Bourbon
Spirit
Bourbon is an American whiskey made from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. US law sets its rules, but bourbon can be made in any state.
Also called: Bourbon whiskey
- ABV range
- 40–66%
- US proof
- 80–132
- Calories (per oz)
- ~64
- Shelf life (opened)
- Best within about 1 to 2 years. Safe far longer, but the oak flavor fades as the bottle empties.
Popular drinks with Bourbon
361 recipes with Bourbon.
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Two ingredient drinks with Bourbon
Substitutes for Bourbon
| Substitute | Ratio | Note | Zero-proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rye whiskey | 1:1 | Spicier and drier. Works in an Old Fashioned for a sharper drink. | |
| Irish whiskey | 1:1 | Lighter and drier, with less vanilla and caramel. Use it where a drink needs a softer whiskey. | |
| Lyre's American Malt | 1:1 | Non-alcoholic, under 0.5% ABV, built to replace bourbon 1:1 with vanilla and oak notes. |
Frequently asked questions about Bourbon
Bourbon is sipped neat or over ice, and it is the base of classics like the Old Fashioned and the Mint Julep. Its corn sweetness and oak make it an easy whiskey to start with.
The classic serve: Neat in a rocks glass, or over one large ice cube with an orange peel for an Old Fashioned.
