Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Food and Recipes
  3. Party Food and Drink
  4. 30 Bourbon Cocktail Recipes That Are Basically Made for Southern Porch-Sipping

30 Bourbon Cocktail Recipes That Are Basically Made for Southern Porch-Sipping

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors Updated February 22, 2021
Skip gallery slides
FB
Old Fashioned Cocktail
Credit: Southern Living

If we had to pick a house beverage for the South, it would likely be a bourbon cocktail. This Kentucky-born spirit is a Southern signature that has made a huge resurgence in the past decade. Now, the old-fashioned is getting new-fashioned makeovers in bars across the South, and there are entire menus devoted to bourbon cocktails. What's the best way to drink bourbon? You can't go wrong with on the rocks or straight up, but it's hard not to love these jazzy bourbon cocktail recipes. Including classic sippers like bourbon sweet tea, bourbon-spiked Arnold Palmers, and refined Mint Juleps for Derby Day—plus, spritzes and adult slushes that are too tasty to resist!—this list can make a bourbon expert out of any home bartender. So get out your highball glasses and your shaker, because these bourbon cocktails are perfect for quiet nights on the porch and good times to be had.

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea

Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

Recipe: Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea

Peach offers the most amazing tart, sweet infusion into traditional bourbon sweet tea. It's just the recipe to kick off peach season. 

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers

Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers

Spiked with bourbon or rum, this sweet tea is just for the adults. Garnish with fresh mint and lemon slices for a sophisticated presentation.

2 of 30

3 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Basil Bourbon Orange Smash

Basil Bourbon Orange Smash
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Basil Bourbon Orange Smash

Once you've tried this bourbon-rich, orange-infused smash cocktail, you'll never want to go back to any other summertime refreshment. 

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Aperol-Bourbon Fizz

Aperol Bourbon Fizz
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Aperol-Bourbon Fizz

Everyone's favorite refreshing fizz just got a honky-tonk makeover. Kidding—a little! Turns out, orange liqueur pairs wonderfully with bourbon. 

4 of 30

5 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Big Batch Mint Tea Juleps

Bourbon Mint Tea
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Big Batch Mint Tea Juleps

This iced cocktail features the best of two classic Southern drinks: the mint julep and sweet tea. For best results, sip in a rocking chair on a front porch somewhere.

5 of 30

6 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cherry Bourbon Cheerwine

Cherry Bourbon Cheerwine
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Cherry Bourbon Cheerwine

Bring back a nostalgic childhood favorite with a boozy twist. This is the most cheerful Saturday drink there ever was. 

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Shoo-Fly Punch

Shoo-Fly Punch
Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Shoo-Fly Punch

Ginger beer is the flavor secret in this spicy but refreshing cocktail. It gives the best pop of spicy ginger to this crowd-favorite cocktail.

7 of 30

8 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bourbon Pear and Hard Cider Cocktail

Bourbon Pear and Hard Cider Cocktail
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Bourbon Pear and Hard Cider Cocktail

Nothing feels more autumn-ready—which bourbon already exceeds at, by the way—than this cider cocktail recipe that is best enjoyed alongside friends or loved ones all season long. 

8 of 30

9 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bourbon Pink Grapefruit Fizz

Bourbon Pink Grapefruit Fizz
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Bourbon Pink Grapefruit Fizz

Have you seen a prettier bourbon drink? No? We didn't think so, either. Tartness from grapefruit and zing from sparkling water make the robust liquor feel warm weather-friendly. 

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sweet Tea Mule

Sweet Tea Mule
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Sweet Tea Mule

This drink is a boozy spin on the South's favorite beverage, and we've never been more happy to brew a batch of sweet tea.

10 of 30

11 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Old Fashioned Cocktail

Old Fashioned Cocktail
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Old Fashioned Cocktail

Make this classic even more drinkable with crushed ice cubes to keep the good times going. 

11 of 30

12 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mint Julep Slush

Mint Julep Slush
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Mint Julep Slush

We turned a classic bourbon cocktail on its head with one tiny change (hint: it's slushed ice!). And trust us, it's a game-changer. 

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher

Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher

This isn't your basic Arnold Palmer, thanks to spiced black tea bags, which go deliciously with the flavors of lemonade, bourbon, and just a touch of sweetness. 

13 of 30

14 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mississippi Mudslides

Mississippi Mudslides
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Mississippi Mudslides

Like a chocolate milkshake with an extra kick that makes it even more enjoyable—that's what a Mississippi Mudslide brings to the table. 

14 of 30

15 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch

Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch
Credit: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch

Talk about a happy hour sensation. This bourbon punch is as bright and cheery on the table as it is delicious when it hits your lips. 

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Gingered Seelbach Cocktail

Gingered Seelbach Cocktail
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Gingered Seelbach Cocktail

Feel like the coolest cat in town with this champagne drink topped off with a shot of bourbon, bitters, and ginger liqueur. 

16 of 30

17 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Frozen Peach Old Fashioned

Frozen Peach Old Fashioned
Credit: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Frozen Peach Old Fashioned

Served ice-cold and topped with fresh mint, these summer-ready peach cocktails will help keep you keep cool all season long.

