Ever wonder what makes a good drink even better? Sometimes, a splash of something extra is all it takes. But when it comes to bourbon, picking the perfect partner can feel like a puzzle. There are so many choices, and it’s easy to get lost trying to find the best mixer. You want something that will make your bourbon shine, not hide its delicious taste.
Choosing the wrong mixer can lead to a drink that’s too sweet, too bland, or just plain odd. It’s a common frustration for anyone who enjoys a good bourbon. But don’t worry, finding that ideal mix doesn’t have to be a headache. We’re here to help you unlock the secrets to creating fantastic bourbon drinks.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best bourbon mixers out there. You’ll learn what flavors work well together and how to easily elevate your next bourbon creation. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy this classic spirit!
Our Top 5 Bourbon Mixer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bourbon Mixer 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: 9.3/10
Elevate your home bar with Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix. This all-natural, handcrafted cocktail mixer offers a more complex flavor than traditional bitters and simple syrup. It’s designed by bartenders to create the perfect Old Fashioned with just two ingredients.
What We Like:
- Handcrafted by Bartenders: Made with real ingredients by people who know cocktails.
- Award-Winning Quality: Recognized by Garden & Gun and multiple SOFI Awards for its excellence.
- Bourbon Barrel Aged: Aged in Willett bourbon barrels for deep, complex flavors with notes of oak and bourbon.
- Incredibly Simple to Use: Just mix 1 part Bittermilk with 4 parts spirit and ice for a professional-grade cocktail.
- All Natural Ingredients: Features gentian root, cinchona bark, spices, sugar, and orange peel, with no artificial additives.
- Versatile for Mocktails: Can also be used to create delicious non-alcoholic drinks.
- Makes Many Cocktails: Each bottle yields 17 or more drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Availability: While popular, finding it might sometimes require a bit of searching.
Bittermilk No.1 simplifies creating an amazing Old Fashioned at home. Its bourbon barrel aging process truly sets it apart, delivering a rich and satisfying drink every time.
2. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 8.9/10
Making a delicious Old Fashioned cocktail at home just got a whole lot easier with Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix. This handcrafted syrup is designed to give you that perfect, balanced drink every single time. It’s the ideal addition to any home bar, making cocktail creation simple and enjoyable.
What We Like:
- It’s a handcrafted cocktail mixer that makes perfect Old Fashioneds.
- It was recognized as a Good Foods Award Finalist in 2019.
- It uses tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel.
- It has a great blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs.
- It’s super easy to use: just add ice, the syrup, and your favorite whiskey.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The syrup should be used within 3-4 months after opening.
This mix takes the guesswork out of crafting a classic Old Fashioned. You can enjoy a well-made cocktail with minimal effort.
3. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 64 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 8.6/10
Whip up a fantastic Old Fashioned cocktail with ease using Strongwater’s Old Fashioned Mix. This handcrafted syrup is designed to make your home bartending simple and delicious. It’s packed with the flavors you love in an Old Fashioned, like tart organic cherries and bright orange zest, all blended with warm spices and bitter herbs. This 2-pack makes enough mix for 64 cocktails, so you’re ready for any gathering or a quiet night in.
What We Like:
- Effortless Cocktails: Makes creating a perfect Old Fashioned super simple – just add your favorite whiskey!
- Award-Winning Flavor: Recognized as a Good Foods Award Finalist, this mix has proven deliciousness.
- Quality Ingredients: Features organic cherries and orange zest for a fresh, natural taste.
- Versatile Mixer: Works wonderfully with bourbon, whiskey, or rye.
- Diet-Friendly: It’s non-GMO and gluten-free, so more people can enjoy it.
What Could Be Improved:
- Shelf Life: Needs to be used within 3-4 months after opening, so plan your cocktail parties!
- Alcohol-Free: The mix itself contains no alcohol, so you still need to provide your own spirit.
This Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix takes the guesswork out of making a classic cocktail. You can enjoy a well-balanced and smooth Old Fashioned every time with minimal effort.
4. Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Manhattan Cocktail Mix – Just Add Whiskey
Rating: 9.3/10
Shake up your home bar with the Bittermilk Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan Mix! This isn’t just any cocktail mixer; it’s a handcrafted experience designed by bartenders for a truly exceptional Manhattan. Forget complicated recipes. This all-natural mix simplifies the art of cocktail making, letting you create delicious drinks with just two ingredients. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a great Manhattan but wants an easy way to make it at home.
What We Like:
- Handcrafted by Bartenders: Real ingredients mean real flavor. This mixer is made by people who know cocktails.
- Award-Winning Recipe: It uses a proven formula, bringing the taste of vermouth without the alcohol.
- Bourbon Barrel Aged: The aging process in bourbon barrels adds a unique, deep flavor. You can taste the oak and bourbon notes.
- Simple to Use: Just add whiskey! The 1:4 ratio (mixer to spirit) makes it easy to get the perfect balance.
- All Natural Ingredients: You get quality ingredients like gentian root, cinchona bark, and real fruit extracts.
- Versatile: It works great with bourbon, rye, or even aged rum and scotch.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Availability: Due to its handcrafted nature, it might be harder to find sometimes.
- Price Point: As a premium, small-batch mixer, it might be a bit pricier than standard options.
This Bittermilk mix delivers a complex and delicious Manhattan with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic cocktail at home.
5. Woodford Reserve Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup
Rating: 8.9/10
Making a classic Old Fashioned cocktail at home just got incredibly simple with Woodford Reserve’s Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup. This specially crafted syrup brings together the rich, natural flavors of cherry and orange, perfectly balanced with the subtle kick of bitters. It’s all sweetened with raw demerara sugar, giving your drink a lovely depth. You don’t need to be a master mixologist to create a fantastic drink. Just grab your favorite Woodford Reserve bourbon, and you’re halfway there!
