Ever sipped a fine bourbon and thought, “This needs a little something extra”? You are not alone. Finding the perfect mixer for bourbon can turn a good drink into a great one. But with so many choices out there—from simple sodas to fancy handcrafted juices—how do you pick the right partner for your whiskey?
Many bourbon lovers face this mixer dilemma. You want to enhance the rich, warm flavors of your bourbon, not mask them. Choosing the wrong mixer can easily overpower those subtle notes of vanilla or oak you paid good money for. It is frustrating when a delicious bourbon tastes flat or sickly sweet because of a poor pairing.
This post cuts through the noise. We will explore the best mixers that complement bourbon, balancing flavor without stealing the show. You will learn simple rules for matching tastes and discover surprising combinations you might never have considered. Get ready to unlock new levels of enjoyment from your favorite spirit.
Top Mixer For Bourbon Whisky 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.
- 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.
- A WHISKEY DRINKER'S MUST-HAVE: Variety Pack includes Master of Mixes Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour drink mixes (33.8 Fl OZ/1L Each)
- 3 CLASSIC, SCRATCH COCKTAIL RECIPES: MANHATTAN - Slightly sweet cherry, with vermouth notes and hints of bitters | OLD FASHIONED - Tangy orange and sweet cherry notes, rounded out by touches of herbs and spices from the bitters | WHISKEY SOUR - Juicy and fresh lemon with a soft balance of tartness and sweetness.
- INSPIRING COCKTAILS: Master of Mixes Cocktail Mixers make the world’s most popular cocktails using only the finest ingredients.
- READY TO USE: Simply add your favorite bourbon, whiskey, or rye to create the most perfectly balanced traditional whiskey cocktails. Or, add your favorite spirit and get creative with a new recipe.
- PERFECTLY PACKAGED: 3-pack of 1L bottles (33.8 fl oz) of each drink mix flavor comes boxed for safe shipping
- 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 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.
- Hardcover Book
- Parragon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 10/09/2022 (Publication Date) - Cottage Door Press (Publisher)
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Manhattan every time with Luxe Mixology's refined easy cubes. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is the perfect addition to your bar cart for an easy and simple Manhattan. 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.
- AROMATIC BITTERS & ORANGE ZEST: Aromatic bitters, ripe cherry, and fresh orange peel mixed with the perfect blend of spices create the best Manhattan drink mixer.
- SIMPLE TO USE: This flavored cocktail mix is easy to use just drop one to two cubes to start, muddle with a little water or spirit, add ice, pour spirit of choice, stir and enjoy. Gluten-free. Contains no-alcohol. Naturally infused flavored sugar cubes. Craft bar quality cocktails made easy - the perfect Manhattan!
- GIFTS FOR MEN & WOMEN - handcrafted in Arizona, and used by professional bartenders, Luxe Mixology's best cocktail mixer is perfect if you’re looking for fathers day gifts for men, bourbon gifts, bartender gifts, drinkers gifts, alcohol gifts, cocktail gifts or simply an upgrade to your bar wherever you go.
- Made with all-natural ingredients and contains only 10 calories. Cube Flavors Notes: All the biters, cherry, touch of sugar sweetness, and fresh orange garnish flavor components to make an incredible Manhattan easy.
Finding Your Perfect Bourbon Mixer: A Buying Guide
Choosing the right mixer for your bourbon can really change your drink. You want something that tastes good and works well with your whiskey. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a bourbon mixer, look for these important things:
- Flavor Profile: Does the mixer taste sweet, sour, or spicy? Bourbon is usually sweet and oaky. A good mixer should balance that. Try citrus flavors like lemon or lime. Vanilla or caramel notes also work well.
- Sweetness Level: Some mixers are very sugary. Too much sugar hides the bourbon’s taste. Look for mixers that let the bourbon shine through. Check if you can adjust how much you add.
- Carbonation (If Applicable): If you want a fizzy drink, check the bubbles. Strong, long-lasting bubbles are best. Flat soda ruins a good bourbon and mixer combination quickly.
- Natural Ingredients: Mixers made with real fruit juice or natural sweeteners often taste much better than those with artificial flavors.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials matter, especially if you are buying a specialized mixing tool, like a shaker or a specific glass, but for the mixer *liquid itself*, focus on what goes into it.
- Real Sugar vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup: Real cane sugar usually gives a cleaner, smoother taste. High fructose corn syrup can sometimes taste artificial or too sharp.
- Source of Flavor: If the label says “natural flavors,” that is usually a good sign. Avoid mixers with long lists of chemical-sounding ingredients.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a mixer great, and what makes it terrible?
Quality Boosters:
- Using fresh ingredients, like squeezing your own lemon or lime juice, always improves quality.
- Using premium ginger ale or high-quality cola specifically designed to pair with spirits.
- Choosing mixers that are slightly acidic, as this cuts through the richness of the bourbon.
Quality Reducers:
- Mixers that are overly sweet mask the complex flavors of good bourbon.
- Using stale or flat soda or mixers. The bubbles carry the flavor.
- Mixers with too many artificial colors or preservatives can leave a strange aftertaste.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your mixer.
Simple Highballs: If you just want a quick drink (bourbon and soda), you need a simple, high-quality carbonated mixer, like a good club soda or ginger ale. You want something easy to pour and enjoy right away.
Cocktails: If you are making Old Fashioneds or Manhattans, you might need bitters or simple syrup. These are usually added in small amounts. For these, the purity of the syrup is very important.
Serving Temperature: Always chill your mixers before using them. A cold mixer keeps your bourbon cold without watering it down too fast with ice.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bourbon Mixers
Q: What is the most classic mixer for bourbon?
A: The most classic mixers are simple soda (club soda) or ginger ale. These are used to make a simple highball.
Q: Should I use diet soda with my bourbon?
A: Many people avoid diet sodas. The artificial sweeteners in diet drinks often change the taste of the bourbon in an unpleasant way.
Q: Can I use fruit juice as a mixer?
A: Yes, pure cranberry, apple, or orange juice works well. Always try to use 100% juice, not juice drinks with lots of added sugar.
Q: How much mixer should I use compared to bourbon?
A: A good starting point is usually 1 part bourbon to 2 or 3 parts mixer. Adjust this based on how strong you like your drink.
Q: What flavor of tonic water works best with bourbon?
A: Look for a lower-sugar tonic water or one flavored with citrus like grapefruit. Standard tonic can sometimes clash with the vanilla notes in bourbon.
Q: Do I need to shake bourbon mixers?
A: No. If you are mixing bourbon with a carbonated mixer, you gently stir it once or twice. Shaking causes the carbonation to go flat quickly.
Q: What makes a mixer “premium”?
A: Premium mixers usually use natural ingredients, less artificial coloring, and often have a more complex flavor profile, like real cane sugar instead of corn syrup.
Q: Can I use sweet tea as a bourbon mixer?
A: Absolutely. Bourbon and sweet tea is a very popular combination, especially in the Southern United States. It creates a refreshing, slightly tannic drink.
Q: Does the ice affect the mixer quality?
A: Yes. If you use old ice that has a freezer taste, that taste will transfer to your cold mixer and ruin your drink.
Q: Are bitters considered a mixer?
A: Bitters are technically a flavoring agent, not a main mixer. They are used in very small amounts (dashes) to add complexity to cocktails like the Old Fashioned, but they do not make up the bulk of the liquid.