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By now you likely have one or two iconic bourbon cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, or the Mint Julep, in your regular line-up. But why limit yourself to the tried-and-true? When it comes to Kentucky bourbon, the riffs are endless. From gin-based cocktails to vodka classics, keep reading to learn which cocktails are perfect vessels to showcase bourbon’s versatility.  

1. Espresso Martini

Originally an obsession in the 1980s that has enjoyed a resurgence, the traditional Espresso Martini features vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and simple syrup. But by swapping out the vodka for Kentucky bourbon, you’ll find a far more sophisticated cocktail. In a drink that hides the vodka behind the bold flavors of espresso, bourbon instead adds body and a richness, while also playing up the vanilla and spice in the coffee liqueur.  

2. Irish Buck 

A beloved sipper that showcases whiskey’s natural affinity for ginger, the Irish Buck is made with Irish whiskey, ginger ale, and a splash of lime juice. However, this highball gains added depth by using a Kentucky bourbon. Be sure to use a quality ginger ale, or opt for using fresh muddled ginger alone, to match the bourbon’s heat. 

3. Negroni 

While a Negroni is hard to beat, adding bourbon in place of the more traditional gin makes for a completely different but equally delicious concoction. Known as the Boulevardier, bourbon’s rich caramel notes help balance Campari’s herbal bittersweet flavor, while the sweet vermouth is enhanced by the whiskey’s spice and toasted oak. 

4. Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a refreshing combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice. In our opinion, the cheekily named Kentucky Mule, a spin on the classic that replaces vodka with bourbon, yields a nuanced superior combination. It’s no surprise that this pairing works so well since ginger and bourbon are a complementary match. 

5. Bramble

Fruity and vibrant, the Bramble traditionally includes gin, lemon juice, and crème de mûre, a French blackberry liqueur, but we suggest tossing the gin out in favor of bourbon. The combination of the slightly tart blackberry liqueur combined with bourbon makes for a surprisingly satisfying and complex pairing that’s guaranteed to become a favorite.  

Keep reading to learn which cocktails are perfect vessels to showcase bourbon’s versatility.

Five Cocktails You Should Substitute with Kentucky Bourbon

  At Hand Barrel, our love for bourbon knows no bounds. Admired by bartenders and drinkers from coast to coast, bourbon holds a special place in our hearts. If America's whiskey has yet to become a fixture in your liquor line-up, you’re missing out on a spirit with tremendous depth. Keep reading to find out why bourbon deserves a permanent spot on every serious imbiber’s home bar. 

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It Shines in Cocktails  

While we can’t argue with the simple pleasure of sipping a dram of bourbon neat or on the rocks, it also makes a mean cocktail. Whether you're craving an Old Fashioned or a modern classic like the Paper Plane, bourbon complements a variety of liqueurs and mixers, making it a highly versatile choice. From light and fruity styles to bottles that highlight flavors of chocolate, molasses and burnt sugar, bourbon is a no-brainer for any cocktail aficionado. Another bonus; bourbon makes a great substitute for base spirits like Scotch and rum. 

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Bourbon Caters to a Niche Group of Drinkers

With an expanding selection of bourbons available on the market, there is a growing opportunity to find well-crafted bottles that cater to your individual tastes. From seasonal releases to a diverse range of styles, there’s always something new for the bourbon enthusiast to look forward to. And with the number of bourbon drinkers increasing every year, you’ll be in good company. 

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It Shows You’ve “Matured” 

Buying a great bottle of bourbon will make you feel like you’ve entered a new stage. While there are plenty of liquors that work as staples for your home bar, adding bourbon to your arsenal is a sign that your tastes are becoming more… sophisticated. Whether you’re stashing a bottle to celebrate a special milestone or rounding out your own cocktail menu, bourbon is a cultivated choice that belongs on everyone’s shelf. 


Keep reading to find out why bourbon deserves a permanent spot on every serious imbiber’s home bar.

Why Bourbon Is a Must-Have for Your Home Bar

Tired of your tequila-loving friend ordering the same cocktail? Or perhaps the vodka aficionado in your life could use something new to liven up their home bar? If your unrequited love for bourbon hasn’t already infected those around you, keep reading for tips on how to introduce the beloved spirit to the bourbon rookie in your life. We’re certain they will thank you later. 

First things first: Bourbon is a style of American whiskey; if your prospective bourbon fan is already sipping on Scotch or Irish whiskey, then you’re already halfway there. Known as “America’s Native Spirit,” a title it earned via a Congressional resolution in 1964, bourbon’s roots may not stretch as far back in history as some spirits, but it has played a significant economic, political and cultural role in the U.S. for centuries. 

When it comes to flavor, bourbon offers something for everyone. While the spirit’s base must include a minimum of 51 percent corn, the remaining 49 percent can include rye, wheat, barley, and other grains. It helps to pay attention to the brand’s mash bill to better understand the flavor profile you’re going to get. However, the mash bill is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bourbon’s complexity. 

If your friend likes their booze bold and with a little spice, then a high-rye bourbon (typically 20 to 35 percent rye) might fit the bill. Hand Barrel’s “Straight Bourbon” which contains 64 percent corn, 24 percent rye, and 12 percent barley, falls into this category. For a more subtle spirit, wheated bourbons, which include wheat and barley in place of rye, are certain to appeal to drinkers looking for something more mellow. Sweet with a kick, or soft and earthy, no matter which combination you choose, every serious drinker deserves at least one bottle of bourbon on their bar. 

Keep reading for tips on how to introduce our beloved spirit to the bourbon rookie in your life.

How to Introduce Bourbon to a Non-Bourbon Drinker

Congratulations, you’ve decided to take the leap and give “America’s Native Spirit,” a try. Enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails, you won’t be disappointed. With a dizzying selection of bottles on liquor store shelves, it can be intimidating to choose between the many brands and styles. But before you make your first bourbon purchase, there are some details to consider when hunting for the storied spirit.  

In order for a whiskey to be classified as bourbon, corn must be the majority grain. A distiller can add rye, wheat, or malted barley, just as long as corn constitutes 51 percent of the mash bill. Because corn imparts sweet notes, the more corn in the mash bill, the sweeter and richer the bourbon. For comparison’s sake, our signature mash bill includes 64 percent corn, 24 percent rye, and 12 percent barley. 

While the spirit can technically be made anywhere in the United States, the heart and soul of bourbon belongs to Kentucky. Bourbon aficionados thank the Bluegrass State’s unique limestone-filtered water and climate for creating a superior product that no other location can match. To capture that authentic flavor, Hand Barrel Bourbon is proudly distilled, aged and bottled at Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Company. 

When it comes to aging, there is no specified duration for how long the bourbon must spend in wood, but distillers are required to use charred new oak containers. One exception is “Straight Bourbon,” like Hand Barrel, which has an aging requirement of at least two years before being bottled. Our bourbon ages in American oak that has been charred to Level #4, known as the alligator char, that adds an extra layer of spice and complexity. While our 105 proof is higher than a typical bourbon, the elevated alcohol helps to balance Hand Barrel’s robust profile. 

What makes bourbon, a bourbon? Read on to find out more about America's favorite spirit.