7 Amazing Cocktail Recipes

Serve Up These Drinks at Your Next Party

Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, a well-crafted cocktail can elevate the moment. Maker's Mark and Basil Hayden are two exceptional bourbons that bring distinct flavors to any drink. Here are seven of the best cocktail recipes that showcase these beloved brands.

1. Classic Old Fashioned

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Maker's Mark
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  • Place the sugar cube in a glass and saturate it with bitters.
  • Add a splash of water and muddle until the sugar dissolves.
  • Fill the glass with ice and pour Maker's Mark over it.
  • Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel.

Maker's Mark’s smooth and slightly sweet profile complements the bitters, creating a perfectly balanced drink.

2. Basil Hayden Manhattan

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Basil Hayden's
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Maraschino cherry

Instructions

  • Combine Basil Hayden's, sweet vermouth and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
  • Stir well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
  • Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

The light spice and herbal notes of Basil Hayden shine in this classic cocktail.

3. Maker's Mint Julep

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Maker's Mark
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice

Instructions

  • Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup at the bottom of a julep cup.
  • Fill the cup with crushed ice and add Maker's Mark.
  • Stir until the cup frosts and garnish with a mint sprig.

The subtle vanilla and caramel notes of Maker's Mark enhance the freshness of mint, making it a summer favorite.

4. Basil Hayden Whiskey Sour

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Basil Hayden's
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Egg white (optional)
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously (dry shake).
  • Add ice and shake again until chilled.
  • Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Basil Hayden's crisp and spicy notes pair wonderfully with the tartness of lemon.

5. Maker's Mark Hot Toddy

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Maker's Mark
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 4 oz hot water
  • Cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions

  • Combine Maker's Mark, honey and lemon juice in a mug.
  • Top with hot water and stir until the honey dissolves.
  • Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired.

The warm caramel and vanilla notes of Maker's Mark create a comforting and flavorful winter drink.

6. Basil Hayden Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Basil Hayden's
  • 4 oz warm apple cider
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Heat the apple cider gently on the stove until warm.
  • Pour Basil Hayden's into a mug and add the warm cider.
  • Stir in ground cinnamon and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

The spice of Basil Hayden complements the sweetness and warmth of apple cider for a cozy drink.

7. Maker's Mark Maple Smash

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Maker's Mark
  • 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh thyme sprig (for garnish)
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Combine Maker's Mark, maple syrup and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
  • Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  • Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

The rich sweetness of maple syrup pairs beautifully with Maker's Mark, while lemon adds a refreshing zing.

Cheers!

These cocktails highlight the versatility and quality of Maker's Mark and Basil Hayden. Whether you prefer a classic or something with a modern twist, these recipes will impress your guests and elevate your cocktail repertoire. So next time you’re looking to spice up your day with a whisk-forward cocktail, consider one of these.