes, the magic isn’t just in the spirit itself, but in what you mix it with. Bourbon, with its warm, rich flavors, is a fantastic drink on its own, but pairing it with the right mixer can unlock a whole new world of deliciousness.
But let’s be honest, choosing the perfect mixer for your bourbon can feel a bit overwhelming. Do you go with something sweet, something bubbly, or something a little unexpected? The wrong choice can leave your bourbon tasting flat or even a little strange. We’ve all been there, staring at a shelf full of options and feeling a little lost.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to explore some of the best mixers that complement bourbon beautifully. You’ll learn what flavors work well together and discover new ways to enjoy your favorite bourbon. Get ready to find your new go-to bourbon cocktail!
Our Top 5 Mixer With Bourbon Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mixer With 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: 9.1/10
Elevate your home bar with Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix. This isn’t just another syrup; it’s a handcrafted cocktail mixer designed by bartenders for a truly complex Old Fashioned experience. Forget juggling bitters and simple syrup – this all-natural mix brings it all together with a unique bourbon barrel-aged twist.
What We Like:
- Expertly crafted by bartenders using real ingredients for a superior taste.
- Award-winning quality, recognized by prestigious publications like Garden & Gun and the Specialty Food Association.
- Aged in Willett bourbon barrels, infusing a deep, complex flavor with notes of oak and bourbon.
- Incredibly simple to use – just mix one part Bittermilk with four parts spirit and ice.
- Made with all-natural ingredients, including gentian root, cinchona bark, spices, and fresh orange peel.
- Versatile for mocktails, offering a balanced blend of bitter, sweet, and acid for non-alcoholic drinks.
- Makes 17+ cocktails per bottle, offering great value.
What Could Be Improved:
- While excellent for aged spirits, the flavor profile might be too intense for lighter spirits.
- The price point might be higher than basic syrups, but the quality justifies it.
Bittermilk No.1 delivers a consistently exceptional Old Fashioned with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for anyone seeking a sophisticated cocktail without the fuss.
2. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 8.9/10
Making a delicious Old Fashioned cocktail just got a whole lot easier with Strongwater’s Old Fashioned Mix. This handcrafted syrup is designed to give you a perfectly balanced and smooth drink every time. It’s a fantastic addition to any home bar, simplifying the process of crafting this classic cocktail. You can make up to 32 cocktails with just one pack, making it a great value.
What We Like:
- It makes creating a perfect Old Fashioned simple and fast.
- The mix is made with real organic cherries and orange zest, plus spices like cinnamon and cardamom for great flavor.
- It was recognized as a Good Foods Award Finalist in 2019, showing its high quality.
- The syrup is non-GMO and gluten-free, fitting many dietary needs.
- You just add your favorite whiskey or bourbon for a quick, delicious drink.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mix should be used within 3-4 months after opening, so plan your cocktail making accordingly.
This Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix offers a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy a classic cocktail at home. It’s a simple solution for anyone who loves an Old Fashioned but wants to skip the complicated steps.
3. Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix – Classic Whiskey Drink Mixer w/Sweetness
Rating: 8.7/10
Elevate your home bar with Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix, a premium non-GMO drink mixer designed to bring the authentic taste of a classic Old Fashioned right to your glass. This expertly crafted blend delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, cherry, citrus, and bitters, making it an ideal companion for bourbon cocktails and whiskey lovers alike.
What We Like:
- It creates classic bar-quality taste at home.
- The flavor profile is perfect, blending cherry, citrus, and bitters for a smooth, rich taste.
- It’s made with quality ingredients like pure cane sugar and honey, and is non-GMO.
- You can mix it your way, using it for classic Old Fashioneds or other whiskey-based drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bottle size is 12.7 oz, which might be a bit small for frequent users.
- While it offers great flavor, some may prefer to adjust sweetness or bitterness to their exact preference.
Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix is a fantastic shortcut to delicious whiskey cocktails. It’s a must-have for anyone who enjoys a well-made drink without the fuss.
4. Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Manhattan Cocktail Mix – Just Add Whiskey
Rating: 8.9/10
Elevate your home bar with the Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix. This all-natural, handcrafted cocktail mixer makes crafting the perfect Manhattan incredibly simple. Just add your favorite whiskey, and you’re well on your way to enjoying a complex and delicious drink.
What We Like:
- Handcrafted by Bartenders: Made with real ingredients by people who know cocktails.
- Award-Winning Recipe: Uses a proven formula for great flavor without alcohol.
- Bourbon Barrel Aged: Aged in Willett bourbon barrels for extra depth and oaky notes.
- Simple to Use: Mixes easily with just two ingredients for a quick, high-quality cocktail.
- All Natural Ingredients: Uses quality bitters, fruit, and botanicals for a balanced taste.
- Makes 17 Cocktails: A good amount of mix for many delicious drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Flavor Intensity: Some might prefer a stronger vermouth flavor, though the recipe is adjustable.
- Availability: Being a specialty item, it might not be found in every local store.
This Bittermilk mix offers a sophisticated and easy way to enjoy a classic Manhattan. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to impress at home or simply treat themselves to a superb cocktail.
5. Strongwater Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Mixer Sample 4 Pack – Makes 16 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Gift Set – Travel-Friendly
Rating: 8.7/10
The Strongwater Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Mixer Sample 4 Pack is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious Old Fashioned cocktails at home. This set includes four award-winning flavors: Classic, Maple Pecan, Espresso, and Smoked. Each small bottle is packed with natural ingredients like organic cherries and warm spices. You just add your favorite bourbon or whiskey, and you have a bar-quality drink in seconds. It’s perfect for parties, relaxing nights, or even as a thoughtful gift.
