Top 5 Bourbon Drinks to Enjoy With Homemade Food

Often in winters, we would love to snuggle in a blanket, with a fire going to warm the cockles of our hearts. But does the chilling winds and snow also make you crave for a drink? If so, you are in the right place.

The long and cold nights of the winters sure make us reach for a glass of our favorite alcohol. While some of you may prefer lighter spirits like vodka and gin, an all-time American favorite is surely whiskey. 

The love that Americans have for whiskey is widely known. Bourbon, in particular, is regarded as the country’s Native spirit. Did you know that this drink was well-loved by Thomas Jefferson? He even alloted almost 60 acres of land in Kentucky for the farmers to grow the corn needed for the production of bourbon!! 

So, what makes this iconic drink so loved among the masses? Well, to begin with, bourbon has a rich and smooth flavor. A slightly sweet taste due to the 51% corn mash in it, gives the drink a great after taste. The rest of the taste comes through its other ingredients, such as wheat, barley, and rye. The proportion of these ingredients is what gives the bourbon a rich and creamy taste.  Also, the consistency is perfectly thick to engulf you in a warm feeling from the inside. 

Traditionally, the drink is aged in charred oak barrels, giving it that distinctive smoky taste that all of us love. 

Bourbon is a base for cocktails for its unique flavor palate, which comprises vanilla, caramel, and oak. This makes it versatile for cocktail drinks.

If you are a bourbon enthusiast, we share with you some amazing cocktail recipes that you can easily churn at home. So bring on your bartender game with your shaker and a tall glass to enjoy some smooth drinks and get toasty. 

Here are top 5 Bourbon cocktail drinks to enjoy with homemade food-

1) Old fashioned cocktail with Hennessy-

This cocktail is perfect for the winters. The cranberries give the drink a sweet note, whereas the bitters make it just a bit sour. This cocktail is sure to make you dizzy with happiness!!

Ingredients-

• ½ cup Hennessy cognac 
• ½ cup amaro
• ½ cup Campari liqueur
• Dash of bitters
• Crushed ice
• Orange peel for garnish 

How to make-

1. Muddle the bitters in a shaker. 
2. Add the cognac, amaro, Campari liqueur and shake the cocktail
3. Add crushed ice and transfer the contents into a glass. Garnish with orange peel 
4. Enjoy this cocktail with a yummy dinner of Smoked fish and chips.

2) Shoo-Flyy punch-

This cocktail uses ginger beer for that refreshing taste. If you like your bourbon with a modest hint of ginger, this should be your go-to cocktail. What’s more!! It is easy to whip up as well. 

Ingredients-

• 1/4th cup of bourbon
• 2 tablespoons of ginger liqueur
• Dash of bitters
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 1 Tablespoon sugar syrup
• Ginger beer (preferably non-alcoholic)
• Crushed ice
• Orange wedge and mint leaves for garnishing

How to make-

1. Mix the ginger liqueur, bitters, lemon juice, and sugar syrup in a saker and give it a shake.
2. Next, add the bourbon, ginger beer ad crushed ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a tall glass.
3. Garnish with an orange wedge and mint leaves
4. Anything with beef goes well with grilled chicken wrapped in bacon. Let the night slip by with this amazing combination of the American classics- Bourbon and bacon.

3) Bourbon & peach sours- 

A peachy drink that will get you through the cold temps, a combination of bourbon and preserved peaches are perfect when paired with the cold weather and the warm cuddles of your loved one.

Ingredients-

• ½ cup of warm water
• ½ cup peach preserves
• 1+ ¼ cup of bourbon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Lemon wedge and basil leaves for garnish

How to make-

1. Mix the peach preserves in war water until they dissolve. Strain the mixture into a shaker.
2. Add the lemon juice and the bourbon into the peach mixture and shake.
3. Pour the drink into a glass and garnish with a lemon slice and basil leaves
4. A comforting dinner of mac and cheese goes great with this peachy bourbon cocktail. 

4) Creamy butterscotch Bourbon Eggnog-

With the festive season around the corner, this drink will only add to your celebration. Eggnog is a celebratory drink in the winters. Tweaking it up with your favorite bourbon just takes it up a notch!! So we suggest you whip this up and make merry this season. 

Ingredients-

• 1 cup bourbon
• 2 quarts store-bought eggnog
• Butterscotch syrup
• ½ cup milk
• Butterscotch nuts for garnish

How to make-

1. Gently mix the egg nog with the butterscotch syrup.
2. Add in the milk.
3. Finally, slowly top with the bourbon while stirring.
4. Garnish with butterscotch nuts for a sweet, lingering after taste. 
5. This egg nog can be had with any classic Christmas dinner. 

 5) Refreshing mint julep- 

Sometimes, old classics are the best. This classic combination of mint and bourbon is sure to refresh you. It is easy to make if you do not want to drink your bourbon neat. You can also make this when you have to entertain a group of friends. 

Ingredients-

• Juice of 1 lemon, squeezed fresh
• 2 tablespoons sugar syrup
• 4-5 mint sprigs
• ½ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup club soda
• 1 cup crushed ice
• Two mint sprigs for garnishing

How to make-

1. Muddle the mint sprigs in a glass. 
2. Add the lemon juice and sugar syrup. 
3. Next, add in the bourbon, soda, and ice.
4. Garnish with mint leaves
5. Homemade beef jerky with a bowl of side salad will let you appreciate the simple flavors of this cocktail. 

Conclusion-

These bourbon cocktail recipes are easy to make at home and pair well with any typical American dinner. So, make sure to stock all the ingredients of your favorite cocktail and bottles of bourbon to enjoy warm winter nights without going out to the bar!!