WHISKEY BOURBON | The Drinkers Choice Club

WHISKEY/ BOURBON

Cozy up with smooth and spirited whiskey & bourbon cocktails — perfect for sipping by the fire or mixing something bold. Each recipe is shown two ways: the traditional version and the healthier version with fewer sugar, carbs, and calories, so you can enjoy your favorites with a smarter pour.

Classic Old Fashioned

2 oz Bourbon 1 sugar cube 2 dashes Angostura bitters Orange peel Instructions: Muddle sugar and bitters, add bourbon and ice, stir well. Garnish with orange peel. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~155 Carbs: ~4g Sugar: ~4g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 2 dashes Angostura Bitters Orange Peel (expressed) Optional: 2–3 drops liquid monk fruit or stevia instead of sugar Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~140 Carbs: ~0–1g Sugar: ~0g Result: The Old Fashioned is already one of the most naturally “healthier” classics, but swapping the sugar cube for zero-calorie natural sweetener makes it virtually carb- and sugar-free, while still keeping the deep, bitters-and-citrus balance.

Whiskey Sour

2 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz simple syrup Egg white (optional) Instructions: Shake ingredients without ice (if using egg), then with ice. Strain into a coupe glass. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~190 (with egg white) / ~175 (without) Carbs: ~9g Sugar: ~8g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 0.5 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) Egg White (optional) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 (with egg white) / ~130 (without) Carbs: ~2–3g Sugar: ~1–2g Result: Swapping the sweetener cuts ~45 calories and 6–7g sugar/carbs, while still delivering the frothy, tart-sweet balance that makes the Whiskey Sour a classic.

Boulevardier

1 oz Bourbon 1 oz Sweet Vermouth 1 oz Campari Instructions: Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass with a large cube. Garnish with orange twist. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~190 Carbs: ~13–14g Sugar: ~12–13g Healthier Version Ingredients: 1 oz Bourbon 1 oz Sugar-Free Sweet Vermouth (or a lighter fortified wine alternative) 1 oz Low-Sugar Bitter Aperitif (some craft/amaro brands, or DIY infusion with bitters + soda water + monk fruit syrup) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 Carbs: ~4–5g Sugar: ~3–4g Result: With low-sugar vermouth and a lighter bitter aperitif, you cut ~45 calories and 9g sugar/carbs, while still keeping that deep, bittersweet balance the Boulevardier is known for.

Mint Julep

2 oz Bourbon 8 mint leaves 1/4 oz simple syrup Crushed ice Instructions: Muddle mint and syrup, add bourbon and crushed ice. Stir and garnish with mint sprig. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~165 Carbs: ~4–5g Sugar: ~4–5g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 8 Mint Leaves (muddled) 0.25 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) Crushed Ice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 Carbs: ~1g Sugar: ~0–1g Result: By swapping in a low-sugar syrup, you cut ~20 calories and 3–4g sugar/carbs, keeping the classic julep’s cooling mint-and-bourbon character without the added sugar.

Manhattan

2 oz Bourbon 1 oz Sweet Vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters Instructions: Stir with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a cherry. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~190 Carbs: ~9–10g Sugar: ~8–9g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 1 oz Low-Sugar Sweet Vermouth (or a lighter fortified wine alternative) 2 dashes Angostura Bitters Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~155 Carbs: ~3–4g Sugar: ~2–3g Result: With a low-sugar vermouth swap, you save ~35 calories and 6g sugar/carbs, while keeping the Manhattan’s bold whiskey-and-vermouth balance intact.

New York Sour

2 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz simple syrup 1/2 oz red wine (float) Instructions: Shake first three with ice, strain, and float red wine on top. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~210 Carbs: ~11–12g Sugar: ~10–11g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 0.5 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) 0.5 oz Dry Red Wine (lower sugar, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~165 Carbs: ~4–5g Sugar: ~3–4g Result: By swapping in a low-sugar syrup and using dry red wine, you cut ~45 calories and 7g sugar/carbs, while keeping the cocktail’s layered, dramatic flavor intact.

