Do you ever stare at your bottle of bourbon, unsure of what to pour next to it? You want to enjoy a refreshing drink, but you worry about masking the rich, complex flavors of your favorite whiskey. Finding the perfect balance between a bold spirit and a mixer can feel like a high-stakes guessing game. Too much sweetness ruins the experience, while the wrong flavor profile can turn a premium pour into a confusing mess.
The good news is that you do not have to settle for a mediocre cocktail. Whether you prefer a classic highball or a modern, fruity concoction, the right mixer should highlight your bourbon rather than hide it. Many drinkers feel overwhelmed by the endless aisles of sodas, juices, and bitters at the grocery store. They often waste time and money on combinations that just do not work.
In this guide, we take the guesswork out of your home bar setup. We will explore the best flavor pairings that bring out the deep notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel in your glass. You will learn how to choose mixers that complement your specific bottle instead of fighting against it. By the end of this post, you will have the confidence to mix like a pro and craft drinks that impress your friends every single time. Let’s dive into the essential mixers that every bourbon lover needs to keep on hand.
Top Bourbon Mixers Recommendations
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixes.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- A NEW TWIST ON A CLASSIC OLD FASHION COCKTAIL: Enjoy the smooth, timeless character of an Old Fashioned with a bold new flavor profile. Carefully crafted to complement whiskey, bourbon, or rye while adding a fresh, exciting twist to your favorite cocktail.
- REAL INGREDIENTS, REAL FLAVOR, REAL COCKTAIL MIX: Made with natural extracts, real fruit, and carefully selected spices to create a rich, layered taste that enhances your drink without overpowering it. No artificial flavors - just authentic, craft-quality syrup.
- EFFORTLESS COCKTAILS IN SECONDS: Skip the muddling, measuring, and mixing. Just add your favorite spirit, pour over ice, and stir. Perfectly balanced flavored Old Fashioneds made simple, whether you’re a beginner or a home mixology pro.
- PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING & GIFTING: Impress guests with unique Cherry Pecan Old Fashioned flavor that stand out from the ordinary. Great for parties, holiday gatherings, bar carts, or as a thoughtful gift for whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.
- CLEAN LABEL YOU CAN TRUST: Non-GMO, gluten-free, and alcohol-free. Crafted in small batches with quality ingredients so you can enjoy premium cocktail flavor with confidence. Best enjoyed within 3–4 months after opening.
- COMPLETE OLD FASHIONED BUNDLE KIT – Everything you need to craft the perfect cocktail at home. Includes Amarena cherries, dried orange slices, and premium Old Fashioned syrup—a complete Old Fashioned mix for effortless, bar-quality results every time. Bourbon Gifts for Men.
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS, BAR-QUALITY FLAVOR – Enjoy the rich, complex taste of Italian Amarena cherries and fragrant dehydrated orange slices, perfectly balanced with our smooth Old Fashioned cocktail syrup. Consistent flavor, simple preparation, no mess.
- THE ULTIMATE WHISKEY GIFT SET FOR MEN – A premium cocktail kit designed for whiskey lovers, dads, husbands, and mixology fans. Beautifully packaged and ready to gift for birthdays, holidays, or Father’s Day. A unique, high-end cocktail gift they’ll actually use.
- EASY HOME MIXOLOGY – JUST POUR, STIR & SIP – No bartending experience needed. This mixology set for men makes it simple to impress guests or enjoy a relaxing nightcap. Create a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned cocktail in minutes with zero hassle.
- ELEVATE EVERY OCCASION – From casual evenings to special celebrations, this Old Fashioned mix kit transforms any moment into a refined experience. The ideal blend of quality, convenience, and sophistication for those who appreciate great taste.
- 14 PACKETS, 14 DRINKS, NO WASTE - Add your own whiskey, and every packet becomes an Old Fashioned cocktail. This Old Fashioned cocktail mix syrup keeps 12 months in the pantry, no refrigeration. No half-used bottle in the fridge going to waste in weeks.
