Top 7 Cocktails You Can Make with Buffalo Trace Bourbon

 

Buffalo Trace Bourbon is known for its smooth character, rich caramel notes, and touch of spice—making it an ideal base for classic and contemporary bourbon cocktails. Produced by the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, this flagship bourbon has garnered a loyal following due to its affordability, consistent quality, and versatility. Whether you're an aspiring mixologist or a casual bourbon enthusiast, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a fantastic choice to elevate your cocktail game. In this blog, we’ll walk you through seven top-notch cocktails that highlight the bourbon’s unique flavor profile.

1. Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a time-tested favorite, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon adds depth and richness to this minimalist cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

  • 1 sugar cube or 1/2 tsp simple syrup

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

  • Orange peel

Instructions:

Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a rocks glass. Add Buffalo Trace Bourbon and a large ice cube. Stir gently and garnish with orange peel.

The warm caramel and vanilla notes of Buffalo Trace perfectly balance the bitters and citrus, making this a go-to classic.

2. Buffalo Trace Manhattan

A timeless drink, the Manhattan brings out the oaky undertones of Buffalo Trace while providing a luxurious, slightly sweet finish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

  • Cherry for garnish

Instructions:

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Buffalo Trace’s spice and wood-forward character complements the herbal qualities of vermouth for a smooth and complex sip.

3. Whiskey Sour with a Buffalo Trace Twist

The Whiskey Sour is a bright, citrus-forward cocktail that works exceptionally well with the balanced profile of Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 oz simple syrup

  • Egg white (optional for texture)

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients without ice (dry shake) to emulsify the egg white, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry.

The bourbon’s sweet notes balance the tartness of lemon for a refreshing experience.

4. Buffalo Trace Mint Julep

This Southern classic is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and a summertime staple.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

  • 8-10 fresh mint leaves

  • 1/2 oz simple syrup

  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

Muddle mint and syrup in a julep cup or highball glass. Fill with crushed ice and pour in the bourbon. Stir until the cup is frosty, then garnish with a mint sprig.

The clean, crisp mint pairs beautifully with Buffalo Trace’s sweet and spicy character.

5. Boulevardier with Buffalo Trace

For those who like a Negroni but prefer bourbon to gin, the Boulevardier is an excellent choice. Buffalo Trace lends warmth and complexity to this bold cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

  • 1 oz Campari

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

Instructions:

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass with one large cube. Garnish with an orange twist.

This cocktail offers a bittersweet balance that plays up Buffalo Trace’s spiced caramel flavor.

6. Brown Derby Featuring Buffalo Trace

This Prohibition-era drink is often overlooked, but it’s an elegant, citrusy option that highlights bourbon’s fruitier notes.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice

  • 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon adds body and warmth to this zesty and subtly sweet cocktail.

7. Buffalo Trace Gold Rush

A modern bourbon classic, the Gold Rush is essentially a honey-infused Whiskey Sour, offering depth and smoothness in every sip.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

  • 3/4 oz honey syrup

  • 3/4 oz lemon juice

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge or twist.

This cocktail is easy to make but complex in flavor, perfectly suited for Buffalo Trace’s rich profile.

Conclusion

Buffalo Trace Bourbon is far more than just a sipping whiskey—it’s a versatile spirit that enhances a wide range of cocktails, from classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan to modern creations like the Gold Rush. Each of these recipes offers a unique way to appreciate the nuanced flavors that have made Buffalo Trace one of the most sought-after bourbons on the market today. Whether you're hosting a gathering or relaxing at home, incorporating Buffalo Trace Bourbon into your cocktail repertoire is a move worth making. And if you're looking to branch out into other spirits, consider exploring the crisp and clean profile of Smirnoff Vodka for a lighter, more neutral option.

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