Ever poured a glass of fine bourbon only to wonder what else could make it even better? Many bourbon lovers reach that point. You have this rich, flavorful spirit, but sometimes you crave a little something extra. Finding the perfect partner for your bourbon can feel tricky. Should it be sweet? Tart? Maybe something bubbly?
Choosing the right mixer shouldn’t be a guessing game that ruins your drink. Too often, a great bourbon gets lost or overpowered by the wrong addition. We’ve all been there—mixing something that just doesn’t quite hit the spot. That’s why exploring bourbon mixers is so important. It unlocks a whole new world of delicious possibilities for your favorite whiskey.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best mixers that truly complement bourbon’s unique character, from classic pairings to exciting new combinations. By the end, you will feel confident mixing drinks that impress you and your guests. Get ready to elevate your bourbon experience and discover your new favorite cocktail!
Top Bourbon Mixers Recommendations
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNER - Bittermilk No.1 Old Fashioned was the drink category winner of Garden & Gun magazine’s prestigious “Made in the South” Awards in 2013, and the product line has won 7+ Specialty Food Association’s SOFI Awards, including Outstanding Product Line and Best Cold Beverage.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unique from other old fashioned mixes, Bittermilk old fashioned syrup is aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Just add booze. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk No.1 to 4 Parts Spirit with lots of ice, and garnish with an orange peel. The most complex and perfect old fashioned made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits. Makes 17 or more cocktails per bottle.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS - More than just bitters! We’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels.
- 4 Award-Winning Flavors – This handcrafted cocktail syrup sampler set brings home the magic of 4 bold blends: Classic, Maple Pecan, Espresso & Smoked. Each cocktail syrup is a SIP Awards Platinum winner (2025) & Good Food Awards finalist (2019)
- Crafted for Sipping Moments – Made in the Colorado Rockies, these small-batch cocktail syrups feature organic cherries, orange peel & warm spices, and are free from artificial flavors or sweeteners. Each cocktail syrup adds depth, warmth & balance
- Make 16 Bar-Quality Cocktails – Each 1 oz bottle makes 4 drinks. Just mix with whiskey or bourbon over ice. Whether you’re hosting or relaxing solo, this cocktail syrup set turns everyday pours into old fashioned perfection in seconds
- Gift-Ready, Travel-Size Delight – This cocktail syrup set makes a memorable gift for home bartenders, holiday hosts & flavor explorers. Compact, elegant & versatile, it’s the perfect way to discover your favorite old fashioned cocktail syrup
- Simple to Mix, Hard to Forget – Add ice, a splash of cocktail syrup & your spirit of choice for a smooth, satisfying cocktail. These premium cocktail syrups also shine in mocktails for a zero-proof option that still feels special
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- ORGANIC CHERRIES & ORANGE ZEST: Tart organic cherries and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and bitter herbs create the best Old Fashioned drink mixer.
- POUR AND ENJOY: Fill your glass with ice, add Strongwater Old Fashioned craft cocktail syrup, then add the whiskey, bourbon, or rye of your choice. Be sure to check out our Old Fashioned bitters, like classic cherry bitters or orange bourbon bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- NO-NONSENSE: This flavored cocktail mix is non-GMO & gluten-free. Contains no alcohol. Best used within 3-4 months of opening.
- Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup from Woodford Reserve
- Just add bourbon for a perfect cocktail!
- Natural cherry and orange flavor combined with bitters and raw demerara sugar
- EASY TO MAKE! Pour 30 ml of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, add 10 ml of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup, stir, add ice and garnish - that's all you need to make a great Old Fashioned!
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS - Made by bartenders with real ingredients. The complex flavors in the craft cocktail mixer pair with aged spirits, like bourbon or rye whiskey, or even aged rum, scotch & other dark spirits.
- AWARD WINNING RECIPE - Using Bittermilk’s award-winning No.1 Bitter Formula found in our best selling Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned, this non-alcoholic Manhattan elixir was created to impart the flavors of Vermouth without the alcohol. Using our own herbal and botanical base and alcohol-removed port wine, combined with grapes, raisin, cherry and our No.1 Bitter Formula for subtle, aromatic bittersweetness. A bit of citrus peel and vanilla round out the flavors of the classic Manhattan cocktail.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED - Unlike any other Manhattan cocktail, Bittermilk Manhattan cocktail syrup is slowly aged in freshly emptied, once-used Willett bourbon barrels to add complexity and allow the flavors intensify as it takes on notes of bourbon and charred white oak.
