Top 10 Straight Bourbon Cocktails for National Bourbon Day
Every year on June 14th, bourbon lovers across the country celebrate National Bourbon Day, a tribute to one of America’s most iconic spirits. This day serves as an opportunity to recognize bourbon’s unique place in American history and cocktail culture. As a spirit that can only be produced in the United States, meeting specific production standards, bourbon has earned its reputation as America’s native whiskey.
At Mad River Distillers, we proudly offer our own version of the American spirit, with a Vermont twist. Crafted using only regionally sourced, non-GMO grains and matured on-site in Vermont’s Mad River Valley, our Straight Bourbon reflects both traditional bourbon-making techniques and our commitment to local ingredients. The result is a bourbon with a deep, rich aroma of Vermont-grown corn, subtle smokiness on the palate, and a smooth aromatic finish that shines, whether enjoyed on its own or in a craft cocktail.
National Bourbon Day is the perfect excuse to explore some of the most beloved bourbon cocktails ever created. From spirit-forward classics to bright citrus-driven favorites, bourbon’s versatility allows it to serve as the foundation for an incredible range of drinks. Here are ten of the most popular bourbon cocktails made with our award-winning Straight Bourbon:
CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED
Few cocktails are as timeless as the Old Fashioned. Built around bourbon, bitters, sugar and citrus, this classic has just enough sweetness and complexity to enhance bourbon.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-2 oz Straight Bourbon
-1/4 oz Simple Syrup
-2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Instructions
In a mixing glass, add all ingredients with ice. Stir for about 15-20 seconds. Strain contents into an old fashioned glass over a large cube. Add an orange peel for garnish.
BOURBON MANHATTAN
Elegant and sophisticated, the Manhattan combines bourbon with sweet vermouth and bitters for a cocktail that stands the test of time.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-2 oz Straight Bourbon
-1 oz Cocchi di Torino
-4 dashes of The Bitter Housewife Barrel-Aged Bitters.
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Stir for about 8-12 seconds. Strain contents into a chilled Manhattan Coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry.
ROSEMARY’S WHISKEY SOUR
Bright citrus and bourbon create one of the most balanced cocktails ever created. Whiskey sours showcase bourbon’s ability to pair beautifully with fresh lemon and a sweetener.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-2 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-3/4 oz. of lemon juice
-1/2 oz. of Vermont Maple Syrup
-1/2 oz. of Rosemary Syrup
-2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Instructions
In a shaker, add all ingredients with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into a daiquiri coupe glass. Add a rosemary sprig for garnish.
To make a Rosemary Syrup
In a Mason Jar, take 8-10 sprigs of rosemary and place in 1 cup of boiling water. Let steep (like a tea) for five minutes, then add 1.5 cups sugar and stir until dissolved. Seal the jar and let it sit for 8-12 hours, then strain out sprigs. In a shaker, add all ingredients with ice.
MAD MINT JULEP
The official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep is refreshing, aromatic, and perfect for warm-weather sipping.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-2 oz Straight Bourbon
-1/2 oz simple syrup
-10 mint leaves
-crushed ice
-3 mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions
In a silver julep cup, add the simple syrup and 10 mint leaves. Using a muddler, gently press the mint into the simple syrup to release the oils, being careful not to tear the mint. Pour the Straight Bourbon over the muddled mint. Add crushed ice to the cup, filling until there is a slight mound at the top. Garnish with the 3 mint sprigs.
BOULEVARDIER
A whiskey lover’s answer to the Negroni, the Boulevardier combines bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a bitter aperitivo for a rich, complex cocktail.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-1.5 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-3/4 oz. of Cocchi di Torino
-3/4 oz. of Campari
Instructions
Combine in a mixing glass over ice. Stir briefly. Strain contents into a Double Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
GOLD RUSH
A modern classic featuring bourbon, honey syrup and fresh lemon juice. The Gold Rush offers bright citrus notes balanced by rich honey sweetness.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-2 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1 oz. of Honey Simple Syrup
-1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
-lemon twist
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a shaker, and shake. Strain contents in a glass, over a large ice cube. Add a twist of lemon for garnish.
NEW YORK SOUR
Visually stunning, the New York Sour builds on a classic Whiskey Sour recipe by adding a float of red wine. The wine adds depth, fruit character and elegance.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-2 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1 oz. simple syrup
-1 oz. lemon juice
-1/3 dropper of Ms. Better’s Bitters Miraculous Foamer
-1/2 oz. of red wine
Instructions
Add the Bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice and foamer to a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a large rocks glass over a large ice cube. A foam will form on the top. Insert a bar spoon upside down in the glass, bringing it into the foam a little bit. Slowly pour the red wine over the spoon, then enjoy!
PAPER PLANE
A contemporary favorite that balances bourbon with equal parts aperitivo and citrus for a cocktail that is both approachable and complex.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-3/4 oz Straight Bourbon
-3/4 oz Aperol
-3/4 oz Amaro Nonino
-3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a shaker with lots of ice. Shake hard until frost appears on the shaker tin. Double strain the drink into a Coupe or Martini glass.
STICK SEASON HOT TODDY
A hot toddy is both comforting and timeless, combining bourbon with honey, lemon and hot water (or in this case, cider).
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-1.5 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1/4 oz. of honey
-1/4 oz. of fresh lemon juice
-2 dashes of bitters (we recommend Cardamom or Bokers)
-hot cider
-orange twist
Instructions
Combine all ingredients (except the hot cider) in an Irish coffee mug. Stir to incorporate, then top with hot cider. Garnish with an orange twist
BLOOD ORANGE & BASIL BOURBON SMASH
The refreshing bourbon smash combines fruit with bourbon and herbs for a versatile drink that highlights seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail
-2 oz. of Straight Bourbon
-1 oz. of Simple Syrup
-2 oz. of Blood Orange Juice
Instructions
In a shaker, add all ingredients with ice. Shake for about 8-15 seconds. Strain contents into a glass over fresh ice. Add a basil leaf for garnish.
Whether your bourbon cocktail of choice is an Old Fashioned, a Mint Julep, a Whiskey Sour, or something more adventurous, National Bourbon Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate America’s native spirit. We invite you to explore these classic bourbon cocktails using our Straight Bourbon Whiskey. If you’re looking to expand your bourbon horizons, be sure to explore our other bourbons—our Burnt Rock Bourbon which offers a distinctive flavor profile shaped by our unique aging process, and our Double Tapped Maple Bourbon Whiskey which combines the richness of bourbon with the unmistakable character of Vermont maple. Together with our Straight Bourbon, they showcase the many ways Mad River Distillers continues to put a Vermont twist on classic American whiskey.
Written and published by Brianne Lucas on June 9, 2026.
