How to Drink Bourbon: Everything You Need to Know

Wondering how to drink bourbon?

The first thing you need to know is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. 

The “best” way to drink bourbon completely depends on the setting and your palate.

Do you like the taste of bourbon?

Are you trying to acquire a taste for bourbon?

Are you drinking with a bunch of bourbon connoisseurs?

Or just casually with friends?

The “best” answer depends on your answers.

Because if you’ve never really had bourbon before, you’re going to hate it.

Just being honest…

And if you’re drinking with bourbon lovers, they’re probably gonna make fun of you if you try to make a cocktail that isn’t an old fashioned.

So, it’s critical to know the unspoken rules of bourbon drinking and your options if you aren’t used to the punch-you-in-the-face taste yet.

That’s exactly what I’ll show you in this straightforward guide.

The 4 Main Ways to Drink Bourbon

1. Bourbon Neat

Neat means bourbon at room temperature. 

No ice. No water. Nothing.

Just bourbon in a glass (and likely a Glencairn glass).

Many argue this is the proper way to drink bourbon because it’s the best way to taste and appreciate the bold, aromatic, smoky flavors created during the production process.

Aficionados drink bourbon neat.

2. Bourbon on the Rocks

This is bourbon with ice.

If you aren’t fully acclimated to the taste of bourbon, this is a slightly easier, but still “proper” way to drink it.

Experts recommend using big ice cubes or spheres that melt slower so you don’t dilute the bourbon (more on this in a bit).

3. With Water

Another similar option to on the rocks, many claim adding a splash of water to your bourbon actually releases aromatic flavors.

Make sure you add very little water, though, because you can easily dilute the spirit. 

(…unless you don’t like the taste yet and you’re hanging out with a bunch of bourbon lovers. In which case, just don’t let them see you dump a bucket of water in their rare bourbon.)

4. As a Cocktail

There are tons of tasty cocktails that are much easier to drink if you aren’t used to bourbon yet. 

Plus, drinking bourbon cocktails helps you acquire a taste for the spirit without growing massive amounts of chest hair. 

Here are some of the most well-known:

Old Fashioned

This is our personal favorite of the bourbon cocktails (as well as Don Draper’s).

Invented in the 1800s, Old Fashioneds usually consist of bourbon, bitters, simple syrup or sugar, ice, and an orange peel in an Old Fashioned glass.

Here’s our recommended recipe.

Manhattan

Also invented in the 1800s, the Manhattan usually consists of bourbon, aromatic bitters, ice, and sweet vermouth garnished with a brandied cherry and/or orange peel and served in a rocks or Martini glass.

Here’s our recommended recipe.

Mint Julep

The signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby usually consists of bourbon, mint sprigs, and sugar or simple syrup garnished with a mint sprig (sprigz for dayz).

Here’s our recommended recipe.

Whiskey Sour

As one of the sweetest of the bourbon cocktails, Whiskey Sours consist of bourbon, lemon juice or sweet n sour mix, ice, and sugar or simple syrup garnished with a maraschino cherry and egg white (optional).

Here’s our recommended recipe.

Bourbon and Coke

If you aren’t ready for the strong taste of bourbon yet, make a bourbon and coke. 

It’s by far the easiest way to drink bourbon (it’s actually how I started liking it).

You can fill a rocks glass up with ice, ⅓ bourbon, and ⅔ coke or follow a recipe with additional fancy ingredients. 

The 5 Main Types of Bourbon Glasses and Why Your Choice Matters

1. Glencairn

Best for Tasting (usually the standard)

These glasses were designed back in 2001 with the sole intent of creating the ideal glass for drinking whiskey.

With the Glencairn, the shape of the glass directs the aroma of the bourbon into your nose at the same time as the first sip hits your tongue, making it easier to identify and enjoy the “nose” of the spirit.

2. Tulip

Best for tasting

Like the Glencairn glass, the tulip-shaped glass is also appropriate for tasting bourbon. 

The slightly narrowed rim and bowl shape concentrate bourbon’s aroma, and the long stem keeps your hands at a distance. However, you can also cradle the glass if you choose.

3. Rocks

Best for bourbon cocktails

This is the most common type of whiskey glass. It’s also known by other names: Old Fashioned, Lowball, and Tumbler.

