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Skip to Recipe Watch the VideoBourbon drinks have a reputation of being strong cocktails reserved for the end of the evening. But they don’t have to be! This Bourbon Ginger Cocktail recipe uses ginger and lemon to create a light and fizzy bourbon drink that’s perfect for sipping during happy hour.

This cocktail is a delightful blend of bold and refreshing flavors, making it an excellent choice for those new to bourbon or looking to explore its versatility. The combination of ginger liqueur and lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that balances the warmth of the bourbon, while the brown sugar syrup introduces a subtle sweetness and depth.
This is a great drink to serve to someone without a lot of experience drinking bourbon or who’s never had a bourbon cocktail beyond an Old Fashioned. I often serve this drink to people who tell me they don't like bourbon. Typically they've never had a drink where bourbon wasn't the star, and this cocktail does a great job of blending flavors.
What's in a Bourbon Ginger Cocktail
- Bourbon - Choose your favorite bourbon for this recipe. Or create a twist on this drink with some homemade peach infused bourbon.
- Ginger liqueur - This liqueur add both sweet and big ginger flavor to this cocktail.
- Brown sugar syrup - Easily made with 2 ingredients, brown sugar syrup add sweetness and a subtle smokiness to the drink.
- Lemon - Fresh lemon juice is best in any cocktail. You'll need about half of a lemon for this recipe. Before cutting it, give your lemon a roll on the counter while pressing down on it to release all of its juice and make it easier to squeeze.
- Ginger ale or Ginger beer - This brings the fizz! Choose ginger ale for a more subtle ginger flavor or ginger beer to really up the ginger.
How to Make a Bourbon and Ginger Cocktail
Combine bourbon, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, and brown sugar syrup in a mixing glass filled with ice. (Don't have a mixing glass? Use a wide mouth pint jar.)
Stir the mixture with the ice cubes for 5-10 seconds to chill it, then strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with ginger ale and enjoy!
Light and Fizzy Bourbon Ginger Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz ginger liqueur
- 0.5 oz lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 0.5 oz brown sugar syrup
- 1 oz ginger ale
Instructions
- Combine bourbon, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, and brown sugar syrup in a mixing glass filled with ice.2 oz bourbon, 1 oz ginger liqueur, 0.5 oz lemon juice, 0.5 oz brown sugar syrup
- Stir the mixture with the ice for 5-10 seconds to chill it.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with ginger ale.1 oz ginger ale
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Don't Miss These Bourbon Cocktails
Looking for more bourbon cocktails? Try a blueberry citrus julep, a refreshing Spiked Arnold Palmer, a frothy ginger bourbon sour, a peach old fashioned, an easy Kentucky mule, or my super popular coffee old fashioned.
Happy Hour Snack Pairings
Want something delicious to go with your Bourbon Ginger cocktails? Try something salty like homemade potato chips with roasted red pepper dip, or a plate of bacon wrapped dates.
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