Bourbon is a distinctly American whiskey that has shaped cocktail culture since it was first distilled in the 18th century. But this spirit had morphed into more than your standard go-to for enjoying straight up or on the rocks. The liquor’s rich, dark characteristics and Kentucky roots have led to some extremely popular cocktails, such as the Mint Julep.
That said, not all that glitters is necessarily Kentucky gold when it comes to cocktail creation. Bartenders can begin to begrudge certain concoctions for the way they waste the integral parts of the spirit. So, we decided to ask 11 bartenders which bourbon cocktails they feel are given more fame than they’re due. From sours to the aforementioned sipper, here are the bourbon cocktails bartenders say are overrated.
The most overrated bourbon cocktails, according to bartenders: Mint Julep Bourbon Special New York Sour Manhattan Paper Plane Old Fashioned Hot Toddy
“I would say a Mint Julep is overrated and really only popular once a year when the Kentucky Derby runs. I think a Kentucky Mule is a more fun, versatile drink that’s still similar.” —Pete Rinaldi, bartender, 22 Bowens, Newport, R.I.
“The most overrated bourbon cocktail has gotta be the Bourbon Special — every so often I’ll spy something on a ‘tiki menu’ [like] this drink that was popular in J. Steven Crane’s Kon-Tiki restaurants. It’s just a strange buck variation with falernum and makes me want a Mai Tai.” —Max Stampa-Brown, director of food and beverage,
