5 Cocktails to Toast Bourbon Heritage Month

Boulevardier photo: Katie Burnett

September is National Bourbon Heritage Month! Unanimously declared such by the Senate in 2007, this month we’re toasting our country’s native spirit. What makes bourbon different from other whiskeys? By law, its mash must be made of at least 51% corn and aged in charred new oak barrels, lending its trademark sweet-smoky profile that makes it an ideal base from which to build a cocktail. So how are we celebrating the spirited holiday? With bourbon-spiked cocktails, of course! Here are five bourbon-forward sippers we’ll be mixing all month through.

The Boulevardier

A cousin of the classic Negroni, the Boulevardier subs in bourbon for gin and can be sipped up or on the rocks.

Shipwreck

We wouldn’t mind being marooned with this refreshing mix of bourbon, aged rum, citrus and mint in hand.

Attorney Privilege

Bourbon takes the driver’s seat (Angostura and almond syrup ride shotgun) in this nuanced three-ingredient sipper.

California Bubble Bath

Freshen up with this bourbon-spiked bouquet of fresh lavender, citrus and Cynar.

Bufala Negra

Bourbon + basil = a match made in cocktail heaven. Add in sweetened balsamic and a splash of ginger beer for a spritzer you won’t soon forget.