- SIMPLE TO USE - Two ingredients only make one amazing cocktail. Just add booze for a cocktail. Stir 1 Part Bittermilk Manhattan mix + 4 Parts Rye or Bourbon with lots of ice. Strain, serve up in a stemmed glass, and garnish with a brandied cherry. The most complex and perfect Manhattan cocktail made at home with just two ingredients. Adjust the ratio recipe to your taste, and mix with your spirit of choice. Mixes best with aged spirits.
- ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS - Using the Bitter Formula No.1 found in our award-winning Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned, we’ve taken classic bittering agents, like gentian root and cinchona bark, along with freshly milled spiced, burnt golden cane sugar and fresh orange peel, and slowly aged it all in bourbon barrels. Non-Alcoholic Port Wine, cherries, raisins and grapes, vanilla and a hint of citrus peel, create a balanced cocktail or mocktail layered with complexity.
- Classic Bar-Quality Taste at Home: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix is a premium cocktail mixer that brings the authentic taste of a classic Old Fashioned to your glass; This expertly crafted Old Fashioned mixes delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it an ideal choice for whiskey lovers; Whether you're a beginner or an experienced mixologist, this cocktail mix ensures a smooth, flavorful drink every time, perfect for any occasion
- Perfect Flavor Profile: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix offers a well-rounded taste profile with the flavor intensity; This cocktail mixer blends cherry, citrus, and bitters to create a smooth, rich taste, making it the ideal Old Fashioned mix for whiskey lovers; Whether you use it as a bar mix or for classic Old Fashioneds, it adds depth and complexity without overpowering your drink
- Made with Quality Ingredients: Made with water, pure cane sugar, and honey, delivering a naturally sweet, smooth flavor; Infused with natural flavors and colored with vegetable juice, this cocktail mixes provides an authentic taste without artificial additives; Free from GMOs, this Old Fashion mix is perfect for those who value clean, high-quality drink mixers crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Mix it Your Way: This Old Fashion cocktail mix is perfect for more than just classic Old Fashioneds; use it as an alcohol mixers for a variety of whiskey-based drinks or as an Old Fashion mixer for bourbon; Whether you’re crafting a traditional cocktail or experimenting with new recipes, this mix enhances any drink with its smooth, authentic flavor, making it a must-have for your home bar
- Package Details: Barsmith Old Fashioned Mix - 12.7 oz Bottle (Pack of 1)
- Premium Cocktail Mix: Our Old Fashioned Cocktail Mix features real bitters and cane sugar, offering a gourmet Traditional flavor perfect for crafting high-quality cocktails at home
- Handcrafted Syrup: Enjoy the rich, handcrafted quality of our cocktail syrup, made to enhance your bartending skills with its unique and delicious flavor profiles
- Easy to Make: Create fast and easy craft cocktails with our syrup. Just mix with your favorite Bourbon, Whiskey, or Rye for a quick, professional-grade Old Fashioned
- Versatile Ingredient: Ideal for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, our natural syrups are perfect for cocktails or mocktails
- Generous Size: The 16oz bottle ensures you have enough mix for multiple servings, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or enjoying drinks at home
- Adorable 5-pack gift set featuring Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters
- Includes one each of the following flavors: Orange, Spiced Cherry, Sorghum & Sassafras, Aromatic and Chocolate
- Makes the perfect gift
- Great way to mix + match for unique Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cocktails
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Bourbon Mixers
Bourbon is a fantastic spirit. Sometimes you want to mix it to create a refreshing drink. Finding the right mixer makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best partner for your bourbon.
Key Features to Look For
The best bourbon mixers have a few important qualities. Think about these when you shop.
Sweetness Balance
- Not Too Sweet: A good mixer lets the bourbon flavor shine. If it’s too sugary, it hides the bourbon’s taste.
- Natural Sweeteners: Look for mixers using real sugar or fruit juices. Artificial sweeteners can taste strange with whiskey.
Flavor Profile Compatibility
- Complementary Notes: Bourbon often has notes of vanilla, caramel, or oak. Choose mixers that match these. Citrus (like lemon or lime) and ginger work very well.