What We Like:
- Super easy to make a delicious Old Fashioned.
- Real cherry and orange flavors taste great.
- The bitters add a nice, complex taste.
- It uses natural ingredients.
- The instructions are simple and clear.
- Just add bourbon for a perfect cocktail!
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a bit pricey compared to making it from scratch.
- Some might prefer to control the sweetness level themselves.
This syrup is a fantastic shortcut for anyone who loves a good Old Fashioned. It delivers quality flavor with minimal effort, making it a great addition to your home bar.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Bourbon Mixer
Bourbon is a fantastic spirit, but sometimes you want to mix it up. A good bourbon mixer makes your drink even better. This guide helps you find the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
1. Flavor Profile
Think about what you like. Do you want something sweet, tart, or a little spicy? Some mixers are made for specific cocktails, like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. Others are more versatile. Look for descriptions that tell you the taste. A good mixer complements the bourbon, not overpowers it.
2. Ingredients
Check the ingredient list. Natural ingredients are usually best. Things like real fruit juices, natural sweeteners, and quality spices make a big difference. Avoid artificial flavors and colors. High-quality ingredients mean a better-tasting drink.
3. Carbonation
Some bourbon mixers are fizzy, like sodas or seltzers. Others are still, like syrups or juices. If you like a bubbly drink, choose carbonated options. The level of fizziness matters too. Some are lightly carbonated, while others are very bubbly.
4. Sweetness Level
Bourbon can be sweet on its own. You don’t want a mixer that’s too sweet. Look for options with balanced sweetness. Some mixers offer low-sugar or sugar-free versions. This is great if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Important Materials
The “materials” for a bourbon mixer aren’t about what it’s made of physically, but what ingredients go into it.
- Fruit Juices: Freshly squeezed juices from lemons, limes, cherries, or oranges add brightness and tartness.
- Sweeteners: Simple syrup (sugar and water), agave nectar, or honey provide sweetness. Quality sweeteners blend well.
- Bitters: These add complexity and depth. Angostura bitters are common, but there are many other types.
- Herbs and Spices: Mint, ginger, cinnamon, or allspice can add warm or refreshing notes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Mixer Great?
- Freshness: Mixers made with fresh ingredients taste better.
- Balance: The flavors should work well together. No single flavor should be too strong.
- Natural Ingredients: Real fruit and natural sweeteners lead to a superior taste.
What Can Make a Mixer Less Good?
- Artificial Additives: Artificial flavors and colors can taste fake and chemical.
- Too Much Sugar: An overly sweet mixer can hide the bourbon’s taste.
- Low-Quality Ingredients: Using cheap or artificial ingredients will result in a less enjoyable drink.
User Experience and Use Cases
Easy Mixing
A good bourbon mixer should be easy to use. You should be able to pour it and mix it with bourbon quickly. Some mixers come in bottles or cans that are simple to open and pour from. Others might require a bit more preparation, like muddling herbs.
Versatility
Can you use the mixer for more than just one drink? Some mixers are great for a variety of cocktails. You can also use them in non-alcoholic drinks or even in desserts.
Occasions
- Relaxing at Home: Mix a simple bourbon and soda with a splash of mixer for a casual evening.
- Entertaining Guests: Make fancy bourbon cocktails with special mixers for parties.
- Outdoor Gatherings: Pre-mix bourbon cocktails in a pitcher for picnics or barbecues.
Choosing the right bourbon mixer can turn a good drink into a great one. Consider the flavor, ingredients, and how you plan to use it. Happy mixing!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Mixers
Q: What is the most common bourbon mixer?
A: The most common bourbon mixers are simple sodas like club soda or ginger ale. However, there are many other popular options like cola and sweet tea.
Q: Can I use any mixer with bourbon?
A: You can technically use any mixer with bourbon. But some mixers taste much better with bourbon than others. It depends on the flavor you want.
Q: What are some good non-alcoholic mixers for bourbon?
A: Good non-alcoholic mixers include ginger ale, cola, lemon-lime soda, cranberry juice, and even iced tea.
Q: How do I choose a mixer for an Old Fashioned?
A: For an Old Fashioned, you typically need a sugar source (like simple syrup or sugar cubes) and bitters. Some pre-made Old Fashioned mixers include these.
Q: Are flavored mixers good with bourbon?
A: Yes, flavored mixers can be great with bourbon. Flavors like cherry, orange, or even smoky notes can complement bourbon nicely.
Q: How much mixer should I use with bourbon?
A: This depends on your preference and the mixer. A common ratio is 1 part bourbon to 2 parts mixer, but you can adjust it.
Q: Can I make my own bourbon mixers?
A: Absolutely! Making your own mixers gives you control over the ingredients and flavors. You can create custom syrups or infusions.
Q: What’s the difference between a bourbon mixer and a liqueur?
A: A mixer is usually non-alcoholic and is used to dilute and flavor the bourbon. A liqueur is an alcoholic beverage that is often sweet and flavored, and it can be added to drinks or enjoyed on its own.
Q: Do I need a special mixer for bourbon?
A: No, you don’t need a special mixer. Many common beverages work well. However, some mixers are specifically designed to enhance bourbon’s flavor.
Q: Where can I buy good bourbon mixers?
A: You can find bourbon mixers at most grocery stores, liquor stores, and online retailers. Specialty stores might have a wider selection of unique options.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!