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What To Mix With Maker’s Mark Bourbon (2024 Updated)

What To Mix With Maker's Mark 

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Maker’s Mark is one of the most popular wheated bourbons in the market. Instead of the quintessential rye, it uses red winter wheat as the flavoring agent, giving it a gentle, freshly-baked bread profile. 

That said, Maker’s Mark has a beautiful undertone that will pair extremely well with many mixers. Here are some things that let you know about What To Mix With Maker’s Mark.

Top 10 Mixers For Maker’s Mark Bourbon 

10. Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh Lemon Juice

If you love a good old Whiskey Sour, Maker’s Mark is a great option for its whiskey base.

It has a gentle profile that won’t clash with the tanginess and acidity of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Make sure to add a bit of simple syrup to bring an element of sweetness to the overall drink. 

9. Sweet Vermouth

Sweet Vermouth

A classic Manhattan wouldn’t be complete without a dash of sweet vermouth. Its vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and herbal flavor notes perfectly complement the wheated bourbon.

We like using really good quality sweet vermouth (Dolin or Cocchi) because we find that it elevates the drink even more. [1

Read: Cocktail Drinks With Maker’s Mark Bourbon

8. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola

Whiskey and Coke is one of the most iconic pairings that we would be remiss if we didn’t include Coca-Cola in this list.

You can never go wrong with mixing one can of Coca-Cola with two ounces of Maker’s Mark and serving it in a highball glass with lots of ice.

You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to make Vanilla Whiskey and Coke (or what we like to call the Perfect Summer Drink). 

7. Maple Syrup 

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup brings out woodsy and earthy tones to any drink, and pairing it with Maker’s Mark will bring out its sweetness and depth even more.

We like adding a bit of maple syrup (instead of a sugar cube) to a classic Old Fashioned to add a bit of an earthy tone to the overall drink and garnishing with a cinnamon stick. 

But how long is Maker’s Mark aged?

6. Maraschino Cherry

Maraschino Cherry

The maraschino cherry is a classic garnish in many whiskey cocktails. It has a syrupy profile with a hint of almond, giving the cocktail more sweetness. 

A classic Manhattan is always topped with a maraschino cherry. It is made by mixing three parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon, one part sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters in a small rocks glass. Make sure to top it off with the cherry. 

5. Sugar

Sugar

While wheated bourbons, like Maker’s Mark, are generally sweeter by nature, adding a bit of sugar wouldn’t hurt to bring out its sweetness even more.

A sugar cube is typically added when making an Old Fashioned to balance out the bitters‘ flavors. 

Muddle a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, an orange rind, a maraschino cherry, and a bit of water at the bottom of a rocks glass. Add ice and pour in 1.5 ounces of Maker’s Mark Bourbon. 

Read: Maker’s Mark Bourbon vs Buffalo Trace

4. Champagne

The Champagne Mint Julep is an effervescent bourbon cocktail drink you can make with Maker’s Mark. It takes the classic Mint Julep recipe and adds a bit of champagne and elderflower liqueur for a touch of class. 

To make the Champagne Mint Julep, muddle two parts of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, half a part of elderflower liqueur, and some mint leaves.

Once that’s all incorporated, add lots of crushed ice and top everything off with champagne. It’s a great drink you can serve for a romantic dinner at home with your spouse. 

3. Ginger Ale

Ginger Ale

Ginger ale has a sour and citrusy note that perfectly balances out the naturally sweet flavors of Maker’s Mark.

The Maker’s and Ginger cocktail is a simple cocktail you can make at home. Simply pour two ounces of Maker’s Mark into a highball glass, add lots of ice, and top everything off with ginger ale. 

You can add a bit of simple syrup or honey to add an element of sweetness to the drink, but we find it unnecessary. 

Read: Maker’s Mark Bourbon & Maker’s 46 Compared

2. 7-Up

7-Up

If you find the classic Old Fashioned a tad too bitter for your liking, you can experiment by adding sweeter elements — in this case, an ice-cold can of 7-Up.

To make the Sweet Old Fashioned, combine Maker’s Mark, Angostura bitters, and grenadine as usual in a rocks glass, and add a large ice sphere to cool everything down.

Top everything off with 7-Up, and garnish with an orange wedge and maraschino cherry

1. Fresh Orange Slice

Fresh Orange Slice

It’s a no-brainer that the sweeter profile of fresh orange slices will work extremely with Maker’s Mark Bourbon.

One of our favorite cocktails to make with this wheated bourbon is the Maker’s Mark Cranberry Orange Cocktail, made with fresh, tangy cranberry and orange juice flavors. 

To make this festive cocktail, simply mix one part each of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, orange juice, and cranberry juice in a nice cocktail glass, and add a bit of maple syrup to add an element of sweetness.

We recommend using cranberries and an orange slice for garnish, and you can also add a rosemary twig for that added holiday vibe. 

FAQs Related to What to Mix with maker’s mark

Is Maker’s Mark a sipping whiskey?

It also isn’t that bold and spicy but rather very mellow, making it perfect for people who want a chill drink. 

Is Maker’s Mark a good beginner whiskey?

Yes, Maker’s Mark is definitely a sipping whiskey. It has sweet flavor notes from the red winter wheat that blooms even more when served with a pipette of water.
Yes, Maker’s Mark is definitely a good beginner whiskey. Due to its usage of red winter wheat as the main flavoring agent (instead of the usual rye), it has a sweeter and softer profile that beginners will take a liking to.
Of course, those with more experienced palates would still enjoy its flavor depth and nuances. 

How do you drink Maker’s Mark bourbon?

We find that Maker’s Mark Bourbon is best enjoyed on the rocks or with a pipette of water.
It’s not a bold and spicy whiskey, so a bit of water is needed to help coax out the flavors even more. Of course, no one’s stopping you from enjoying it neat if that’s what you prefer. 

Can I mix Maker’s Mark with other beverages? 

Yes! Maker’s Mark mixes well with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails and mixed drinks, enhancing its flavor profile while complementing its smoothness.

What are some popular mixers for Maker’s Mark? 

Popular mixers for Maker’s Mark include sweet vermouth for classic cocktails like the Manhattan, ginger beer for a refreshing Kentucky Mule, or lemon-lime soda for a simple yet tasty highball.

Can I use Maker’s Mark in cocktails other than whiskey classics? 

Absolutely! Maker’s Mark is versatile and can be used in a wide range of cocktails, including innovative creations like the Maple Bourbon Smash or the Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned.

Are there any non-alcoholic mixers that pair well with Maker’s Mark?

Yes! You can mix Maker’s Mark with ingredients like ginger ale, apple cider, or cold brew coffee for non-alcoholic alternatives that still highlight its rich flavor and aroma.

Final Thoughts

Maker’s Mark is a gentle wheated bourbon that will provide a great balance to any of the mixers listed above without being too overwhelming. 

We find that sweeter mixers like orange juice, 7-Up, and the classic Coke complement the natural sweetness in Maker’s Mark. You’ll naturally gravitate towards these mixers if you have a sweet tooth. 

Of course, you can also use tart ingredients for a lip-smackingly sweet and sour drink. Ginger ale and fresh lemon juice are the best go-to’s, and you can always add a bit of honey or simple syrup to add an element of sweetness. 

Try any of these mixers out to create your own Maker’s Mark bourbon cocktails, and let us know what you think. 

Reference: 

  1. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ted-allen/classic-manhattan-cocktail-recipe-3381462 
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