- Complexity: Some mixers offer layers of flavor, like spices or herbs. These add excitement to a simple bourbon and mixer drink.
Carbonation Level (For Sodas/Tonic)
- Strong Bubbles: If you buy a sparkling mixer, make sure the carbonation is strong. Weak bubbles go flat quickly and ruin the drink’s texture.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What goes into the mixer matters greatly for the final taste.
Natural Juices vs. Concentrates
High-quality mixers use fresh or high-quality fruit juices. Avoid mixers that rely heavily on artificial flavorings or concentrates. Real juice provides a brighter, cleaner taste.
Water Quality
If the mixer is carbonated (like ginger ale or club soda), the water quality is crucial. Purified or spring water ensures a clean base flavor. Poor water quality can introduce off-tastes.
Spice and Herb Sourcing
For specialized mixers, like those flavored with bitters or spices, check the source. Natural extracts taste much better than synthetic versions. For example, real cinnamon or vanilla bean extract improves the drink significantly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can instantly upgrade or downgrade your bourbon cocktail.
Quality Enhancers
- Low Acidity: Mixers that are too acidic can clash harshly with bourbon. A smoother, slightly less tart profile often blends better.
- Appropriate Viscosity: Syrups or thicker mixers should be smooth, not gummy. They need to mix easily into the bourbon without clumping.
Quality Reducers
- Artificial Colors: Bright, unnatural colors usually signal artificial ingredients. These rarely improve the flavor.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): Many mass-produced sodas use HFCS. This sweetener often leaves a lingering, less pleasant aftertaste compared to cane sugar.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how and where you plan to use your bourbon mixer.
Simple Highballs
For quick drinks like a Bourbon and Ginger, you need a reliable, flavorful soda. User experience here focuses on ease of pouring and consistent carbonation. You want a mixer that tastes great straight from the bottle.
Craft Cocktails
If you are making complex drinks like an Old Fashioned variation or a specialty mule, you might need specific, unique mixers, such as artisanal syrups or shrub concentrates. The experience here is about experimentation and achieving a balanced, layered flavor profile.
Portability and Storage
If you plan to take your mixers camping or to a party, consider packaging. Cans are light and portable. Glass bottles often keep flavors fresher longer but are heavier.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bourbon Mixers
Q: What is the single best mixer for beginners?
A: Ginger ale or ginger beer is often recommended. Its spice cuts through the bourbon’s richness perfectly, making a classic, easy-to-drink highball.
Q: Should I use club soda or tonic water with bourbon?
A: Club soda is neutral and lets the bourbon flavor dominate. Tonic water contains quinine, giving it a slightly bitter, citrusy taste, which some people prefer for a lighter, more complex drink.
Q: Does the mixer need to be refrigerated before opening?
A: Most shelf-stable mixers (like sodas or bottled syrups) do not need refrigeration until they are opened. Check the label to be sure.
Q: How does mixer quality affect the cost of my drink?
A: Higher quality mixers, made with real fruit or cane sugar, usually cost more, but they drastically improve the final taste, making the slightly higher price worthwhile.
Q: Can I use simple syrup instead of a pre-made mixer?
A: Yes, simple syrup (sugar and water) is the base for many classic bourbon cocktails. However, it lacks the carbonation or added flavor complexity of commercial mixers.
Q: What flavor profile should I avoid mixing with bourbon?
A: Very strong, artificial berry flavors or overly floral mixers can sometimes clash badly with bourbon’s inherent oak and vanilla notes. Use caution with these.
Q: Are zero-sugar mixers a good option?
A: They can be, but taste is subjective. Zero-sugar options often use artificial sweeteners that may leave an aftertaste that some drinkers find unpleasant when paired with whiskey.
Q: How long do opened bourbon mixers last?
A: Once opened, carbonated mixers should be consumed within a few days, even if refrigerated, as they lose fizz quickly. Syrups can last a couple of weeks refrigerated.
Q: What is a ‘shrub’ mixer, and is it good with bourbon?
A: A shrub is a drinking vinegar mixer, usually made with fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Yes, the acidity in a shrub creates a wonderfully bright, complex counterpoint to the bourbon.
Q: Do I need to chill my mixer before using it?
A: Absolutely. Using cold mixers ensures your final drink is refreshing and maintains its carbonation longer. Warm mixers dilute quickly when poured over ice.