Do you ever stare at your bottle of bourbon, ready to pour a drink, but feel stuck on what to mix it with? Bourbon is a complex spirit with deep notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla. While purists insist on drinking it neat, a well-chosen mixer can unlock refreshing new layers of flavor. However, the wrong choice can easily overpower the whiskey’s character and ruin a perfectly good pour.
The market is flooded with sodas, juices, and syrups, making it incredibly overwhelming to pick the right match. Should you reach for the classic cola, or is something more botanical a better fit? Many people waste time and money on bad combinations that mask the expensive bottle they just bought. It is frustrating to end up with a glass that tastes like sugary syrup instead of a balanced cocktail.
In this guide, we take the guesswork out of your home bar experience. You will learn the science behind pairing flavors and discover which mixers actually highlight the best parts of your bourbon. We have tested the combinations so you do not have to. By the end of this post, you will know exactly how to craft the perfect highball or simple mixed drink that keeps the spirit of the whiskey alive. Let’s dive into the best mixers that will transform your next glass of bourbon into something truly special.
Top Mixer For Bourbon Whisky 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 mixes.
- 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, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect 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 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.
- 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
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s three refined recipes, original, espresso, and maple pecan. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, these cocktail mixers are the perfect addition to your bar cart for an old fashioned cocktail kit.
- GOOD FOODS AWARD FINALIST: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a Good Foods Award Finalist in 2019
- 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!
- SMOKED OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL SYRUP - Boost craft cocktails with this smokey and fruity syrup. Great gift for any home mixologist, it brings a hint of smoked cocktail flavoring to your drinks or you can use it as cherry syrup for sodas.
- MADE WITH REAL JUICE AND REAL SUGAR - Ditch fake flavor and use the real deal. Tart cherry juice and cinnamon spice balances out real sugar and a hint of smoke in this old fashioned drink syrup, the perfect flavors for a smoked old fashion mixer.
- OLD FASHIONED MIX SUBSTITUTE - Add smoky flavors to classic cocktails like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Collins Smoked Old Fashioned Syrup is a flavorful alternative to a whiskey mix or plain simple syrup for cocktails.
- PERFECT FOR PARTIES - This vegan, gluten-free cocktail mixer syrup is an easy way to amp up punch or other party drinks. Pair it with bourbon gifts for men or whiskey gifts for anyone so they have delicious drink mixers for cocktails.
- HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL: Enjoy the perfect Old Fashioned every time with Strongwater’s refined recipe. Well-balanced, roundly smooth & layered, this is a staple for your bar cart or a great addition to an old fashioned cocktail kit gift set.
- SIP AWARDS WINNER: Our Old Fashioned mix was nationally recognized as a 2025 SIP Awards Platinum winner, an elevated example of cocktail mixers.
- MAPLE & PECANS: Real maple syrup and pecans accentuate caramel notes and highlight the tang of citrus and subtle sweetness of tart cherries.
- 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, cacao, orange, and walnut bitters. Stir it up & there you have it - the perfect Old Fashioned!
- 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
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Bourbon Mixer
Bourbon is a bold spirit with deep flavors. The right mixer can highlight these notes or completely ruin them. Whether you love a simple highball or a complex cocktail, picking the right mixer is an art. Use this guide to find the perfect partner for your favorite bottle.
Key Features to Look For
The best mixers balance the sweetness of bourbon without hiding its character. Look for mixers with high-quality ingredients. Natural sweeteners like real cane sugar are better than high-fructose corn syrup. You also want a mixer with clear, crisp carbonation if you are making a fizzy drink. Avoid mixers that taste overly artificial or “chemical.”
Important Materials and Composition
The base of your mixer matters. Always check the label for real juices, spices, or extracts. Ginger beer should contain real ginger root. Tonic water should have authentic quinine. If you choose a pre-made cocktail mix, look for one that uses fresh citrus juices. Glass bottles are often better than plastic because they keep the carbonation fresh and do not change the taste of the liquid.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Sugar Content: Too much sugar masks the bourbon. Look for “low sugar” or “dry” versions to let the whiskey shine.
- Carbonation Level: Strong bubbles provide a better texture. Low carbonation makes a drink feel flat and boring.
- Flavor Balance: A good mixer should have a hint of bitterness or spice to cut through the heavy oak flavors of the bourbon.
- Storage: Always store your mixers in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them refrigerated to maintain the flavor.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to drink your bourbon. If you are sitting on the porch, a simple ginger ale or club soda is perfect. If you are hosting a party, you might want a complex sour mix or a craft cocktail syrup. Always taste your mixer alone before you add the bourbon. If you do not like the taste of the mixer by itself, you will not like it in your glass.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the price of the mixer matter?
A: Yes. Cheaper mixers often use artificial flavors that taste like candy. Quality mixers use real ingredients that complement the barrel-aged notes of bourbon.
Q: Should I use tap water or bottled water for a splash?
A: Always use filtered or bottled water. Tap water can contain chlorine, which ruins the delicate aroma of your whiskey.
Q: Is ginger ale better than ginger beer?
A: Ginger ale is sweeter and milder. Ginger beer is spicy and bold. Use ginger beer if you want a “Kentucky Mule.”
Q: How much mixer should I add?
A: Start with a 3:1 ratio of mixer to bourbon. You can always add more bourbon if the drink is too weak.
Q: Should I add ice to the mixer?
A: Always use large, clear ice cubes. Small ice melts too fast and waters down your drink.
Q: Can I use cola as a mixer?
A: Yes, but choose a cola with real sugar. It pairs well with the vanilla notes found in most bourbons.
Q: Does the type of bourbon change the mixer choice?
A: Yes. High-proof bourbons need stronger mixers. Milder bourbons work well with delicate mixers like club soda.
Q: How long does a mixer last after opening?
A: Most mixers stay good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Check the label for specific instructions.
Q: What is the best mixer for a beginner?
A: Start with club soda and a squeeze of lime. It is simple and lets you taste the bourbon clearly.
Q: Should I shake or stir my drink?
A: Stir drinks with carbonated mixers gently. Shake drinks that contain juice or egg whites to get the right texture.
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