Overview: Published Aug. 24, 2026 by Alia Ali for Mashed, this article features advice from Evan Flynn, bar manager at Death & Co Denver. The expert emphasizes simple cocktails with few ingredients to highlight spirit quality and recommends bourbons with at least 45% ABV (90 proof) for mixing.
The Full Story
Evan Flynn, representing the Colorado branch of a popular series of cocktail lounges that originated in New York City, shared top tips for mixing bourbon cocktails. The expert’s advice emphasized the importance of simple drinks and using higher-proof products. For me, many great bourbon cocktails are simple, according to Flynn, meaning they should not include a ton of ingredients.
If you look at how Mashed ranked the best bourbon cocktails of all time, many of the ones near the top contain only about three or so different components. A short ingredient list means there is very little for your bourbon to hide behind. A good bourbon is a great way to level up these seemingly simple drinks. For folks looking to pair their quality spirit with something nonalcoholic, you could make a basic highball with Coca-Cola. However, there are plenty of bourbon mixers out there that are not Coke. Feel free to experiment with what you like. Just make sure that the flavors pair well together.
The proof is in the proof — the spirit’s proof or ABV, that is. If you want to make a more complex cocktail, Evan Flynn says a higher-proof bourbon will really punch through and showcase its inherent flavor when the drink is mixed. Consider products that are at least 45% ABV (90 proof) for mixing. However, if you go for an option with an even higher concentration of alcohol, Flynn advises that you give it a taste to make sure it isn’t so boisterous that it overshadows any other ingredients.
With apologies to James Bond, some of the best mixed drinks should be stirred rather than shaken. Evan Flynn notes that shaken cocktails can overtake the nuance of good whiskey, while stirring results in a less-diluted drink. However, if you do enjoy getting a workout in with your cocktail shaker, an option like Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon will shine.
Production & Profile
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon features 47% ABV, flavors of oak and spice, and an accessible price point. Flynn points out that its characteristics make it a good choice for folks preparing their own cocktails. Even if you are just upgrading your usual bourbon and Coke, a quality product is worth the purchase.
Generally the production methods of the bottles that are just above the bottom shelf tend to be better vetted and in turn leagues better than the less expensive bottles, said Flynn. However, he also acknowledged that the nuanced flavors of extremely expensive bourbon are probably not best-suited for cocktails. Most of the time, I shoot for bottles near or below the $40 mark for mixing at home.
Brand & Industry History
Death & Co is a popular series of cocktail lounges that originated in New York City. The Colorado branch exists as part of this network, with Evan Flynn serving as bar manager at Death & Co Denver.
What This Means
The right bourbon is truly a matter of taste, notes Flynn. The bourbon that may be high-rye that is suitable for one person’s palate could be aggressively rich and spiced for another more casual bourbon drinker. On the other hand, someone who enjoys a more rustic and bracing sip might find a high wheat bourbon to be too flat or soft. If you aren’t an aficionado, shop around and try different kinds of bourbon to find what you prefer the most.
Consumer Takeaway
This release offers home bartenders specific guidance on selecting spirits near or below the $40 mark for mixing at home. The advice includes pairing options including Coca-Cola, bitter amaro, and ginger beer. A quality product is worth the purchase for upgrading usual bourbon and Coke.
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