- 14 AWARDS INCLUDING PLATINUM AND DOUBLE GOLD - Six independent judging bodies have scored this Old Fashioned mixer since 2023. Every packet is measured to bar spec, so your first drink tastes like your fourteenth.
- REAL INGREDIENTS, PREMIUM OLD FASHIONED MIX - Italian Amarena cherry, sorghum, maple, dark brown sugar, orange peel oil, and two classic bar-standard cocktail bitters. Balanced for bourbon, rye, and whiskey.
- POCKET-SIZE COCKTAIL SYRUP - Each single-serve packet fits a jacket pocket, carry-on, or bar drawer and needs no refrigeration. This drink mixer travels to the hotel room, the campsite, and the back patio.
- MIX ONE IN 30 SECONDS - Pour 2 oz of bourbon, rye, or whiskey over ice, add one packet of Old Fashioned mix, and stir. Skip the jigger and the muddler. A 14-packet box is an easy gift for any whiskey lover.
- THE PERFECT OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL MIXER - Each component of the iconic old fashioned cocktail needs to be perfectly balanced. Crafted with real brown sugar and cherry juice, Collins Old Fashioned Mixer takes the guesswork out of mixology.
- MADE USING REAL BROWN SUGAR AND CHERRY JUICE - Brown sugar provides extra depth compared to the usual simple syrup. Cherry juice adds tartness and stone fruit flavor to our Old Fashioned cocktail syrup mixer. Just measure, add bourbon, and enjoy!
- JUST ADD WHISKEY TO THIS OLD FASHION MIXER - Curated from the finest ingredients, Collins Old Fashioned mix makes it easy to create this classic bourbon cocktail. Just add your whiskey of choice and enjoy a quality cocktail in your own home.
- GREAT FOR PARTIES! EASILY MIX BATCH COCKTAILS AND PITCHERS - Collins whiskey cocktail mixers are a great way to serve batches of your favorite cocktails. No cocktail recipe books required--just follow the instructions on each bottle of cocktail mixer.
- CRAFT COCKTAILS, NO CRAFTING REQUIRED - Collins supplies cocktail drinkers with quality staples for their home bar. Formulated with professional bartenders, Collins mixers are made with real juice and real sugar. Enjoy a quality drink at home!
- 4 Award-Winning Flavors – This handcrafted cocktail syrup sampler set brings home the magic of 4 bold blends: Classic, Maple Pecan, Espresso & Smoked. Each cocktail syrup is a SIP Awards Platinum winner (2025) & Good Food Awards finalist (2019)
- Crafted for Sipping Moments – Made in the Colorado Rockies, these small-batch cocktail syrups feature organic cherries, orange peel & warm spices, and are free from artificial flavors or sweeteners. Each cocktail syrup adds depth, warmth & balance
- Make 16 Bar-Quality Cocktails – Each 1 oz bottle makes 4 drinks. Just mix with whiskey or bourbon over ice. Whether you’re hosting or relaxing solo, this cocktail syrup set turns everyday pours into old fashioned perfection in seconds
- Gift-Ready, Travel-Size Delight – This cocktail syrup set makes a memorable gift for home bartenders, holiday hosts & flavor explorers. Compact, elegant & versatile, it’s the perfect way to discover your favorite old fashioned cocktail syrup
- Simple to Mix, Hard to Forget – Add ice, a splash of cocktail syrup & your spirit of choice for a smooth, satisfying cocktail. These premium cocktail syrups also shine in mocktails for a zero-proof option that still feels special
- Classic Bar-Quality Taste at Home: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix is a premium cocktail mixer that brings the authentic taste of a classic Old Fashioned to your glass; This expertly crafted Old Fashioned mixes delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it an ideal choice for whiskey lovers; Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mixologist, this cocktail mix ensures a smooth, flavorful drink every time, perfect for any occasion
- Perfect Flavor Profile: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix offers a well-rounded taste profile with the flavor intensity; This cocktail mixer blends cherry, citrus, and bitters to create a smooth, rich taste, making it the ideal Old Fashioned mix for whiskey lovers; Whether you use it as a bar mix or for classic Old Fashioneds, it adds depth and complexity without overpowering your drink