What We Like:
- Four unique and award-winning flavors that taste amazing.
- Made with natural, organic ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.
- Each bottle makes four cocktails, so you get 16 drinks in total.
- The small bottles are great for travel or trying out different flavors.
- It’s super easy to make a great-tasting Old Fashioned.
- Works well for both alcoholic cocktails and tasty mocktails.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sample pack might leave you wanting more of your favorite flavor sooner than you’d like.
- While it makes 16 cocktails, you might wish there were more bottles if you’re entertaining a large group.
This sampler pack offers a convenient and delicious way to elevate your cocktail game. It’s a simple yet sophisticated choice for anyone who loves a good Old Fashioned.
Your Guide to the Perfect Mixer with Bourbon
Bourbon is a fantastic drink. It’s smooth and has a sweet flavor. But sometimes, you want to mix it up! A good mixer can make your bourbon even better. This guide helps you find the best mixer for your next bourbon drink.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick a mixer, think about what makes it special.
- Flavor Profile: Does it taste good with bourbon? Some mixers are sweet, others are tart. You want a flavor that complements bourbon, not fights it.
- Carbonation: Do you like bubbles? Many mixers have fizz. This makes drinks feel light and refreshing.
- Sweetness Level: Is it too sweet? Too much sugar can hide the bourbon’s taste. A good mixer has just the right amount of sweetness.
- Versatility: Can you use it with other drinks too? Some mixers are great for more than just bourbon.
Important Materials
What goes into your mixer matters.
- Natural Ingredients: Look for mixers made with real fruit juices or natural sweeteners. These taste better. They don’t have artificial flavors that can taste fake.
- Water Quality: Good water makes a good mixer. Pure water helps the other flavors shine.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid mixers with lots of artificial colors or preservatives. They can change the taste.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a mixer great, and others make it less so.
What Makes a Mixer Better:
- Fresh Ingredients: Mixers using fresh fruit juices taste amazing. They have a bright, true flavor.
- Balanced Flavors: A mixer that isn’t too sweet or too sour is perfect. It lets the bourbon be the star.
- Good Carbonation: Lively bubbles add a nice texture to your drink. They make it feel special.
- Simple Ingredients: When a mixer has few, simple ingredients, you know what you’re drinking. Quality shines through.
What Makes a Mixer Worse:
- Too Much Sugar: A super sugary mixer can make your bourbon taste like candy. It hides the complex bourbon flavors.
- Artificial Flavors: These can taste chemical. They don’t blend well with the rich taste of bourbon.
- Weak Bubbles: Flat mixers are just sad. They don’t give your drink that refreshing sparkle.
- Unpleasant Aftertaste: A good mixer leaves your mouth feeling clean and ready for another sip. A bad one leaves a weird taste.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your mixer is important.
- Simple Sips: Many people love bourbon with just a splash of mixer. Ginger ale or club soda are popular choices. They add a little something without changing the bourbon too much.
- Classic Cocktails: Mixers are key for cocktails like the Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour. These drinks rely on the mixer to balance the bourbon.
- Entertaining Guests: Having a few different mixers on hand is great for parties. Your friends can choose what they like best.
- Everyday Enjoyment: You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a mixed bourbon drink. A simple mixer can make a regular evening feel a bit more special.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mixers for Bourbon
Q: What are the best mixers for bourbon?
A: Great mixers include ginger ale, club soda, tonic water, and certain fruit juices like cranberry or cola. Some people also enjoy it with simple syrup and bitters for an Old Fashioned.
Q: Should I use sweet or dry mixers with bourbon?
A: It depends on your taste! Sweet mixers can round out bourbon’s notes, while dry mixers let the bourbon’s flavor stand out more. Many people prefer a balance.
Q: How much mixer should I use with bourbon?
A: A common ratio is 1 part bourbon to 2 parts mixer. However, this is just a starting point. Adjust it to find your perfect taste!
Q: Can I use diet mixers with bourbon?
A: Yes, you can! Diet mixers offer a way to enjoy bourbon with fewer calories and less sugar. Just be aware that artificial sweeteners can sometimes have a different taste.
Q: What is the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer?
A: Ginger beer is usually spicier and has more ginger flavor than ginger ale. Ginger ale is sweeter and milder. Both can work well with bourbon, but ginger beer gives a bolder taste.
Q: Are there any mixers that don’t work well with bourbon?
A: Very strong, artificial flavors can sometimes clash with bourbon. For example, some very sweet, fruity sodas might overpower the bourbon.
Q: How does the type of bourbon affect mixer choice?
A: Lighter bourbons might pair well with lighter mixers like club soda. Bolder, richer bourbons can stand up to stronger flavors like ginger beer.
Q: Can I make my own mixers?
A: Absolutely! Making your own simple syrup or infused waters can give you complete control over flavor and sweetness.
Q: What’s the best way to serve a mixed bourbon drink?
A: Serve it over ice! Garnish with a slice of lemon, lime, or a cherry. This adds to the presentation and flavor.
Q: Where can I buy good quality mixers?
A: You can find good quality mixers at most grocery stores, liquor stores, and specialty beverage shops. Online retailers also offer a wide selection.
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.