Bourbon Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Bourbon Cooler Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:12g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Bourbon Cooler is a refreshing and classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. It is believed to have originated in the southern United States, where bourbon is a popular spirit. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the rich and smooth taste of bourbon, but want something lighter and more refreshing for a hot summer day.
- The Bourbon Cooler has been a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts for its perfect balance of flavors.
- It is often served at outdoor gatherings and barbecues, making it a popular choice for warm weather.
- The use of fresh ingredients, such as mint and lemon, adds a refreshing twist to the classic bourbon flavor.
How Bourbon Cooler Tastes?
The Bourbon Cooler has a smooth, slightly sweet, and refreshing taste. The bourbon provides a rich and warm base, while the lemon and mint add a bright and zesty kick. The club soda gives it a light and effervescent finish.
Interesting facts about Bourbon Cooler
- The Bourbon Cooler is sometimes referred to as a 'Kentucky Cooler' due to its association with the bourbon-producing state.
- The cocktail is often garnished with a sprig of fresh mint, which not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the aroma and flavor.
- The Bourbon Cooler can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences by adjusting the amount of bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Ingredients
- Bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Club soda: 4 oz(120ml)
- Mint leaves: 6
- Fresh mint sprig: 1
- Lemon wheel: 1
Bourbon
- Why: The soul of the cocktail. It's the base spirit that provides a sweet, caramel and vanilla flavor that's essential.
- Impacts missing: Without it, it's not a Bourbon Cooler—it's just lemonade with mint.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
- Why: Adds a fresh, tart dimension that balances the sweetness from the syrup and bourbon.
- Impacts missing: Without it, the drink would be too sweet and lack complexity.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
- Why: To add sweetness, balancing the sourness of lemon juice.
- Impacts missing: Without it, the cocktail might be unpalatably tart.
Mary Mitkina
Club Soda
- Why: Adds effervescence, lightness, and dilutes the drink to a pleasant sipping strength.
- Impacts missing: Without it, the drink would be too strong and not as refreshing.
Emma Rose
Mint Leaves
- Why: They provide a cool, refreshing herbal note that's crucial for a 'cooler' type cocktail.
- Impacts missing: Without the mint, you miss the fresh, cooling sensation.
Alex Green
Fresh Mint Sprig & Lemon Wheel
- Why: For aroma and visual appeal, which greatly enhances the overall drinking experience.
- Impacts missing: You'd lose the inviting look and part of the olfactory joy.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Bourbon Cooler Drink
- In a shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup.
- Add the bourbon and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lemon wheel.
Pro Tips
- Muddle the mint leaves gently to avoid bitterness.
- Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
- Chill the glass before serving for a refreshing experience.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses, especially nutty ones like Gouda or Swiss, complements the caramel notes of the bourbon.
- Barbecue sliders: The smoky flavor of barbecue pork or chicken sliders harmonizes with the Bourbon Cooler's robust profile.
Main Courses
- Grilled steak or chicken: The robust nature of bourbon pairs well with hearty grilled meats.
- Seafood: Lighter seafood dishes with lemon or herb dressings can provide a delightful contrast to the cocktail's sweetness.
Desserts
- Fruit tarts: The acidity of lemon in both the dessert and the cocktail create a complementary pairing.
- Vanilla ice cream: A simple vanilla ice cream can cleanse the palate between sips of this refreshing cocktail.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Bourbon Cooler
- Bourbon: Can be replaced with rye whiskey or brandy.
- Simple syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as a natural sweetener.
- Club soda: Can be substituted with tonic water or ginger ale for a different twist.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Honey Bourbon Cooler
- Ingredients: Replace simple syrup with honey syrup.
- Recipe: Same as original, with honey syrup adding a richer sweetness and an earthy note that pairs perfectly with bourbon.
Spicy Bourbon Cooler
- Ingredients: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the muddling process.
- Recipe: Same as original, but the jalapeño adds a spicy kick that contrasts with the sweetness, creating a complex flavor profile.
Berry Bourbon Cooler
- Ingredients: Add a handful of fresh berries to the muddling process.
- Recipe: Same as original, with the berries adding a fruity undertone and a touch of summer that brightens the bourbon's depth.
In case you forgot basics how to make Bourbon Cooler
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Bourbon Cooler
Can I use other types of whiskey for a Bourbon Cooler?
Yes. While bourbon gives this cocktail its signature flavor, you can substitute it with other kinds of whiskey like Scotch or Irish whiskey. However, keep in mind that it will alter the taste of the cocktail.
Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic Bourbon Cooler?
Yes. You can replace the bourbon with a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute or even a flavored syrup. However, this will significantly change the taste and texture of the cocktail.
Are there any special tools required to make a Bourbon Cooler?
A cocktail shaker and a muddler are typically used in the preparation of a Bourbon Cooler. If you don't have these, you can use a jar with a tight-fitting lid in place of a shaker, and the flat end of a wooden spoon as a muddler.
Can I make a Bourbon Cooler ahead of time?
It's best to make a Bourbon Cooler fresh, as the effervescence of the club soda and the muddled mint leaves can lose their potency over time. However, you can prepare the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture ahead of time and add the club soda and garnish just before serving.
What type of glass should I use if I don't have a highball glass?
You can use any glass that is tall and slender. A Collins glass or a pint glass would also work. The idea is to have enough room for the ice and the club soda.
More similar recipes to Bourbon Cooler!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and citrusy cocktail. It has a strong whiskey flavor, balanced by the tartness of lemon and the cooling effect of fresh mint.
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lime and sugar provides a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the cachaça adds a unique, earthy flavor. The drink is strong, yet smooth and easy to sip.
Dark 'N' Stormy
The Dark 'N' Stormy has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The rich, dark rum provides a strong base, while the ginger beer adds a refreshing, zesty kick. The lime juice adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.