- Made with Quality Ingredients: Made with water, pure cane sugar, and honey, delivering a naturally sweet, smooth flavor; Infused with natural flavors and colored with vegetable juice, this cocktail mixes provides an authentic taste without artificial additives; Free from GMOs, this Old Fashion mix is perfect for those who value clean, high-quality drink mixers crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Mix it Your Way: This Old Fashion cocktail mix is perfect for more than just classic Old Fashioneds; use it as an alcohol mixers for a variety of whiskey-based drinks or as an Old Fashion mixer for bourbon; Whether you’re crafting a traditional cocktail or experimenting with new recipes, this mix enhances any drink with its smooth, authentic flavor, making it a must-have for your home bar
- Package Details: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix - 12.7 oz Bottle (Pack of 1)
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Bourbon Mixers
Bourbon is a bold, complex spirit. Choosing the right mixer can either highlight its flavors or hide them completely. Whether you want a simple highball or a complex craft cocktail, the right mixer makes all the difference. This guide will help you select the perfect companion for your favorite bottle.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for mixers, look for balance. A great mixer should complement the oak, vanilla, and caramel notes of the bourbon. Avoid mixers that are too sugary, as they can drown out the spirit. Look for high-quality ingredients like real ginger, fresh citrus, or natural bitters. Carbonation level is also important; a strong fizz keeps the drink refreshing until the last sip.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
Quality starts with the label. Check for natural sweeteners like cane sugar or honey instead of high-fructose corn syrup. If you are buying ginger beer or ale, look for brands that use real ginger root. For bitters or shrubs, look for botanical extracts rather than artificial flavors. Glass bottles are often preferred over plastic because they keep carbonation fresh for a longer period.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Freshness is the biggest factor in quality. Always check the expiration date on your mixers. If a soda has been sitting on a shelf for a year, it will lose its “bite.” You should also consider the dilution factor. A high-quality mixer should taste good even when diluted with ice. Avoid mixers with artificial dyes, as these can ruin the look and the natural taste of your bourbon.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to drink your bourbon. If you want a quick drink after work, a pre-made ginger ale or soda water is perfect. If you are hosting a party, you might want to buy separate ingredients like fresh lemon juice and simple syrup to make a classic Gold Rush. Consider the “proof” of your bourbon, too. A high-proof bourbon needs a bolder mixer, like a spicy ginger beer, to stand up to the alcohol.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the price of the mixer matter?
A: Yes, premium mixers usually use better ingredients. These ingredients lead to a smoother, more natural taste.
Q: Can I use club soda with any bourbon?
A: Absolutely. Club soda is the best way to open up the aromas of a bourbon without adding extra sugar.
Q: What is the best mixer for a beginner?
A: Ginger ale is the most popular choice. It is sweet, bubbly, and masks the “burn” of the alcohol well.
Q: Should I use tap water to dilute my bourbon?
A: It is better to use filtered or bottled water. Chlorine in tap water can change the flavor of the whiskey.
Q: How do I keep my carbonated mixers fresh?
A: Keep them in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store them in the fridge and use them within 24 hours.
Q: Are fruit juices good mixers?
A: Yes, but always use freshly squeezed juice. Bottled juice often contains preservatives that taste metallic.
Q: What is a “shrub” in a cocktail?
A: A shrub is a syrup made from vinegar, sugar, and fruit. It adds a nice tangy kick to bourbon drinks.
Q: Does the ice quality matter?
A: Yes. Use large, clear ice cubes. They melt slowly and keep your drink cold without watering it down too fast.
Q: Can I mix bourbon with tea?
A: Yes, black tea or unsweetened iced tea makes a great, refreshing drink, especially in the summer.
Q: Should I shake or stir my mixed bourbon drink?
A: Stir drinks with carbonated mixers. Shake drinks that contain citrus or egg whites to get the right texture.
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!