Cocktails

Bourbon On The Rocks

Bourbon On The Rocks is an alcoholic cocktail built on Bourbon. It leans caramel, oak and spice. Built and served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. Expect about 45% ABV and roughly 148 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic45% ABV1 ingredient

At a Glance

148 kcalCalories

45%ABV

0gSugar

0gCarbs

1.5Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Easybuilt drink

Why: 1 ingredient

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

2.0 ozBourbonBase Spirit

How to Make It

Pour bourbon into old-fashioned glass half-filled with ice.Pour

How to Serve

Glass: Old-Fashioned Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Ice

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Caramel Oak Spice

Supporting notes

Vanilla

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

High ABV
Full-bodied

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

BBQ / CookoutSuggested from its oak notes, pairing with bbq and grilled meat.
Winter / CozySuggested from its spice notes.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Food pairings

BBQ Steak Grilled Meat

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-FreeKetoLow-CarbLow-SugarVegan Vegetarian

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Bourbon2.0 oz

Rye WhiskeyWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use the same amount; adjust sweetener if the drink becomes too dry.
What changes: Rye whiskey can replace bourbon when a spicier, drier version is acceptable.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Bourbon On The Rocks?: The Bourbon On The Rocks is a cocktail made with 1 ingredient, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 45.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 148 calories.
What does a Bourbon On The Rocks taste like?: Bourbon On The Rocks has a flavour profile featuring Caramel, Oak, Spice, Vanilla. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Bourbon On The Rocks?: Bourbon On The Rocks pairs well with BBQ, Steak, Grilled Meat. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Bourbon On The Rocks?: The Bourbon On The Rocks has an ABV of approximately 45.0%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 148 kcal, 0.0g sugar, 0.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Bourbon On The Rocks typically served?: Bourbon On The Rocks is often suggested for BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Bourbon On The Rocks?: If you enjoy Bourbon On The Rocks, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make a Bourbon On The Rocks at home?: Yes. The Bourbon On The Rocks uses 1 ingredient, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?: Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?: Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Bourbon On The Rocks with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.