The Bourbon Excursions Blog > Bourbon at Home

Bourbon at Home

Drink It, Mix It, Cook With It — Do It Right

You don't need a distillery to get serious about bourbon. This category covers everything you do with it off the trail — the classic cocktails worth mastering, what to mix it with, how to cook with it, how to store it properly, what the calories actually look like, and which bottle is the smoothest for sipping straight. Practical, opinionated, and built for everyday use.

What Is Bourbon Neat, On the Rocks, and With a Splash?
July 2, 2026
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9 min read
Bourbon neat means no ice and no water, at room temperature. On the rocks means over ice. With a splash means a few drops of still water added to release aromatic compounds. Here is what each serving style does to the flavor and which bourbons suit each format best.
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What Food Pairs Well with Bourbon?
June 21, 2026
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9 min read
Bourbon pairs well with dark chocolate, aged cheese, smoked meats, fried chicken, and pecan pie. The right pairing depends on the bourbon's style. Here is the full guide to complementing and contrasting flavors, and which foods to avoid.
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What to Mix with Bourbon: The Best Mixers and Combinations
June 3, 2026
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9 min read
Bourbon mixes well with ginger ale, ginger beer, lemon juice, sweet vermouth, apple cider, iced tea, coffee, and lemonade. The right mixer depends on whether your bourbon is wheated, high-rye, or barrel proof. Here is the complete breakdown.
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How to Make a Bourbon Manhattan
June 1, 2026
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9 min read
A bourbon Manhattan is built from three ingredients: bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. The ratio between bourbon and vermouth is the most important decision. Here is the full recipe, why stirring matters, how bourbon and rye compare, and how vermouth choice changes the drink.
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What Is a Bourbon Old Fashioned? How to Make the Classic Cocktail
May 17, 2026
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9 min read
A bourbon Old Fashioned is made from four ingredients: bourbon, a sweetener, bitters, and a citrus garnish. Here is the classic recipe, how to choose the right bourbon, why ice matters, the most common mistakes, and what each component actually does.
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