Paper Plane

3/4 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz Aperol 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino 3/4 oz lemon juice Instructions: Shake with ice and strain into coupe. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~190 Carbs: ~17–18g Sugar: ~16–17g Healthier Version Ingredients: 0.75 oz Bourbon 0.75 oz Low-Sugar Aperitif Alternative (some craft sugar-free brands, or DIY infusion with bitters + monk fruit syrup + orange zest) 0.75 oz Low-Sugar Amaro Alternative (or bitters + splash of soda + monk fruit syrup to mimic herbal sweetness) 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~135 Carbs: ~4–5g Sugar: ~3–4g Result: With low-sugar aperitif and amaro swaps, the Paper Plane loses ~55 calories and 12–13g sugar/carbs while keeping its trademark balance of bitter, herbal, citrus, and bourbon.

Bourbon Negroni

1 oz Bourbon 1 oz Sweet Vermouth 1 oz Campari Instructions: Stir with ice and strain into rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~190 Carbs: ~13–14g Sugar: ~12–13g Healthier Version Ingredients: 1 oz Bourbon 1 oz Low-Sugar Sweet Vermouth (or lighter fortified wine alternative) 1 oz Low-Sugar Bitter Aperitif (some craft brands, or DIY with bitters + monk fruit syrup + soda water) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 Carbs: ~4–5g Sugar: ~3–4g Result: With low-sugar vermouth and bitter substitutes, you cut ~45 calories and 9g sugar/carbs, while keeping the same bitter-sweet depth that defines a Negroni.

Southern Belle

2 oz Bourbon 1 oz peach liqueur 1/2 oz lemon juice Instructions: Shake with ice and strain into coupe. Garnish with peach slice. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~220 Carbs: ~17–18g Sugar: ~16–17g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 1 oz Sugar-Free Peach Liqueur (or 1 oz fresh peach purée + monk fruit/stevia syrup) 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~160 Carbs: ~5–6g Sugar: ~4–5g Result: Swapping the liqueur for a sugar-free version or fresh peach purée cuts ~60 calories and 12g sugar/carbs, while keeping that sweet, juicy peach flavor balanced with bourbon and lemon.

Bourbon Peach Tea

2 oz Bourbon 3 oz peach iced tea Lemon wheel Instructions: Build in a tall glass with ice. Stir gently. Garnish with lemon. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~210 Carbs: ~21–22g Sugar: ~20–21g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 3 oz Unsweetened Peach Iced Tea (or brewed black tea + peach slices, chilled) Optional: 0.25 oz monk fruit or stevia syrup if you like a touch of sweetness Garnish: Lemon wheel Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 Carbs: ~2–3g Sugar: ~1–2g Result: By swapping bottled sweetened tea for unsweetened or homemade peach tea, you cut ~65 calories and almost 20g sugar/carbs, while keeping the refreshing bourbon-and-tea vibe.

Gold Rush

2 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz lemon juice 3/4 oz honey syrup Instructions: Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~215 Carbs: ~17g Sugar: ~16g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 0.75 oz Light Honey Syrup (1:2 honey + water, or honey blended with monk fruit/allulose) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~160 Carbs: ~7–8g Sugar: ~6–7g Result: Using a lighter honey syrup (or blending honey with low-sugar sweetener) cuts ~55 calories and about 10g sugar/carbs, while keeping the rich honey-citrus balance that makes the Gold Rush shine.

Brown Derby

1.5 oz Bourbon 1 oz grapefruit juice 1/2 oz honey syrup Instructions: Shake with ice, strain into a coupe. Garnish with grapefruit twist. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~170 Carbs: ~13–14g Sugar: ~12–13g Healthier Version Ingredients: 1.5 oz Bourbon 1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice (or light grapefruit juice) 0.5 oz Light Honey Syrup (1:2 honey + water, or honey blended with monk fruit/allulose) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~130 Carbs: ~5–6g Sugar: ~4–5g Result: By using fresh/light grapefruit juice and a lighter honey syrup, you save ~40 calories and 8–9g sugar/carbs while keeping the tart-sweet citrus and bourbon harmony that makes the Brown Derby a gem.

Bourbon Smash

2 oz Bourbon 1/2 lemon (cut in wedges) Mint leaves 1/2 oz simple syrup Instructions: Muddle lemon and mint, add bourbon and syrup. Shake and strain into rocks glass. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~170 Carbs: ~9g Sugar: ~8g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon ½ Lemon (cut into wedges, muddled) Mint Leaves (muddled) 0.5 oz Low-Sugar Simple Syrup (monk fruit, stevia, or allulose) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~140 Carbs: ~2–3g Sugar: ~1–2g Result: By swapping in a low-sugar syrup, you cut ~30 calories and about 7g sugar/carbs, while keeping the fresh lemon-mint brightness that defines a Whiskey Smash.

