Top 10 Maker’s Mark Cocktails – That Start With Recipes

I definitely prefer Maker’s Mark bourbon when it’s in a good cocktail. I think it has such depth of flavor. I thought I’d share a few Maker’s Mark cocktails that you can enjoy any time of year.

Cheers!

Maker’s Mark Cocktails

I’ve collected the top Maker’s Mark cocktails that make the best of this iconic bourbon!

Related: 14 Best Jim Beam Cocktails

What is Maker’s Mark Bourbon?

Maker’s Mark is a premium Kentucky bourbon whiskey made from a blend of corn, wheat, and barley malt. It is known for its smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a slightly spicy finish.

Maker’s Mark is commonly enjoyed neat, over ice, or as a component in classic cocktails such as Manhattans or Old Fashioneds.

1. Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned

Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey cocktail that has been around for centuries.

This simple yet sophisticated drink is made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Angostura bitters, and a sugar cube.

The ingredients are stirred together in an old-fashioned glass and garnished with an orange peel to add a hint of citrus flavor.

2. Maker’s Mark Manhattan

The Maker’s Mark Manhattan is a classic whiskey cocktail made with just three ingredients: Maker’s Mark, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

The combination of these three ingredients creates a smooth and balanced drink that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Sipping sophistication, is made oh-so-sweet with this Maker’s Mark Manhattan recipe.

3. Mint Julep

Sip on Southern sophistication with Maker’s Mark and mint.

It’s an iconic drink of the American South, often associated with horse racing and minty refreshment on hot summer days.

The traditional recipe calls for just four ingredients: bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, and crushed ice.

Indulge in the refined taste of Maker’s Mark and mint in a julep glass.

4. Boulevardier

Boulevardier is a classic whiskey cocktail that has been around since the 1920s.

It’s a simple yet delicious drink made with equal parts bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

The Boulevardier is slightly bitter from the Campari but balanced out nicely by the sweetness from both the bourbon and vermouth, making it incredibly smooth to sip on its own or over ice cubes if preferred.

5. Maker’s Mark Sour

Pucker up for a classic Maker’s Mark sour.

Remember that shaking hard is key, so don’t be afraid to put some muscle into it.

Just make sure you don’t shake too long otherwise all those tiny air bubbles created during shaking will give your finished drink an unpleasant texture once served up.

6. Maker’s Mark Cranberry Orange Cocktail

For those looking for something a bit more festive, the Maker’s Mark-and-Cranberry Cocktail is an easy way to add some holiday cheer.

This classic cocktail combines the bold flavor of Maker’s Mark with tart orange and cranberry juices for a refreshingly sweet taste.

This cocktail is incredibly easy to make but packs quite a punch in terms of flavor.

7. Maker’s Mark Hot Toddy

The Maker’s Mark Hot Toddy is a warm, comforting cocktail made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, hot water, lemon juice, honey, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves.

This drink is typically served in a mug and is known for its ability to warm the body and soothe the throat.

The Hot Toddy is a classic winter drink that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it is often used as a home remedy for colds and other minor ailments.

8. Maker’s Mark Presbyterian

This easy mixture of Maker’s Mark bourbon, lemon-lime soda, and ginger ale creates a refreshing and effervescent cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.

With its smooth and slightly sweet flavor, Maker’s Mark provides the perfect base for this sparkling cocktail.

The tangy and crisp lemon-lime soda adds a touch of zing.

To create this unfussy cocktail, simply combine equal parts Maker’s Mark bourbon, lemon-lime soda, and ginger ale in a glass filled with ice, and garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

9. Maker’s Mark Paper Plane

The Maker’s Mark Paper Plane is a classic cocktail made with Maker’s Mark bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, lemon juice, and honey syrup.

The ingredients are stirred together and strained into a chilled glass, typically a cocktail or martini glass.

This cocktail is known for its balanced blend of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors, and is a popular choice among bourbon drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts.

10. Maker’s Mark and Ginger Ale

This classic cocktail is a great way to enjoy Maker’s Mark and ginger ale for sipping during any occasion.

To make this drink, you will need 2 ounces of Maker’s Mark whiskey, 4 ounces of ginger ale, 1/2 ounce simple syrup or honey syrup (optional), and a lime slice for garnish.

