Many people think bourbon is not as versatile as other liquors, especially when making fruity bourbon cocktails. But the truth is it’s also adaptable and consistently growing in popularity.
Our team made a list of recipes below to prove that bourbon could be perfect for any event that calls for a sweet fruity cocktail.
Top 15 Fruity Bourbon Cocktails To Refresh You
15. Figgy Maple Bourbon Fizz
This cocktail calls for fig-infused bourbon. You must set bourbon and fresh figs in a container for 5-7 days. You can start making Figgy Maple Bourbon Fizz by adding fig-infused bourbon to dark maple syrup, lemon juice, ginger beer, and a dash of bitters. [1]
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 6oz serving contains 8% ABV
14. Blood Orange Bourbon Smash With Spicy Vanilla Sugar
The recipe has two separate mixtures, one for Blood Orange Bourbon Smash and the other for Spicy Vanilla Sugar to be put in the glass rim. It has the classic bourbon and distinctive bloody orange juice combination that makes a deep red, sweet, tangy cocktail.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 4oz serving contains 7% ABV
13. Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash
Fresh strawberries and basil can flawlessly fit a bourbon smash. Mashing strawberries with simple syrup, fresh basil, and lemon juice in a cocktail glass will help release its full flavor.
Use your favorite bourbon and sparkling water to enjoy this refreshing fruity drink.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 6oz serving contains 12% ABV
12. Blackberry Bourbon Smash
Blackberry Bourbon Smash is another fruity drink that makes a fizzy and smoky summer drink. Muddled blackberries and mint leaves draw out its refreshing fruity fragrance.
To perfect this cocktail, you need an aged bourbon, ginger ale, and fresh lemon juice.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 6oz serving contains 12% ABV
11. Rhubarb Bourbon Sour
This cocktail contains fresh lemon juice, Kentucky Bourbon, and Rhubarb simple syrup. The sharp flavor of Rhubard blends with the tanginess of lemon, working together in all the right ways making this a refreshing, tart summer drink.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 3.75oz serving contains 24% ABV
10. Grapefruit-Ginger Bourbon Sour
Grapefruit’s tartiness and ginger simple syrup spiciness can unexpectedly blend nicely with the sweet and smokey bourbon. This vitalizing cocktail drink is made in a large set in a pitcher or bowl, perfect for sharing at parties or any occasion.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 6oz serving contains 2% ABV
9. Bourbon Cherry Crush
Bourbon Cherry Crush cocktail is as refreshing as it looks. This cherry and bourbon mix is not overbearing, and you can have a great, rich, and smooth background.
It has an easy recipe with a mixture of quality bourbon, grenadine, cherry and lime juice, and club soda for the extra fizz.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 4oz serving contains 13% ABV
8. Tangerine Basil Cocktail
Tangerine Basil Cocktail is a great fusion of citrus juice and herb freshness cocktail with a full sensory experience. The acidity of tangerine pulls out notes of vanilla from the bourbon while the basil refreshes your palate.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 5oz serving contains 16% ABV
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- Popular Simple Bourbon Mixed Drinks
- Popular Winter Bourbon Mixed Drinks
- Popular Fruity Drinks To Order At A Bar
- Popular Fall Bourbon Cocktails
7. Bourbon Peach Slush
Slushy cocktails are for summer maximum experience drink, especially this Bourbon Peach Slush. Frozen or fresh seasonal peaches can be a phenomenal mixture together with bourbon. The flavor is balanced after mixing it into a blender.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 3oz serving contains 11% ABV
6. Ginger & Pear Bourbon Cocktail
Ginger and Pear Bourbon Cocktail combines pear-ginger simple syrup with tangy and sweet pear nectar, lemon juice, and your favorite oaky bourbon. It is served in a martini glass or lowball glass topped with a slice of pear.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 4.75oz serving contains 16% ABV
5. Blackberry, Thyme, Lemon Bourbon Cocktail
This zesty sweet cocktail is a light and bright cocktail you will surely adore on a summer day. It has a simple recipe with muddled blackberries in a thyme-infused simple syrup. It will light up the drink’s earthy sweetness with bourbon and lemon juice added.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 3oz serving contains 20% ABV
4. Spicy Cherry Bourbon Lemonade
Spicy Cherry Bourbon Lemonade has a four-ingredient that will make your most summer sip. The lemonade is shaken with ginger and bourbon, making a sweet, tangy, and spicy mix with the muddled cherries.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 4oz serving contains 15% ABV
3. Cherry Bourbon Smash
You’ll love this Bourbon Cherry Crush if you’re into cherries and bourbon. It’s a reddish bubbly cocktail with muddled maraschinos cherries and cherry-flavored soda paired well with the oaky bourbon.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 3oz serving contains 30% ABV
Read: Popular Bourbon Cocktails To Make At Home
2. Vanilla & Fresh Cherry Bourbon Cocktail
The Vanilla & Cherry Bourbon Smash cocktail is delicious as it sounds. The subtle smokiness of bourbon blends pleasingly with the sweet muddled cherries and aromatic vanilla aftertaste.
