Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cocktails Recipes
Buffalo Trace is one of those bourbons that shows up once and then never leaves your shelf. It’s a storied Kentucky bourbon with deep roots, a loyal fan base, and a flavor profile that keeps people coming back. Think caramel, vanilla, and just a hint of spice. Smooth enough to sip on its own, but it really comes alive in cocktails.
That soft sweetness and balanced finish make it easy to mix into classic or modern drinks with a twist. If you’re looking for go-to Buffalo Trace Bourbon cocktails recipes, the list below covers both the tried-and-true and a few creative takes worth shaking up.
1. Classic Buffalo Trace Cocktails
Old Fashioned
A simple, no-fuss cocktail that brings out the rich, smooth character of Buffalo Trace.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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1 sugar cube
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2 dashes of Angostura bitters
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Orange twist
Instructions:
Drop the sugar cube into a rocks glass and add the bitters. Give it a quick muddle, then pour in the bourbon. Add a few ice cubes, stir until chilled, and finish it off with an orange twist.
Manhattan
This bourbon-forward riff on the Manhattan is smooth, slightly sweet, and aromatic.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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1 oz sweet vermouth
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2 dashes of Angostura bitters
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Luxardo cherry (for garnish)
Instructions:
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish.
Mint Julep
This Southern staple gets even better with Buffalo Trace as the base.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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8 fresh mint leaves
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½ oz simple syrup
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Crushed ice
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Mint sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
Muddle mint and simple syrup in a julep cup or rocks glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice, add bourbon, and stir. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
2. Modern Buffalo Trace Cocktails
Buffalo Sour
A clean, frothy take on the whiskey sour.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
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1 egg white (optional)
Instructions:
Dry shake all ingredients (without ice) if using egg white, then shake again with ice. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.
Blackberry Smash
Fresh berries and citrus brighten up Buffalo Trace in this easy-drinking cocktail.
Ingredients:
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2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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½ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
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4 fresh blackberries
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Mint sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
Muddle blackberries in a shaker. Add the remaining ingredients and ice. Shake well, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint.
Smoky Southern Orchard
A smoky-meets-sweet blend with layers of flavor.
Ingredients:
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1½ oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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½ oz mezcal
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½ oz peach puree
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½ oz lemon juice
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½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
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Thyme sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a thyme sprig.
3. Dessert-Inspired Cocktails
Giddy Up Buffalo
A caffeinated, creamy cocktail with a touch of chocolate.
Ingredients:
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1 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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1 shot of espresso
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Shaved chocolate (for garnish)
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with shaved chocolate.
S’more Buffalo
A dessert cocktail that brings campfire flavors to your glass.
Ingredients:
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1 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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1 oz Wheatley Vodka
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1 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream
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½ oz chocolate syrup
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Toasted marshmallow and graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a toasted marshmallow and rim the glass with graham cracker crumbs.
4. Seasonal Buffalo Trace Cocktails
Apple Cider Punch
A fall favorite, this one’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients:
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1½ oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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3 oz apple cider
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1 oz ginger beer
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Dash of cinnamon
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Apple slices (for garnish)
Instructions:
Build in a glass over ice. Stir gently and garnish with fresh apple slices.
Maple Bourbon Smash
Sweet, citrusy, and perfect for cooler nights.
Ingredients:
-
2 oz Buffalo Trace bourbon
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz maple syrup
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Rosemary sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Last Call for Bourbon Bliss
Buffalo Trace is one of those bourbons that just works. You can keep it simple with an Old Fashioned cocktail or try something more modern; it handles both with ease. The caramel, vanilla, and spice give it plenty of flavor without overpowering the rest of the drink.
If you’re ready to try these Buffalo Trace Bourbon cocktails recipes, check out our bourbon collection right here at The Barrel Tap. You’ll find everything you need to start mixing.