With its wide rim, solid base, and straight sides, this glass type is ideal for mixed cocktails.

Click here to check out a great comparison between the Old Fashioned glass and the Glencairn.

4. NEAT

Source: The Neat Glass site

Best for tasting

The NEAT glass is the official bourbon competition judging glass. 

It’s cool-looking (short and squat) and ideal for negating any harsh aroma from the alcohol.

5. Balloon

Not the best glass for bourbon

The balloon glass is the standard glass for dark, aged spirits (not just bourbon). It’s also called the Snifter, Brandy Bowl, or Cognac Glass.

It has a tight rim and extra-wide body that can cause the harsh aromas of the bourbon to overwhelm your drinking experience if you’re not used to it.

Click here to read more about each glass and specific recommendations.

Ice for Drinking Bourbon (Yes, Really)

Bourbon aficionados recommend large blocks of clear ice.

Isn’t all ice clear, you ask?

Not this clear. 

When you make ice the conventional way—putting an ice tray with tap water into the freezer—it’s usually white and cloudy.

This is because of “mineral impurities” and air bubbles that cause light to be dispersed through the small ice cubes.

How does this impact your bourbon drinking experience?

It melts quickly and dilutes the bourbon (which may or may not be a problem for you specifically, but bourbon lovers hate it).

But large blocks (usually spheres) of clear ice melt slower, and when they do melt, there aren’t any impurities from the ice in your bourbon.

If you want to read more about the science behind clear ice and how to make it, click here.

How to Select Your Bourbon

When it comes to picking which bottle of bourbon you should drink out of the 1,000s of options at your disposal, there’s one thing that really matters…

How you’ll drink the bourbon.

Because that will determine which type of bottle you should purchase.

For instance, if you want to drink your bourbon neat and appreciate its natural flavors, go for a higher-quality bottle.

Look to buy a single barrel or even a cask strength bottle. These will run you ~$50 but are well worth it and will provide a great tasting experience.

If you’re looking to mix your bourbon with soda, or even make a cocktail, you’re better off going with a cheaper ~$30 bottle. You can pretty much mix any bourbon with coke and it’ll be good, but you want to make sure you’re getting a decent, yet still affordable bottle if you plan on making an Old Fashioned or other cocktail.

Check this post out to see which affordable bourbons are best for old fashioned.

FAQs About Drinking Bourbon

1. What is the correct way to drink bourbon?

There is no one correct way to drink bourbon. Some people like it neat (just straight from the bottle), while others prefer it on the rocks (with ice). And still others like to mix it with other drinks to create cocktails. Ultimately, it’s up to you how you want to drink your bourbon.

2. How do beginners drink bourbon?

If you’re new to drinking bourbon, we recommend starting with a bourbon and coke. This will help you get used to the taste of bourbon without being overwhelmed by its strength. Once you’ve gotten more accustomed to the taste of bourbon, you can try drinking it neat or on the rocks.

3. What mixes well with bourbon?

Bourbon mixes well with a variety of other drinks, including ginger ale, cola, lemonade, and tea. You can also use bourbon to make cocktails such as the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Whiskey Sour.

4. What glass should I drink bourbon in? 

There are a variety of glasses that you can drink bourbon in, including the rocks glass, the Glencairn glass, and the NEAT glass. Ultimately, it’s up to you which glass you want to use.

5. Should I add ice to my bourbon?

Adding ice to your bourbon is a matter of personal preference. Some people like to drink their bourbon neat (without ice), while others prefer it on the rocks (with ice). Again, it’s up to you how you want to drink your bourbon.

What’s the Best Way to Drink Bourbon? It Depends…

1. If you don’t like the taste of bourbon…make a bourbon and coke. It’s easy to make and dilutes the punch of the alcohol.
2. If you like bourbon, but not neat…you have some options: a bourbon heavy cocktail like an old fashioned, bourbon with a large clear ice sphere, or bourbon with a splash of water.
3. If you want to taste the notes in your bourbon or have friends who are bourbon aficionados…drink it neat in a Glencairn or NEAT glass.

Now that you know how to drink bourbon, it’s time to decide which bourbon you’ll drink. If you’re a beginner, I recommend checking out this list of my top 9 bourbons for beginners.