Kentucky Mule

2 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz lime juice Ginger beer Instructions: Build in a copper mug with ice. Garnish with lime and mint. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~220 Carbs: ~22–23g Sugar: ~21–22g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice 4 oz Light or Sugar-Free Ginger Beer (brands like Fever-Tree Light, Reed’s Zero, or Zevia) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~145 Carbs: ~2–3g Sugar: ~1–2g Result: By swapping to a light or sugar-free ginger beer, you save ~75 calories and about 20g sugar/carbs — keeping the bold bourbon-ginger kick intact.

Bourbon Rickey

2 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz lime juice Club soda Instructions: Build over ice in a highball. Garnish with lime wheel. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~140 Carbs: ~1–2g Sugar: ~0–1g Healthier Version (This drink is already naturally low-calorie and low-sugar — no swaps required!) Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice Club Soda to top Optional: add a few drops of monk fruit syrup if you prefer a hint of sweetness Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~140 (unsweetened) / ~150 (with light syrup) Carbs: ~1–2g Sugar: ~0–1g Result: The Bourbon Rickey is already a built-in healthier classic — light, bubbly, and refreshing, perfect for mindful sipping.

Bourbon Sidecar

2 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz Cointreau 3/4 oz lemon juice Instructions: Shake with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed coupe. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~210 Carbs: ~14–15g Sugar: ~13–14g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 0.75 oz Sugar-Free Triple Sec (or 0.5 oz fresh orange juice + monk fruit syrup) 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~160 Carbs: ~4–5g Sugar: ~3–4g Result: Swapping Cointreau for a sugar-free triple sec (or lightened orange juice blend) saves ~50 calories and 10g sugar/carbs, while keeping the classic citrus-bourbon balance.

Bourbon Espresso Martini

1.5 oz Bourbon 1 oz coffee liqueur 1 oz espresso Instructions: Shake with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with coffee beans. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~200 Carbs: ~16–17g Sugar: ~15–16g Healthier Version Ingredients: 1.5 oz Bourbon 1 oz Sugar-Free Coffee Liqueur (or 1 oz cold brew concentrate + monk fruit or allulose syrup) 1 oz Fresh Espresso Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~135 Carbs: ~3–4g Sugar: ~2–3g Result: Using a sugar-free coffee liqueur or cold brew + sweetener swap saves ~65 calories and 13g sugar/carbs, while keeping the smooth, bold coffee-bourbon flavor.

Bourbon Hot Toddy

2 oz Bourbon 1 tbsp honey 1/2 oz lemon juice Hot water Instructions: Combine all in a mug. Stir and garnish with lemon slice. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~190 Carbs: ~17g Sugar: ~16g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 0.5 oz Light Honey Syrup (made 1 part honey, 2 parts hot water, or blended with monk fruit/allulose) 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Hot Water (to top) Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~140 Carbs: ~6–7g Sugar: ~5–6g Result: By lightening the honey with water or blending with a low-sugar sweetener, you cut ~50 calories and 10g sugar/carbs, while keeping the warm bourbon-honey-lemon comfort intact.

Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

2 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz maple syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters Instructions: Stir with ice and strain into rocks glass. Garnish with orange peel. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~185 Carbs: ~11–12g Sugar: ~11–12g Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 0.25 oz Maple Syrup + 0.25 oz Monk Fruit or Allulose Syrup (keeps flavor but lowers sugar) 2 dashes Angostura Bitters Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~150 Carbs: ~4–5g Sugar: ~4–5g Result: Cutting maple with a low-sugar sweetener reduces ~35 calories and 7g sugar/carbs, while still giving that warm maple-bourbon richness.

Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

2 oz Bourbon 1 oz blackberry syrup 1 oz lemon juice Splash of club soda Instructions: Shake all but soda, pour into a glass with ice, top with soda. Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~210 Carbs: ~20–21g Sugar: ~19–20g 💛 Healthier Version Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 1 oz Low-Sugar Blackberry Syrup (made with fresh blackberries + monk fruit or allulose) 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice Splash of Club Soda Nutrition (approx. per serving): Calories: ~150 Carbs: ~6–7g Sugar: ~5–6g ✅ Result: Using a low-sugar berry syrup cuts ~60 calories and about 14g sugar/carbs, while still delivering the tart-sweet berry and citrus balance.