Ever poured a rich, amber glass of bourbon and wondered, “What’s the best way to enjoy this?” You’re not alone! Many bourbon lovers find themselves staring at a crowded shelf of mixers, unsure which one will truly complement their favorite spirit without overpowering it. The wrong mixer can turn a smooth sipper into a sugary mess, and the right one can unlock a whole new world of flavor.
Choosing the perfect mixer for your bourbon can feel like a guessing game. Do you go for something sweet, something bubbly, or something completely unexpected? We’ve all been there, staring at a fridge full of possibilities and feeling a little lost. But what if we told you there’s a way to cut through the confusion and find that ideal pairing every time?
In this post, we’re diving deep into the art of bourbon mixing. We’ll explore popular choices, uncover some surprising gems, and give you the confidence to craft delicious bourbon drinks. Get ready to discover your new go-to mixer and elevate your bourbon experience from good to absolutely fantastic!
Our Top 5 Mixer For Bourbon Whiskey Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mixer For Bourbon Whiskey 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: 9.5/10
Elevate your home bar with Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix. This isn’t your average syrup; it’s a handcrafted cocktail mixer designed by bartenders to bring complex, award-winning flavors right to your glass. Forget juggling multiple ingredients – this mix simplifies crafting the perfect Old Fashioned, offering more depth than just bitters and simple syrup.
What We Like:
- Expertly crafted by bartenders using real, natural ingredients.
- Bourbon barrel aging adds incredible depth and oaky notes.
- It’s an award-winning mix, recognized by top publications.
- Super easy to use: just add your favorite aged spirit and ice.
- Makes over 17 delicious cocktails per bottle.
- No artificial ingredients, just quality components like gentian root and orange peel.
- Works for mocktails too, creating balanced non-alcoholic drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recipe is designed for aged spirits, so it might not be the best for lighter liquors.
Bittermilk No.1 delivers a truly sophisticated Old Fashioned with minimal effort. It’s the ideal way to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a top-tier cocktail at home.
2. Master of Mixes Handcrafted Cocktail Mixers for Bourbon and Whiskey
Rating: 9.1/10
Elevate your home bar with the Master of Mixes Handcrafted Cocktail Mixers for Bourbon and Whiskey. This convenient 3-flavor bundle brings classic whiskey cocktails right to your fingertips. It’s a must-have for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted drink without the fuss of measuring multiple ingredients.
What We Like:
- Variety Pack: You get three essential whiskey cocktail flavors: Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour.
- Authentic Taste: Each mixer captures the true spirit of classic recipes, from the sweet cherry and vermouth of a Manhattan to the zesty orange and bitters of an Old Fashioned, and the bright, balanced lemon of a Whiskey Sour.
- Easy to Use: Just add your favorite whiskey! It’s a simple way to make perfectly balanced cocktails every time.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Master of Mixes uses fine ingredients to create their mixers.
- Ready to Go: The bottles are ready to use right out of the box.
- Great Packaging: The 3-pack of 1L bottles is boxed for safe delivery.
- Works with Any Whiskey: These mixers are perfect for bourbon, rye, Canadian, Japanese, Irish, Scotch, and blended whiskeys.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Sweetness Control: Since the sweetness is pre-set, you can’t easily adjust it if you prefer a less sweet drink.
- Potential for Overpowering Flavors: For those who are very particular about their bitters or vermouth notes, the pre-mixed flavors might be a bit strong.
This bundle makes creating delicious whiskey cocktails at home incredibly simple. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic drinks with minimal effort.
3. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 8.6/10
The Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix is a game-changer for anyone who loves a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. This handcrafted syrup makes it super easy to whip up delicious drinks at home. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and a special blend of spices, so you can enjoy a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned every time. This mixer is a fantastic addition to your home bar, especially if you want to impress guests or just treat yourself.
-
What We Like:
- It makes a really smooth and tasty Old Fashioned.
- The mix uses organic cherries and orange zest for great flavor.
- It’s a Good Foods Award Finalist, which means it’s recognized as a top-notch product.
- It’s super simple to use: just add your favorite whiskey and ice.
- The syrup is non-GMO and gluten-free, making it a good choice for many people.
- It contains no alcohol, so you can control the strength of your drink.
- One bottle makes about 32 cocktails, which is a lot of delicious drinks!
-
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs to be used within 3-4 months of opening, so you need to use it up fairly quickly.
This Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix takes the guesswork out of making a perfect cocktail. It’s a convenient and high-quality option for any whiskey lover.
4. Strongwater Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Mixer Sample 4 Pack – Makes 16 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Gift Set – Travel-Friendly
Rating: 9.0/10
The Strongwater Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Mixer Sample 4 Pack is your ticket to amazing Old Fashioned cocktails at home. This set comes with four unique flavors, and each little bottle makes four delicious drinks. You just need to add your favorite bourbon or whiskey, and you’re ready to enjoy a fancy drink without all the fuss. It’s like having a bartender in your pocket!
What We Like:
- Four award-winning flavors: Classic, Maple Pecan, Espresso & Smoked.
- Made with real ingredients like organic cherries and orange peel.
- No artificial sweeteners or flavors.
- Each bottle makes 4 cocktails, so the pack makes 16 drinks total.
- Perfect for gifting or taking on trips.
