HAND CRAFTED  Bourbon cocktail recipes

The definition of fresh, the Kentucky Buck brings sweet strawberries together with the effervescent zip of ginger beer and, of course, Maker's. This cocktail combines ginger beer, citrus and the spirit of your choice – you know ours. This Buck was kicked up in 2009 by bartender Erick Castro. It has since become one of our favorites and is widely considered a modern classic.

A refreshing Mint Julep alternative, the Kentucky Made brings cucumber and lime to the party to please all. This bourbon and lime cocktail is livened up with fresh cucumber and mint. Balanced, refreshing and herbaceous, your Kentucky Made is best made with Maker’s Mark^®.

Sweet and crisp with just the right bite, this refreshing take on the Moscow Mule uses Maker's Mark^® for added depth. Perfect for those warmer days, but great any time of year. The Kentucky Mule is a pairing as easy to drink as it is to make. The spice of ginger beer compliments the caramel notes of Maker’s Mark^® to make a wholly American cocktail inspired by a vodka classic.

As delicious as it is effervescent, even the experienced mixologist will find this easy-to-make classic hard to pass up. The origins of this simple mix trace back to 1890 when a nonalcoholic drink called the Horse's Neck was made with ginger ale, ice and lemon peel. By 1910, bourbon was added to make a Stiff Horse's Neck – later abbreviated back to just Horse's Neck. We still like to simply call it like it is – a Maker's^® & Ginger.

A playful twist on a childhood classic, the Whisky Cherry Snow Cone brings grown-up flavor to shaved ice. Maker’s Mark bourbon blends beautifully with cherry, lemon and a dash of bitters (because, balance) to create a cocktail that’s equal parts refreshing and nostalgic. Best enjoyed with a spoon, a straw, and a little sunshine.

Maple syrup gives the ultimate classic American whisky cocktail a rich sweetness and depth for those looking to mix things up. This drink is a direct descendant of the Old Fashioned, which early on was considered a morning drink, originally referred to as a “whisky cocktail".

With pronounced sugar and mint notes, the Mint Julep is one of our favorite  whisky cocktails and a natural match for warmer weather, horse races and good company. The mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938 but was actually invented in Virginia. This Southern favorite nears perfection when bourbon, particularly Maker's Mark, is used as the spirit of choice.

A bit like a “cold toddy,” the Penicillin cocktail brings together the comforting flavors of lemon and honey, a touch of smoke from scotch, a zing of ginger and, of course, Maker’s Mark. A tale of two whiskies, the Penicillin cocktail opens with aromas of smoke and peat and then gives way to a balanced sweetness and a pop of spice. Maker’s, Scotch, ginger, honey and lemon recall the flavors of warm drinks, but in this case, are best served on the rocks.

Layered with sweet and tart flavors, the Spiced Apple Spritz combines Maker’s Mark Classic with apple cider, sparkling wine, and a special blend of spices for a unique demerara syrup. With a splash of fresh lemon juice and apple slice for garnish, this whisky cocktail will be the belle of the fall.

The Spiced Pumpkin Old Fashioned combines the best flavors of the Fall for a decadent seasonal American whisky cocktail.

Apple Butter transforms the classic Old Fashioned into a tasty treat meant to be sipped and savored. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, angostura bitters, and brown simple syrup set the stage for apple butter to shine through. Garnish with an orange peel for a sweet and aromatic delight. 

A taste of the season emerges through the Spiced Cranberry Sidecar. Maker’s Mark 46 fuses with orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of cranberry marmalade. With a garnish of orange peel, this whisky cocktail becomes both fragrant and artesional.