The 6 Ingredients That Will Transform Your Bourbon

By Food & Wine
Updated September 03, 2015
Credit: Courtesy of Liquor.com
Simplicity is key when making cocktails at home. Though it’s hard not to love a basic whiskey and ginger ale, sometimes it’s exactly that: basic. Then again, more than three or four ingredients in one glass can spell disaster for your kitchen and your drinks. But when armed with a small arsenal of mixing supplies, your at-home bourbon cocktail–drinking experience improves ten-fold. And what you need beyond the basic kitchen supplies is surprisingly limited.The six ingredients you need at the ready:Sweet vermouthCampariSimple syrupAngostura bittersLemonSoda waterFirst things first. From your cupboard, you’ll need sugar (combine it with water for a batch of simple syrup), fresh lemon juice (save the peel!) and soda water. Next up: Buy bottles of sweet vermouth and Campari—and don’t forget the dropper of Angostura Bitters, which you may even be able to pick up at the grocery store.This piece originally appeared on Liquor.com.
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Boulevardier

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What You Need:

Bourbon, sweet vermouth, CampariMix, stir and sip. It’s really as simple as that to get this American twist on the classic Italian Negroni.Get the recipe for the Boulevardier.

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Old Fashioned

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What You Need:

Bourbon, sugar, Angostura Bitters, lemon peelAn ultra-classic, this Old Fashioned is one of those must-know recipes. In lieu of muddled fruit in this recipe, mix together the bitters and sugar, muddle, add the bourbon and ice, and garnish with a lemon peel. Easy peasy.Get the recipe for the Old Fashioned.

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Manhattan

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What You Need:

Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, lemon peelDid you know this elegant quaff only takes three ingredients to make—not including the garnish? Though it’s typically topped with a bright red cherry, the lemon peel provides a welcome update. Get the recipe for the Manhattan.

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Whiskey Sour

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What You Need:

Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrupThe inner workings of your lemon will come in handy. No pre-made sour mix here, thanks. Get the recipe for the Whiskey Sour.

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Bourbon Collins

Credit: Courtesy of Liquor.com

What You Need:

Bourbon, fresh lemon juice, sugar, soda waterIf the Whiskey Sour is a bit too, well, sour for your taste, dump it in a Collins glass, add ice and top with soda. Who knew cocktailing could be so easy? Get the recipe for the Bourbon Collins.

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