Ever poured a glass of smooth bourbon, only to wonder what to mix it with? Finding the perfect partner for your whiskey can feel like a mystery. Some mixers are too sweet, others clash with the bourbon’s rich flavor. You want something that truly complements, not overpowers, your spirit. It’s frustrating when a great bourbon gets lost in a bad mix.
This quest for the ideal bourbon companion is what we’re tackling today. We’re diving deep into the world of bourbon mixers. You’ll learn what works best and why. Forget the guesswork! By the end of this post, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently choose a mixer that makes your next bourbon drink sing.
Top Bourbon Mixer Recommendations
- 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.
- 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
- 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!
- 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)
- 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.
- Platinum & Multi-Double Gold Medal Winner – Our Old Fashioned Cocktail mixer syrup is a perfect for anyone seeking a top-tier cocktail experience. Spend less time mixing and more time mingling
- Handcrafted – Kettle made in Portland, Oregon, with premium ingredients that deliver a balanced and rich complexity to your favorite bourbon, whiskey, or rye
- Smooth & Rich Taste – Perfectly pairs with oak barrel aged spirits, blending two premium natural bitters, orange, and Italian marasca cherry with traditional sorghum, maple syrup, and dark brown sugar
- Perfect for Home and On-the-Go – Pocket-sized single-serve sachets of Old Fashioned Cocktail mixer syrup, ideal for home, travel, or parties. No refrigeration, no waste, no sugar-stuck glass bottle lids
- Easy – Just add one sachet to two ounces of your favorite bourbon, rye, or whiskey, then add ice and stir for 30-seconds. Enjoy a perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail in seconds, anywhere and anytime
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Perfect Bourbon Mixer
A good bourbon mixer can turn a simple glass of whiskey into a fantastic drink. Whether you like an Old Fashioned or a simple bourbon and ginger ale, choosing the right mixer matters. This guide helps you find the best one for your taste buds.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a bourbon mixer, look closely at these important parts. These features decide how good your drink will taste.
Flavor Profile and Sweetness Level
- Balance: The best mixers do not totally hide the bourbon’s flavor. They should complement it. Look for mixers that offer a good balance of sweet, sour, or spicy notes.
- Sweetness: Some people like very sweet drinks. Others prefer less sugar. Check the label for how sweet the mixer is. You do not want a mixer that tastes like pure syrup.
- Complexity: High-quality mixers often have more than one flavor note. Think about citrus, vanilla, or spice. These add depth to your bourbon cocktail.
Concentration and Dilution
- Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Drink (RTD): Some mixers come as a strong concentrate. You add water or bourbon to them. RTD mixers are ready to pour immediately. Decide which format works best for your home bar.
- Consistency: A good mixer keeps its flavor strong even when you add ice. Poor quality mixers often become watery too fast.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What goes into your mixer strongly affects the final taste. Always check the ingredient list.
Natural vs. Artificial Ingredients
- Real Juice: Mixers made with real fruit juice (like real lemon or lime) taste much fresher. Artificial flavorings often taste sharp or fake.
- Sweeteners: Pure cane sugar is usually better than high-fructose corn syrup. Natural sweeteners like maple or honey can add nice background notes, depending on the mixer style.
- Preservatives: While some preservatives help keep the mixer fresh, too many can change the taste. Look for shorter ingredient lists when possible.
Carbonation Quality (For Sodas/Ginger Ales)
If you choose a sparkling mixer, the bubbles matter. High-quality mixers use natural carbonation or high-quality added carbonation. This makes the fizz last longer in your glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Many small things can make a mixer great or terrible.
Quality Boosters
- Aged Ingredients: Some premium mixers age spices or ingredients, similar to how bourbon ages. This process deepens the flavor.
- Small Batch Production: Mixers made in smaller batches often receive more careful attention during production. This usually means better overall quality control.
Quality Reducers
- Overpowering Scents: If a mixer smells too strongly of artificial cherry or lemon, it will likely overpower your bourbon.
- Thin Texture: A mixer that feels watery when you pour it lacks body. Good mixers have a pleasant, slightly thicker texture that coats the tongue nicely.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the mixer. This affects the size and type you should buy.
Ease of Use
If you make cocktails often, a large bottle of concentrate saves money and space. If you only make a drink once a week, a smaller, ready-to-drink bottle might be better so it does not go flat.
Best Use Cases
- Classic Cocktails (e.g., Whiskey Sour): You need a high-quality sour mix here—fresh citrus flavor is vital.
- Simple Highballs (e.g., Bourbon & Ginger): The quality of the ginger or cola flavor is the most important thing. The mixer should be crisp and spicy, not overly sweet.
- Batch Mixing: If you host parties, look for bulk containers of reliable mixers that mix well consistently every time.
Bourbon Mixer Buying FAQ
Q: What is the most important thing to check on the label?
A: You should check the ingredient list first. Look for real fruit juices and natural sweeteners instead of artificial ones. Real ingredients usually mean a better-tasting drink.
Q: Should I buy a sweet mixer or a sour mixer for bourbon?
A: This depends on your taste. Bourbon is naturally sweet. A sour mixer, like one with strong lemon or lime, helps cut through that sweetness. If you like sweeter drinks, choose a milder mixer.
Q: How does the mixer affect the bourbon’s original taste?
A: A poor-quality mixer will completely hide the unique flavors of your bourbon—like the oak or vanilla notes. A good mixer will enhance those flavors, making the bourbon stand out more, not less.
Q: Are expensive mixers always better?
A: Not always, but often they are. More expensive mixers usually use higher-quality ingredients, like real cane sugar or fresh extracts. However, sometimes a very simple, high-quality ginger ale costs less than a fancy, complicated mixer.
Q: How long do bourbon mixers last once opened?
A: Ready-to-drink mixers usually last about one to three weeks in the refrigerator once opened. Concentrates last longer, sometimes a month or more, because they have less water content.
Q: What is the difference between a mixer and a simple syrup?
A: Simple syrup is just sugar dissolved in water. A mixer usually adds flavor, like fruit juice, spices, or bitters, to the sugar and water base.
Q: Can I use these mixers for non-alcoholic drinks?
A: Yes! Most bourbon mixers taste great with sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing, non-alcoholic soda. The concentrated flavors work well on their own.
Q: What kind of mixer works best for beginners?
A: Beginners should start with a simple, high-quality ginger ale or a balanced Old Fashioned mix. These are easy to use and forgiving if you pour a little too much.
Q: Does the type of bourbon I use matter with the mixer?
A: Yes, it matters a lot. If you use a very expensive, aged bourbon, use a high-quality mixer so you do not waste the bourbon’s flavor. For well bourbon, a standard, good-tasting mixer works fine.
Q: Should I look for low-sugar options?
A: If you watch your sugar intake, look for mixers specifically labeled as “low sugar” or those sweetened with alternatives like stevia or monk fruit. Read the nutrition facts carefully, as sometimes the flavor suffers.