One main reason to stock up on a bottle of bourbon on your liquor shelf is its impressive versatility.
You can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or a part of tasty yet boozy shots.
Regardless of your preference, you can find bourbon-based drinks to enjoy – from sweet to sour bourbon shots.
If this sounds interesting to you, then keep reading as we present to you our recommended shots with bourbon.
Top 7 Easy & Cool Shots with Bourbon To Try
7. Three Wise Men
Three Wise Men is simply delicious– combining three classic American bourbon whiskeys to create a powerful shot.
Ingredients:
- 15ml Jack Daniel’s
- 15ml Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
- 15ml Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskey
Instructions: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and pour all the ingredients. Shake well and strain into your shot glass.
6. Alabama Slammer
Alabama Slammer is a refreshingly sweet shot perfect for a summer BBQ gathering or any retro party.
Ingredients:
- 10ml orange juice
- 15ml amaretto
- 15ml Sloe Gin
- 15ml Southern Comfort Bourbon Whiskey
Instructions: In your shaker, mix all the ingredients with ice. Shake well and pour the mix into your tall shot glass.
5. California Gold Rush
If miners during the California Gold Rush didn’t have the chance to taste this delicious shot, you shouldn’t miss this.
Make it even better by combining honey whiskey and lemon juice.
Ingredients:
- 1oz honey whiskey
- 1/2oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions: Mix honey whiskey and lemon juice into your cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into your shot glass and enjoy.
4. New York Sour
This New York Sour shot delivers a perfect balance of sweet yet smoky bourbon and the fruitiness of red wine.
Ingredients:
- 1 strip lemon squeeze
- 1oz Zinfandel Wine
- 1/2oz simple syrup
- 1oz lemon juice
- 2oz bourbon
Instructions: Mix wine, simple syrup, and juice into a shaker with ice for about 15 seconds. Pour into your shot glass and top it with wine and lemon squeeze.
3. Kentucky Hot Tub
This Kentucky Hot Tub shot delivers a spicy note due to the presence of the Tabasco sauce.
Ingredients:
- 3-6 drops of Tabasco sauce
- 10ml Blue Curacao liqueur
- 15ml Cointreau orange liqueur
- 15ml Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey
Instructions: Pour some ice into your shaker and add all the ingredients. Shake gently until chilled and pour into your shot glass.
2. Cupid’s Shot
The flavors of cherry juice, bourbon, and vanilla extract make a tasty Cupid’s Shot– with a taste almost similar to Manhattan.
Ingredients:
- 1/4tsp maraschino cherry juice
- 1tsp simple syrup
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5oz bourbon
Instructions: In your mixing glass, add and stir all the ingredients. Pour into your shot glass over ice. If desired, garnish it with vanilla bean or cherry.
1. Apple Cider Bourbon Shot
This Apple Cider Bourbon Shot is a must-have for any fall drink. They’re made with sweet and syrupy apples and are topped with a bourbon whiskey [1].
“You should never run out. But, in all seriousness, bourbon is meant to be savored and enjoyed any way the consumer wants.”
— Chris Morris, Master Distiller
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of bourbon
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 1tsp cinnamon
- 2 packs of unflavored gelatin
- 2 peeled and sliced apples
Instructions: Microwave apple cider for around 2 mins; remove and sprinkle the gelatin power on top. Set aside for about 5 mins, then add bourbon and stir.
Pour the mix into the shot glasses and refrigerate for around 4 hours. While waiting, coat apple slices with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
After the shots are set, put some coated apple slices on top and serve.
FAQs
Is bourbon good for shots?
Yes. Bourbon is good for making shots.
Bourbon whiskey is well-balanced compared to vodka or tequila, and the alcohol content is not that harsh. Also, it tastes great when drunk straight up.
What are the most popular shots at a bar?
The most popular shots at bars include Three Wise Men, Whiskey Highballs, Amaretto [2], Tequila shots, and Kamikaze.
What are some popular bourbon shots?
Popular bourbon shots include the classic Bourbon Shot (served neat), the Bourbon Bomb (a shot of bourbon dropped into a glass of beer or energy drink), and variations like the Honey Bourbon Shot or Cinnamon Bourbon Shot.
Can I mix bourbon with other ingredients for shots?
Yes, you can mix bourbon with other ingredients to create flavorful shots. Common mixers include lemon or lime juice, simple syrup, bitters, ginger beer, or fruit-flavored liqueurs.
Are there any specific bourbon brands that are better for shots?
While personal preference plays a significant role, some bourbon brands known for their smoothness and versatility, like Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Jim Beam, are popular choices for shots.
How do I take a shot with bourbon?
To take a shot with bourbon, pour a small amount (usually 1 to 1.5 ounces) into a shot glass, raise the glass to your lips, and quickly drink the bourbon in one swift motion.
Final Verdict
Now you have some delicious shots to try at a bar or at home, allowing you to experience various flavors.
If you’re looking for an ideal drink to enjoy, then any of the bourbon shots mentioned above are worth trying that are surely satisfying and energizing.
You can even enhance the flavors, according to your style, by tweaking some ingredients or adjusting the mixers-to-bourbon ratio.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bourbon-whiskey
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/amaretto-liqueur-history-1805685
