Top 5 Bourbon Cocktails to Make with Wild Turkey for Father's Day

Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to show appreciation for the dads in our lives. With the growing popularity of bourbon as a drink base, creating the best bourbon cocktails for Father’s Day has never been more exciting. Wild Turkey, known for its robust and flavourful profile, makes an ideal choice for crafting memorable drinks for celebrations with Dad.  

Why bourbon for Father’s Day?

Bourbon is a fantastic choice for celebrating Father’s Day due to its rich history and unique flavours. Originating in the American South, this liquor has long been associated with exceptional craftsmanship and time-honored tradition. Its distinct taste, characterised by notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, provides a versatile base for a variety of cocktails.  

Bourbon’s depth of flavour makes it a favourite among spirits, offering a perfect blend of smoothness and complexity. Wild Turkey is celebrated for its bold character, making it an excellent option for creating standout drinks. You’re not just mixing a drink; you’re sharing a piece of American heritage by choosing bourbon for Father’s Day, making the celebration even more special. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, bourbon adds a touch of sophistication and warmth to any Father’s Day gathering. 

Here are our top five bourbon cocktails that will impress and delight, ensuring a festive and heartfelt celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home entertainer, these recipes are sure to please. 

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1. Old Fashioned

There are many claims as to where this iconic drink originated, and one of the most popular stories is that it was created at a gentlemen’s club in Louisville, Kentucky in the US, in the late 1800s. The story goes that it was invented for a well-known bourbon maker, who brought the recipe to a famous bar in New York, helping to popularize this now-famous bourbon cocktail.  

The Old Fashioned is one of the easiest cocktails to make if you’re new to the world of mixology. It’s also one of the most classic, making it one of the best bourbon cocktails for Father’s Day. 

Ingredients 

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon  

• 2 Dashes of Angostura bitters 

• 8 ml Sugar syrup 

• Orange peel to garnish  

• Ice 

Method 

1. Add the sugar syrup, bourbon and bitters to a rocks glass 
2. Add ice cubes 
3. Stir for 30 seconds until properly chilled 
4. Express the oil from an orange peel, then garnish with the orange twist 
5. Serve 

A traditional Old Fashioned cocktail recipe calls for a sugar cube and a bit more effort, but if you’re serving a crowd, we suggest using sugar syrup instead.   

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2. Mint Julep

Back in the day (we’re talking the 1800s) and during the height of American summers, the Mint Julep was enjoyed as a breakfast drink by members of Virginian high society. Now, we’re not saying you should wake Dad up with one of these drinks but do serve it if you’re celebrating Dad on a hot afternoon.  

When making a Mint Julep keep two things in mind. Firstly, use good-quality bourbon. This is the star of the drink, and you’ll taste it throughout. Secondly, get your hands on silver julep cups to keep your Mint Juleps cold for longer.  

Ingredients

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon 

• 15 ml Sugar syrup 

• 12 Fresh mint leaves 

• Crushed ice  

 Method 

1. Lightly muddle the mint leaves in a julep cup or rocks glass 
2. Add the crushed ice
3. Top with bourbon and sugar syrup
4. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig
5. Serve 

Don’t have a cocktail muddler? Use the back of a wooden spoon instead.  

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3. Bourbon Sour

A Bourbon Sour (or Whiskey Sour) is easy to master but comes with three rules for the perfect serve. One, use fresh lemon juice. Two, use good bourbon. And three, shake it properly for that classic frothy look and mouthfeel.  

Ingredients 

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon 

• 30 ml Fresh lemon juice 

• 8 ml Sugar syrup 

• 1 Egg white 

• 1 Orange wheel and cocktail cherry to garnish 

• Ice 

Method  

1. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, syrup and egg white in a cocktail shaker and dry shake without ice for 15 seconds 
2. Now add the ice and shake again for 30 seconds 
3. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass 
4. Garnish with an orange wheel and cocktail cherry 
5. Serve  

For a vegan-friendly version, replace the egg white with 1.5 tablespoons aquafaba.  

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4. Manhattan

If your dad is unforgettable, then serving this Manhattan cocktail will be a real treat. Why? Because this iconic drink has been on the IBA’s Unforgettable list for ages and has been a pillar of classic cocktails for a long time. We suggest serving Manhattans if you’re planning a dinner party. Impressive looking, and easy to make with just three ingredients, this iconic drink always leaves a lasting impression. Our recipe calls for an orange peel garnish but go ahead and garnish it with a Luxardo cherry if you’re feeling fancy. 

Ingredients

• 60 ml Wild Turkey 101 Rye

• 30 ml 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso 

• 1 Drop of orange bitters 

• Luxardo cherry to garnish 

• Ice 

Method 

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice 
2. Add the bourbon, vermouth and bitters 
3. Stir for about 30 seconds, or until ice cold  
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass 
5. Garnish with the cherry
6. Serve

Chill your glasses in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer.  

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5. Paper Plane

• 22 ml Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
• 22 ml Fresh lemon juice
• 22 ml Averna Amaro 
• 22 ml Aperol
• Lemon peel to garnish
• Ice

Method  

1. Add all the ingredients to a shaker with ice
2. Shake and strain into a rocks glass or coupe
3. Garnish with a lemon peel

A Paper Plane pairs beautifully with the flavours of smoked meat and aged parmesan.

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