How do you mix a Maker’s Mark & Sprite cocktail?

You will also need a rocks glass, ice cubes, and a lemon wedge for garnish. Fill your rocks glass with ice cubes. Pour 2 ounces of Maker’s Mark bourbon over the ice. Top off with 4 ounces of Sprite. Garnish with a lemon wedge to add an extra hint of citrus flavor to the drink.

Best Way To Drink Maker’s Mark

The best way to drink Maker’s Mark bourbon is a matter of personal preference.

Some people prefer to enjoy it neat, meaning without any mixers or added ingredients, in order to fully savor its rich and smooth flavor.

Others might enjoy it on the rocks, meaning over ice, to help mellow the taste and make it more refreshing.

Maker’s Mark Tasting Notes

When it comes to choosing the best bourbon, Maker’s Mark is very approachable. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from this iconic spirit.

Nose

On the nose, Maker’s Mark has a rich and inviting aroma, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak. The nose is warm and inviting, and sets the stage for a smooth and satisfying drinking experience.

Taste

On the palate, Maker’s Mark has a rich and smooth flavor profile, with notes of caramel and vanilla predominating. There is a hint of spice on the finish, which adds depth and complexity to the whiskey’s overall flavor profile. The taste is well balanced, with a satisfying sweetness that is never overpowering.

Finish

The finish of Maker’s Mark is smooth and warming, with a slightly spicy kick that lingers on the palate. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving you with a sense of comfort and satisfaction.

You’ll see the original stills that were used by Bill Samuels Sr. to make his first batches of bourbon, and you’ll also see the historic family home, where many of the original experiments took place.

Discover the history and process of the Maker’s Mark Distillery, a family-owned distiller in Loretto Kentucky.

More Bourbon & Whiskey Recipes

The Maker’s Mark Distillery

The Maker’s Mark distillery was founded in the 1950s by Bill Samuels Sr., who was looking to create a new style of bourbon that was smoother and more drinkable than the traditional bourbons of the time.

Maker’s Mark has since become one of the best-known and widely-available brands of bourbon in the world, and the distillery has expanded to include a visitor center, tasting room, and gift shop, which draw thousands of visitors each year.

Location

3350 Burks Spring Road, Loretto, KY, 40037 | (270) 865-2881

Closest Airport

(SDF) Louisville Standiford Field Airport is 1 hour and 10 minutes away.

The Maker’s Mark Dipping Station

When I dip, you dip, we dip.

One of the unique features of Maker’s Mark is their hand-dipping station where each bottle receives a signature red wax coating which helps protect against oxidation while also giving it a distinct look and feel when compared to other bourbons on the market today.

This process takes place at their facility located just outside Louisville Kentucky where visitors can take tours or purchase souvenirs from their gift shop year round.

After your tour you can visit the dipping station where you can dip your own bottle into hot melted red wax – just like they do at the distillery – creating an instant collector item or personalized gift idea.

The Maker’s Mark Process

If you’re a fan of bourbon, you know that the process for making this iconic American spirit is complex and steeped in tradition. At the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, that process is taken to the next level.

The distillery is known for producing some of the smoothest and most flavorful bourbons on the market, and the secret to their success is their unique and meticulous distillation process.

High-quality Grains

The Maker’s Mark process begins with the selection of high-quality grains.

The distillery uses a proprietary blend of corn, wheat, barley, and rye, with a higher proportion of wheat than is found in traditional bourbon recipes.

This gives Maker’s Mark its signature smooth taste, which sets it apart from other bourbons.

Fermentation

Once the grains have been selected, they are ground and mixed with water to create a mash, which is then fermented for several days. During this process, the sugars in the mash are converted into alcohol.

After fermentation, the liquid is distilled twice, once in a column still and then again in a copper pot still. This process removes impurities and increases the alcohol content of the liquid, which will later be aged and bottled as Maker’s Mark.

Distillation

The Maker’s Mark distillation process is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition.

By using a proprietary blend of grains, a meticulous distillation process, and carefully aged oak barrels, the distillery is able to produce a smooth and flavorful bourbon that sets it apart from the competition.

Aging

One of the unique aspects of the Maker’s Mark process is the use of freshly charred oak barrels for aging.

The whiskey is aged in these barrels for several years, during which time it takes on its distinctive color and flavor.

