Ever wondered what makes a Bourbon cocktail truly sing? It’s not just the whiskey; it’s the perfect partner it dances with. Bourbon is a fantastic drink on its own, but sometimes you want to mix things up, right? The trouble is, with so many sodas, juices, and other additions out there, picking the *right* one can feel like a guessing game. You might end up with a drink that’s too sweet, too sour, or just plain doesn’t taste right.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to explore the exciting world of Bourbon mixers. You’ll learn how different flavors can bring out the best in your bourbon, turning a good drink into a great one. We’ll uncover some classic pairings and maybe even introduce you to a few surprising combinations you haven’t tried before.
So, get ready to discover how to elevate your next Bourbon creation. We’ll break down the choices and help you find the perfect mixer to suit your taste buds. Let’s dive in and find your new favorite Bourbon mix!
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Premium Cocktail Mix: Our Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix features real bitters and cane sugar, offering a gourmet Traditional flavor perfect for crafting high-quality cocktails at home
- Handcrafted Syrup: Enjoy the rich, handcrafted quality of our cocktail syrup, made to enhance your bartending skills with its unique and delicious flavor profiles
- Easy to Make: Create fast and easy craft cocktails with our syrup. Just mix with your favorite Bourbon, Whiskey, or Rye for a quick, professional-grade Old Fashioned
- 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
- 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.
The Ultimate Bourbon Mixer Buying Guide
Bourbon is a wonderful drink. It tastes great on its own. But sometimes, you want to mix it up! Bourbon mixers add new flavors. They can make your drink even better. This guide will help you pick the best mixers for your bourbon.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy bourbon mixers, look for a few things.
Flavor Profile
- Sweetness: Some mixers are sweet. Others are not. Think about how sweet you like your drink.
- Acidity: A little tartness can be good. It balances the bourbon’s sweetness.
- Spice: Some mixers have a little kick. Ginger or cinnamon can add warmth.
- Fruitiness: Berry or citrus flavors are popular. They add brightness.
Ingredients
- Natural Flavors: Look for mixers made with real fruit juices or extracts. These taste the best.
- No Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners can taste strange. They don’t mix as well with bourbon.
- Low Sugar Content: Too much sugar can hide the bourbon’s taste.
Carbonation
- Sparkling: Many mixers have bubbles. This makes your drink refreshing.
- Still: Some mixers are flat. They work well for different kinds of drinks.
Important Materials
Most bourbon mixers are liquids. They come in bottles or cans. The main “materials” are the ingredients inside.
- Fruit Juices: Orange, lemon, lime, cranberry, and cherry juices are common.
- Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, and bitters are used for flavor.
- Water: Sparkling water or still water forms the base of many mixers.
- Sweeteners: Cane sugar or agave nectar are often used.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a mixer great or not so great?
Quality Boosters
- Fresh Ingredients: Mixers made with fresh, high-quality ingredients taste better.
- Balanced Flavors: A good mixer has flavors that work well together. Nothing should be too strong or too weak.
- Good Carbonation: For sparkling mixers, lively bubbles are a plus.
Quality Reducers
- Artificial Flavors/Colors: These can make the mixer taste fake.
- Too Much Sugar: A very sugary mixer can overpower the bourbon.
- Weak Flavor: If the mixer doesn’t add much taste, it’s not very useful.
- Stale Carbonation: Flat mixers are less enjoyable.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use bourbon mixers?
Easy to Use
- Simple Mixing: Most mixers are pour-and-go. You just add them to your bourbon.
- Versatile: You can use them in many different drinks.
Common Uses
- Bourbon and Ginger Ale: A classic. The ginger spice is great with bourbon.
- Bourbon and Cola: Another popular choice. The sweetness and spice of cola work well.
- Old Fashioned: Some mixers can help you make an Old Fashioned faster. They add bitters and sweetness.
- Bourbon Smash: Mixers with fruit flavors can be used for refreshing drinks.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks: You can also use these mixers with sparkling water for a tasty mocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the best mixers for beginners?
A: For beginners, ginger ale and cola are great choices. They are easy to find and taste good with bourbon. A simple splash of lime juice also works well.
Q: Can I use sweet mixers with sweet bourbon?
A: Yes, but be careful. Too much sweetness can make your drink taste syrupy. Try using a mixer that has some tartness or spice to balance it out.
Q: What is the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer as a mixer?
A: Ginger beer is usually spicier and has a stronger ginger flavor than ginger ale. It also often has more carbonation. Both work well, but ginger beer adds more of a punch.
Q: Are there mixers that are specifically made for bourbon?
A: Yes, some companies make mixers designed to complement bourbon. These might have notes of caramel, oak, or spices that pair well with bourbon’s flavors.
Q: How much mixer should I use?
A: It depends on your taste. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of bourbon to mixer. You can then adjust to make it stronger or weaker.
Q: Can I reuse an opened mixer?
A: If it’s a carbonated mixer, try to reseal it tightly. It will lose some fizz over time. Still mixers can last longer if stored properly.
Q: What are some low-sugar bourbon mixer options?
A: Look for mixers that use natural sweeteners sparingly or are unsweetened. Sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice and a dash of bitters is a good low-sugar choice.
Q: Do bitters count as a bourbon mixer?
A: Bitters are often used *with* mixers or directly in cocktails. They add complex flavor but are usually used in very small amounts, not as the main mixer.
Q: What mixers go well with smoky bourbon?
A: For smoky bourbon, try mixers with citrus flavors like grapefruit or lemon. A good quality cola can also work. The smokiness can stand up to bolder flavors.
Q: Where can I buy good bourbon mixers?
A: You can find them at most grocery stores, liquor stores, and online retailers. Specialty drink shops might have unique options.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!