- Easy to mix: just add spirit and ice.
- Great for mocktails too!
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might want even more flavor options in the sample pack.
- The small bottles are great for travel, but you might go through them quickly if you’re hosting a big party.
This Strongwater sampler pack makes enjoying a quality Old Fashioned simple and fun. It’s a fantastic way to explore new tastes and impress your friends with your home bartending skills.
5. Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix – Classic Whiskey Drink Mixer w/Sweetness
Rating: 8.8/10
Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix is your secret weapon for crafting delicious whiskey drinks right at home. This premium mixer brings the classic taste of an Old Fashioned to your glass with ease. It’s a simple way to enjoy bar-quality cocktails without needing a full bar setup. This mixer is perfect for anyone who loves a good whiskey drink.
What We Like:
- It gives you that classic bar-quality taste at home.
- The flavor is perfectly balanced with sweetness, cherry, citrus, and bitters.
- It’s made with good ingredients like pure cane sugar and honey, and it’s non-GMO.
- You can use it for classic Old Fashioneds or get creative with other whiskey drinks.
- The 12.7 oz bottle is a good size for your home bar.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for Old Fashioneds, it might not be versatile enough for every single cocktail.
- The 12.7 oz bottle is a single pack, so you might need to buy more if you make a lot of drinks.
Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix makes enjoying a delicious whiskey cocktail simple and enjoyable. It’s a fantastic addition to any home bar.
Choosing Your Perfect Bourbon Mixer
Bourbon is a wonderful drink. Sometimes, you want to mix it up and create delicious cocktails. A good mixer makes all the difference. This guide will help you find the best mixer for your bourbon creations.
What to Look For in a Bourbon Mixer
Key Features to Consider
- Flavor Profile: Does it complement bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes?
- Sweetness Level: Is it too sweet, or just right?
- Carbonation: Does it add a nice bubbly sensation?
- Ingredient Quality: Are the ingredients natural and high-quality?
- Versatility: Can it be used in many different drinks?
Important Materials
Many great mixers use simple, natural ingredients. Look for things like real fruit juices, pure cane sugar, and natural flavorings. Avoid artificial sweeteners or colors. High-quality water is also important for a clean taste.
Factors That Affect Quality
Good Quality:
- Natural fruit extracts
- Real fruit juices
- Pure cane sugar
- Filtered water
- Proper carbonation
Lower Quality:
- Artificial flavors
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Artificial colors
- Too much or too little carbonation
User Experience and Use Cases
A good bourbon mixer should be easy to use. You want it to enhance your drink, not overpower it. It should be refreshing and enjoyable. Think about how you’ll use it. Will you make classic Old Fashioneds? Or maybe a refreshing Mint Julep? Some mixers are perfect for simple highballs, while others are great for more complex cocktails.
Here are some popular mixer types for bourbon:
- Ginger Ale: A classic choice. Its spicy sweetness pairs well with bourbon.
- Ginger Beer: This is spicier than ginger ale. It adds a bolder kick.
- Soda Water/Club Soda: For a light and refreshing drink. It lets the bourbon flavor shine.
- Cola: A sweet and familiar option. It creates a simple, satisfying mix.
- Sweet Tea: Especially popular in the South. It offers a unique, comforting flavor.
- Lemonade: Adds a tart and sweet twist. Great for summer drinks.
- Simple Syrup: A base for many cocktails. You can make it yourself or buy it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Mixers
Q: What is the best mixer for a beginner bourbon drinker?
A: For beginners, ginger ale or cola are good starting points. They are sweet and familiar. They don’t hide the bourbon but make it more approachable.
Q: Can I use diet mixers with bourbon?
A: You can, but diet mixers often use artificial sweeteners. These can change the taste of your bourbon cocktail. Many people prefer natural sweeteners.
Q: How does carbonation affect a bourbon mixer?
A: Carbonation adds bubbles and a fizzy texture. It can make a drink feel lighter and more refreshing. It also helps carry flavors to your nose.
Q: Should I choose ginger ale or ginger beer for my bourbon?
A: Ginger ale is sweeter and milder. Ginger beer is spicier and more intense. Choose ginger beer if you like a stronger ginger flavor. Choose ginger ale for a smoother taste.
Q: What’s the difference between soda water and club soda?
A: They are very similar. Club soda sometimes has added minerals for taste. Soda water is just carbonated water. Both are great for letting bourbon’s flavor come through.
Q: How important is the quality of the mixer?
A: Mixer quality is very important. A good mixer enhances your bourbon. A bad mixer can ruin a perfectly good whiskey.
Q: Can I mix bourbon with fruit juices other than lemonade?
A: Absolutely! Cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice can all be delicious with bourbon. Just be mindful of the sweetness.
Q: What is simple syrup and why is it used?
A: Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. It’s used because granulated sugar doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids. It ensures sweetness is evenly distributed.
Q: Are there any specific mixers for certain bourbon cocktails?
A: Yes. For example, mint and sugar are key for a Mint Julep. An Old Fashioned often uses a sugar cube or simple syrup, bitters, and sometimes a splash of water.
Q: Where can I buy good bourbon mixers?
A: You can find them at most grocery stores and liquor stores. Specialty beverage shops might have a wider selection of craft mixers.
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!