The aging process is carefully monitored, and when the whiskey is judged to be ready, it is bottled and sealed with the signature red wax.

The Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour

Visiting the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, Kentucky is a must for anyone who loves bourbon or is interested in the history and process of this iconic American spirit.

The distillery offers several tour options, including guided tours and self-guided tours, so you can choose the experience that best fits your interests and schedule.

Tour Hours

9:30a – 3:30p (Monday-Saturday)

1:30a – 3:30p (Sunday, between March and December)

Just sign up at the desk for the next available tour. Tours leave often.

Cost of the Maker’s Mark Tour

During your visit you will get an up close look at how they make this legendary whiskey a well as have access to exclusive tastings not available anywhere else.

The cost of admission for these tours varies depending on what type you choose but generally range between $22-55 per person.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you through the history of Maker’s Mark and the process of making this smooth and flavorful bourbon.

You’ll have the opportunity to see the distillery’s grain silos, mash cookers, fermenting tanks, stills, and barrel warehouses, and learn about the history and tradition behind each step of the process.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to sample some of the distillery’s products and dip your own bottle of Maker’s Mark into the signature red wax.

Self-guided Tours

Self-guided tours are also available for those who prefer to explore the distillery at their own pace.

During a self-guided tour, you’ll be able to walk through the grounds and learn about the process of making Maker’s Mark from interactive exhibits and displays.

You’ll also have the opportunity to sample some of the distillery’s products and dip your own bottle of Maker’s Mark into the signature red wax.

Why not plan your visit to the Maker’s Mark Distillery today and discover the story behind one of the world’s most iconic bourbons?

The Maker’s Mark Distillery Gift Shop

Take a piece of bourbon country home with you.

A visit to the Maker’s Mark Distillery is not complete without a stop at the gift shop.

Located in the historic stone castle that serves as the distillery’s visitors center, the gift shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two to commemorate your visit.

Here are a few of the highlights of what you can find at the Maker’s Mark Distillery Gift Shop:

Bottles of Maker’s Mark: Of course, the star of the show at the Maker’s Mark Gift Shop is the bourbon itself. You can purchase a bottle of Maker’s Mark in a variety of sizes, and even have it dipped in the signature red wax before you go.
Maker’s Mark merchandise: From t-shirts and hats to glassware and coasters, the Maker’s Mark Gift Shop has a wide range of merchandise that showcases the iconic red wax seal.
Unique gifts: The Maker’s Mark Gift Shop is a great place to find gifts for the bourbon lover in your life. From bourbon-scented candles to bourbon barrel heads, there’s something for everyone.

With a wide range of products and something for every budget, you’re sure to find something to take home and remember your visit.

Distillery Specialty Bottles

For fans of Maker’s Mark bourbon, the distillery’s specialty bottles are more than just a drink – they’re a collectible item that tells a story.

From limited edition bottles to commemorative releases, the Maker’s Mark Distillery offers a range of specialty bottles that are perfect for bourbon enthusiasts and collectors alike.

These bottles are often packaged in unique and eye-catching designs, making them a great addition to any collection.

Star Hill Farm

In addition to the historical aspect, the Star Hill Farm is also a working farm, with crops and livestock.

You’ll see the fields where the grain for the whiskey is grown, and you may even have the opportunity to meet some of the animals that call the farm home.

The Star Hill Farm has been in the Samuels family for generations, and it was here that Bill Samuels Sr. began experimenting with different recipes for bourbon in the 1950s.

Star Hill Farm Tour

Today, the Star Hill Farm is open to visitors, who can take a tour of the property and learn about the history of Maker’s Mark.

Maker’s Mark Cocktail FAQs

What mixes well with Maker’s Mark?

Maker’s Mark is a versatile bourbon that can be paired with a variety of mixers and ingredients to create a range of different cocktails. Some popular mixers include ginger ale, club soda, lemon or lime juice, simple syrup, fruit juices or bitters to create more complex cocktails.

Is Maker’s Mark a sipping whiskey?

Maker’s Mark can certainly be enjoyed as a sipping whiskey. Its smooth and balanced flavor profile, along with its warming and satisfying finish, make it a popular choice for those who enjoy sipping it neat or on the rocks.

More cocktails!

Love cocktails? Me too. Here are a few more drinks I know you’ll love:

Cheers!