Ever stared at a shelf full of sodas, juices, and sparkling waters, wondering which one will truly elevate your bourbon? You’re not alone. The quest for the perfect bourbon mixer can feel like navigating a maze, with so many choices and so little guidance.
The wrong mixer can mask the rich, complex flavors of your favorite bourbon, turning a delightful drink into a disappointment. It’s frustrating when you want to enjoy your bourbon neat, on the rocks, or in a simple cocktail, but the mixers just don’t seem to get it right. You deserve to unlock the full potential of your bourbon without the guesswork.
This post is your secret weapon. We’re going to explore the best mixers for bourbon, breaking down what makes them work and how to choose the perfect partner for your pour. Get ready to discover new favorite combinations and impress your friends with your newfound bourbon mixing wisdom.
Our Top 5 Mixer For Bourbon Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mixer For Bourbon Detailed Reviews
1. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 8.9/10
The Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix is your shortcut to a fantastic cocktail. This syrup makes about 32 Old Fashioned drinks. It’s a handcrafted blend with the right flavors to make your drink taste amazing. You just need to add your favorite whiskey or bourbon.
What We Like:
- It makes perfect Old Fashioned cocktails every time.
- It’s well-balanced, smooth, and has layers of flavor.
- It was a finalist for a Good Foods Award in 2019, which means it’s really good.
- It uses real organic cherries and orange zest.
- It has spices like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom, plus bitter herbs.
- It’s super easy to use: just add ice, the syrup, and your whiskey.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs to be used within 3-4 months after opening.
- It doesn’t contain alcohol, so you still have to buy your own spirits.
This mix simplifies making a classic cocktail. It’s a great addition for anyone who enjoys a well-made Old Fashioned without all the fuss.
2. Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Old Fashioned Syrup – More Complex than Bitters & Simple Syrup
Rating: 8.6/10
Making a truly exceptional Old Fashioned at home just got a whole lot easier and tastier with Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix. This isn’t your average syrup. It’s a carefully crafted blend designed to bring out the best in your favorite aged spirits, offering a depth of flavor that simple syrup and bitters can’t match.
What We Like:
- Crafted by experienced bartenders using real, natural ingredients.
- It’s a proven winner, recognized by prestigious awards like Garden & Gun’s “Made in the South” and multiple SOFI Awards.
- The bourbon barrel aging process infuses it with rich notes of bourbon and toasted oak, creating a unique complexity.
- Super simple to use: just mix 1 part Bittermilk with 4 parts spirit and ice.
- It’s made with all-natural ingredients like gentian root, cinchona bark, spices, and fresh orange peel – no artificial stuff here!
- Works wonderfully for mocktails too, offering a balanced flavor profile.
- One bottle makes at least 17 delicious cocktails.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it aims for complexity, some might find the specific flavor profile might not suit every single palate.
- Availability might be limited in some areas.
Bittermilk No.1 truly elevates the home cocktail experience, delivering a sophisticated and delicious Old Fashioned with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to impress or simply enjoy a superior drink.
3. WithCo Ellis Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Drink Mixer – Madagascar Vanilla
Rating: 8.5/10
The WithCo Ellis Old Fashioned Mix is a fantastic way to make delicious cocktails at home. This 16 oz bottle makes about 32 drinks. It’s packed with great flavors like Madagascar vanilla, orange, and cinnamon, along with Angostura bitters. This mix works perfectly with whiskey, bourbon, mezcal, and even in mocktails for a non-alcoholic treat. It’s an easy way to add a fancy touch to your drinks.
What We Like:
- It makes your whiskey taste even better by adding notes of vanilla, orange, and cinnamon.
- The mix has a smooth and pleasant aroma that really makes your cocktail special.
- You can use it for both alcoholic drinks and alcohol-free mocktails.
- It contains Vitamin C and Vitamin B, adding a little health boost to your drink.
- The syrup is made with natural ingredients, with no artificial flavors or sweeteners.
- It lasts a long time, unopened for 18 months.
What Could Be Improved:
- Once opened, it needs to be kept in the fridge and only lasts for 6 weeks.
This Old Fashioned mix is a smart choice for anyone who enjoys a classic cocktail. It brings great flavor and convenience to your home bar.
4. LUXE Mixology Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer Cubes – Craft Mixer for Old Fashioned Cocktails – Just Add Bourbon or Whiskey – All Natural – Makes 30 cocktails – Great Gift Idea
Rating: 9.1/10
The LUXE Mixology Old Fashioned Cocktail Mixer Cubes offer a simple way to craft delicious Old Fashioned cocktails at home. These all-natural cubes are designed to make creating this classic drink easy, even for beginners. Each cube is packed with flavor, so you can skip the fuss and enjoy a well-made cocktail.
What We Like:
- Makes perfect Old Fashioned cocktails every time.
- Contains aromatic bitters and fresh orange zest for great flavor.
- Easy to use: just muddle a cube with a little liquid, add ice and spirit.
- Made with all-natural ingredients and is gluten-free.
- Each package makes up to 30 cocktails.
- Low in calories, with only 10 per cube.
- A fantastic gift idea for cocktail lovers.
- Enjoy craft bar quality drinks at home.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer to control the exact muddle time for their bitters.
- The sweetness level is pre-set, which might not suit everyone’s preference.
These cubes are a smart choice for anyone wanting to easily make a great Old Fashioned. They bring bar-quality taste right to your kitchen.
5. Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix
Rating: 9.4/10
Craving a classic Old Fashioned without the fuss? The Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix is your new best friend. This clever mix lets you whip up a delicious cocktail in a minute or less. It uses real fruit juice powders for a fantastic flavor. You can enjoy this treat without worrying about extra sugar or calories. It’s perfect for parties or just a relaxing evening.
What We Like:
- Super fast and easy to make delicious Old Fashioneds.
- Made with real fruit juice for great taste.
- Low in sugar and calories, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Vegan, low carb, and non-GMO ingredients are a big plus.
- Perfect for both cocktails and mocktails.
- Portable packets are great for taking anywhere.
- Cute packaging makes them a fun gift.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mix requires you to add your own bourbon or whiskey, so it’s not an all-in-one solution.
- You need to add your own ice.
This Craftmix Black Cherry Old Fashioned Mix makes enjoying a quality cocktail incredibly simple. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who loves a good drink but wants it made easily and healthily.
Finding the Best Mixer for Your Bourbon Delights
Bourbon is a fantastic spirit on its own. But sometimes, you want to mix it up! Whether you’re making a classic Old Fashioned or something new, the right mixer makes a big difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect mixer for your bourbon creations.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a bourbon mixer, think about what you want it to do.
Taste and Flavor Profile
- Natural Sweetness: Does the mixer have a natural sweetness that complements bourbon, or is it too sugary? You want a balanced taste.
- Subtle Flavors: Some mixers have strong flavors that can overpower the bourbon. Look for ones with subtle notes that enhance, not hide, the bourbon’s taste.
- Aromatic Qualities: Does the mixer smell good? The aroma is part of the drinking experience.
Texture and Mouthfeel
- Carbonation: For fizzy drinks like a Bourbon Highball, you need good carbonation. Look for mixers that stay fizzy.
- Smoothness: Some mixers can be a bit gritty. You want a smooth texture that blends well with the bourbon.
Ingredients and Quality
- Simple Ingredients: The best mixers use simple, high-quality ingredients. Look for natural sweeteners and real fruit extracts.
- No Artificial Stuff: Avoid mixers with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They can change the taste and aren’t as healthy.
Important Materials
The ingredients are what make up your mixer.
- Natural Sweeteners: Things like cane sugar, agave nectar, or honey add sweetness. These are generally better than artificial sweeteners.
- Fruit Juices and Extracts: Real fruit juice adds authentic flavor. Look for juices from citrus, berries, or other fruits that pair well with bourbon.
- Herbs and Spices: Some mixers include botanicals, herbs, or spices like mint, ginger, or cinnamon. These add complexity.
- Water: Good quality water is essential. It should be clean and pure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make or break your bourbon mixer.
What Makes it Better:
- Freshness: Freshly made mixers are usually the best. This is why some people prefer small-batch or craft mixers.
- Balance: A good mixer balances sweetness, acidity, and flavor. It doesn’t lean too heavily on one taste.
- Versatility: Can you use the mixer in many different drinks? A versatile mixer is a great value.
What Makes it Worse:
- Too Much Sugar: Overly sweet mixers can make your drink taste like candy and hide the bourbon.
- Artificial Ingredients: These can create an unnatural taste and smell.
- Weak Carbonation: Flat mixers make for a disappointing fizzy drink.
- Harsh Flavors: Strong, artificial, or bitter flavors will ruin the bourbon’s character.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the mixer matters.
- Easy to Pour: Bottles and cans that are easy to open and pour make mixing drinks simple.
- Storage: Does the mixer need to be refrigerated? How long does it last once opened?
- Cocktail Recipes: Think about the drinks you love. Do you want a mixer for classic cocktails or for experimenting with new ones?
- Occasions: Are you mixing drinks for a party, a quiet night in, or a special celebration? The mixer should fit the mood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Mixers
Q: What is the best type of mixer for a beginner bourbon drinker?
A: For beginners, simple mixers are best. Try a quality tonic water or a ginger ale. These let the bourbon flavor shine through.
Q: Can I use any soda with bourbon?
A: While you can technically use any soda, some sodas have flavors that clash with bourbon. Cola, ginger ale, and club soda are popular choices.
Q: What makes a mixer “craft” or “premium”?
A: Craft or premium mixers often use higher-quality ingredients, have unique flavor profiles, and are made in smaller batches. They focus on natural flavors and less sugar.
Q: How important is the carbonation level in a mixer?
A: For fizzy bourbon drinks like a Highball, carbonation is very important. You want lively bubbles that last.
Q: Should I worry about the sugar content in mixers?
A: Yes. Too much sugar can mask the bourbon’s taste. Look for mixers with balanced sweetness or natural sugars.
Q: What are some classic bourbon cocktails that use mixers?
A: The Old Fashioned (often uses a sugar cube and bitters, but some add a splash of soda), Bourbon Highball (bourbon and club soda), and Mint Julep (bourbon, mint, and sugar).
Q: Are there mixers specifically designed for bourbon?
A: Some brands make mixers with flavor profiles tailored to complement bourbon, like spiced ginger beer or botanical sodas.
Q: How do I store bourbon mixers?
A: Most mixers should be stored in a cool, dark place before opening. Once opened, they usually need to be refrigerated and used within a few days.
Q: Can I use diet mixers with bourbon?
A: You can, but artificial sweeteners can sometimes leave an aftertaste that might not pair well with bourbon’s complex flavors.
Q: Where can I find high-quality bourbon mixers?
A: You can find them at specialty liquor stores, gourmet grocery stores, and online retailers. Many craft beverage companies also sell them directly.
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!