This easy-to-make summery cocktail has a classic taste with cherry and bourbon fusion. Check out some more sweet alcoholic drinks for beginners here.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 6oz serving contains 10% ABV
Read: Our Top Bourbon Cherries
1. Passion Fruit Bourbon Sour
The tart and sweet features of passion fruit make a great mix with the straight bourbon. Passion Fruit Bourbon Sour, or Passion Sour, includes egg whites in its recipe to create a creamy and foamy texture cocktail.
Alcohol Content Per Serving: 4.5oz serving contains 17% ABV
FAQs
What fruit juice goes with bourbon?
Citrus juices like lemon, orange, and lime go well with bourbon. Also, fruit juices like peaches, pear, and grapefruit can bizarrely complement the smoothness and oakiness of the bourbon.
Is there a fruit you shouldn’t mix with bourbon?
No, there is no fruit that you shouldn’t mix with bourbon. Bourbons can be infused with many other ingredients, even vegetables and herbs. However, overpowering a bourbon with too many elements can ruin the aroma and the cocktail drink.
Do fruits make bourbon sweet?
Yes, fruits can significantly make bourbon sweeter. However, not all fruits can make bourbon sweet.
Also, some bourbons are naturally sweet and have more sweetness than other whiskeys. [2]
What are fruity bourbon cocktails?
Fruity bourbon cocktails are mixed drinks that incorporate bourbon whiskey as a base spirit along with various fruit juices, syrups, or fresh fruits to add sweetness, acidity, and flavor complexity.
What kind of fruits are commonly used in these cocktails?
Common fruits used in fruity bourbon cocktails include oranges, lemons, limes, berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries), peaches, cherries, and apples. These fruits can be used either as juices, muddled, or as garnishes.
What types of bourbon work best in fruity cocktails?
Generally, bourbons with rich and complex flavors work well in fruity cocktails. Look for bourbons with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, as they can complement the fruity elements nicely. However, the choice of bourbon can depend on personal preference and the specific flavors you want to highlight in your cocktail.
Are there any classic fruity bourbon cocktails?
Yes, some classic fruity bourbon cocktails include the Whiskey Sour (which typically includes lemon juice and simple syrup), the Bourbon Smash (with muddled berries and mint), and the Old Fashioned variation called the New Fashioned (with muddled oranges, cherries, and a splash of soda water).
Can I make fruity bourbon cocktails ahead of time for a party?
While some components of fruity bourbon cocktails can be prepared in advance (such as simple syrups or fruit garnishes), it’s generally best to mix the cocktails just before serving to ensure freshness and optimal flavor.
Are there any non-alcoholic substitutes for bourbon in these cocktails?
Yes, if you prefer non-alcoholic versions, you can substitute bourbon with non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives or simply omit the bourbon and focus on the fruity elements, using ingredients like fruit juices, flavored syrups, and soda water.
In Summary
Fruit juices are an excellent mixer for any bourbon. It balances the earthiness of the bourbon and complements bourbon’s sweet vanilla and oaky notes.
We have to say that the fresh cherries are not just good at garnishing cocktails but also are an ideal pair for a fruity bourbon drink, especially when muddled in.
The next time you’re in for a fruity bourbon concoction, you might want to consider the list we made.
References:
- https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/figgy-bourbon-fizz-3501350
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/cooking-tips-tutorials/a40273383/bourbon-vs-whiskey/