17 of 30

18 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bourbon Cola Grenadine Slush

Bourbon Cola Grenadine Slush
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Bourbon Cola Grenadine Slush

Homemade cherry-cola, anyone? All it takes to make this frozen cocktail recipe is some Coca-Cola, your favorite bourbon, cherry syrup, and a few maraschinos to garnish. 

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Triple B Milk Punch

Triple B Milk Punch
Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Recipe: Triple B Milk Punch

You don't only get bourbon with this recipe, but also brandy and buttermilk, too. Which is where it gets the name, "Triple B!" This cozy winter drink is perfect for the holidays. 

19 of 30

20 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hot Bourbon-Orange Tea Toddy

Hot Bourbon-Orange Tea Toddy
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Recipe: Hot Bourbon-Orange Tea Toddy

Something about a Hot Toddy really warms the soul, and you'll love whipping up this recipe that uses orange tea and fresh ginger.

20 of 30

21 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Classic Mint Julep

Classic Mint Julep
Credit: Brent Hofacker/Getty Images

Recipe: Classic Mint Julep

Mint juleps are the quintessential Southern cocktail. All you need for this classic version is fresh mint, mint simple syrup, and bourbon. Leftover simple syrup keeps refrigerated about one week and perfectly sweetens iced tea. 

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hot and Cold Bourbon Ginger Slush

Hot and Cold Bourbon Ginger Slush
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Hot and Cold Bourbon Ginger Slush

Bet you didn't think there was a spoonful of red pepper jelly in this boozy slush, huh? It's the secret to the subtle touch of sweet heat that complements bourbon and ginger beer.

22 of 30

23 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher

Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher

This Arnold Palmer-inspired drink gets extra personality with bourbon, a delicious honey simple syrup, and fresh orange slices. 

23 of 30

24 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Big Batch Bourbon Ginger Ale Punch

Big Batch Bourbon Ginger Ale Punch
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Big Batch Bourbon Ginger Ale Punch

Bourbon, but make it springtime party-appropriate? Even the girliest spread could appreciate this champagne punch with lime.

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Alan Jackson's Eggnog

Alan Jackson's Eggnog
Credit: AJ's Good Time Bar

Recipe: Alan Jackson's Eggnog

If it's good enough for a country legend, it's good enough to head up the Christmas family celebration. 

25 of 30

26 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch

Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch
Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch

This one's bound to get you in the autumn mood. Bourbon, apple cider, and thyme are a trio made in heaven. 

26 of 30

27 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Maple Bourbon Smash

Maple Bourbon Smash
Credit: Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Maple Bourbon Smash

Basically a bourbon smash, but made cozy like a Sunday morning with the addition of pure maple syrup, which cuts the harsh alcohol taste for those who need a buffer. 

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bourbon Slush

Bourbon Slush
Credit: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Bourbon Slush

This adult slush combines tea, lemonade, orange juice, and bourbon for the ultimate Southern cocktail.

28 of 30

29 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mississippi Bourbon Punch

Mississippi Bourbon Punch
Credit: Southern Living

Recipe: Mississippi Bourbon Punch

Muscadine wine stars in this spirited concoction of grenadine, bourbon, and a variety of fruit juices and sodas.

29 of 30

30 of 30

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pecan "Milk" Punch

Pecan "Milk" Punch
Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Pecan "Milk" Punch

Toasted pecans, cream of coconut, cinnamon, and sweetened whipped cream make it hard to tell if this bourbon concoction is a cocktail or dessert.

30 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Southern Living Editors

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 30 Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea
    2 of 30 Big-Batch Spiked Arnold Palmers
    3 of 30 Basil Bourbon Orange Smash
    4 of 30 Aperol-Bourbon Fizz
    5 of 30 Big Batch Mint Tea Juleps
    6 of 30 Cherry Bourbon Cheerwine
    7 of 30 Shoo-Fly Punch
    8 of 30 Bourbon Pear and Hard Cider Cocktail
    9 of 30 Bourbon Pink Grapefruit Fizz
    10 of 30 Sweet Tea Mule
    11 of 30 Old Fashioned Cocktail
    12 of 30 Mint Julep Slush
    13 of 30 Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher
    14 of 30 Mississippi Mudslides
    15 of 30 Spicy Bourbon-Citrus Punch
    16 of 30 Gingered Seelbach Cocktail
    17 of 30 Frozen Peach Old Fashioned
    18 of 30 Bourbon Cola Grenadine Slush
    19 of 30 Triple B Milk Punch
    20 of 30 Hot Bourbon-Orange Tea Toddy
    21 of 30 Classic Mint Julep
    22 of 30 Hot and Cold Bourbon Ginger Slush
    23 of 30 Spiced Tea Bourbon Refresher
    24 of 30 Big Batch Bourbon Ginger Ale Punch
    25 of 30 Alan Jackson's Eggnog
    26 of 30 Bourbon Apple Cider Thyme Punch
    27 of 30 Maple Bourbon Smash
    28 of 30 Bourbon Slush
    29 of 30 Mississippi Bourbon Punch
    30 of 30 Pecan "Milk" Punch

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    30 Bourbon Cocktail Recipes That Are Basically Made for Southern Porch-Sipping
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.