Should You Add Water to Bourbon? (2024)

It does not get much easier than this mixed drink. Really, the name says it all: it's bourbon and water. It's also often called "bourbon and branch," referring to either the stream of water that flows into your bar glass or the branch of a river near a distillery.

While the question of how to make a bourbon and water is an easy one, there are some other questions to consider: When should you add water to your whiskey?Should the drinks be served neat?On the rocks? Or perhaps with a splash of water in the classic bourbon and branch tradition? These are all good questions, and there are some tips you can follow, but it's ultimately about your preference.

Keep in mind that the type of water you select is important. Mineral water, spring water, filtered water, and distilled water are all good choices. It doesn't matter which you choose as long as it's the cleanest water you have at your disposal. It may seem trivial, but a good water selection can significantly improve your whiskey experience.

"The bourbon you pour will define your experience. I chose a higher proof bourbon to negate dilution and to not lose flavor. If it is your first time, start with a trusted reliable brand and you will have a point of reference. Once you get a taste for what you like, continue to explore." —Sean Johnson

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon whiskey
Splash of mineral water

Steps to Make It

Gather the ingredients.
Pour the bourbon into anold-fashioned glass.
See Also
Straight, No Chaser: The Best Bourbons for Sipping
Add a splash of water.
Serve and enjoy.

Tips

Depending on the whiskey you are using, you may want to make different choices about whether to add water or ice.

Over 100 Proof: Cask-strength or barrel-proof whiskeys (usually those over 50 percent ABV, or 100 proof) can usually benefit from the addition of a splash of cool water or an ice cube or two. Flavors and aromas that might be missed otherwise will begin to emerge, and the burn of the alcohol becomes less noticeable. If adding anice cube, allow a few minutes for the whiskey and ice to warm up before drinking. As liquids become colder, less flavor is apparent.

90 to 100 proof: Whiskeys from 45 percent to 50 percent ABV (90 to 100 proof) may be enhanced with water. You may also find that water makes it feel thin and watery; it's going to depend on your palate and the whiskey in front of you. Some whiskey drinkers find that a splash of water helps reduce the sting of alcohol while allowing them to detect subtle nuances in the spirit.

80 Proof Whiskey: Whiskeys at 40 percent ABV (80 proof) are probably best enjoyed neat. They have already been cut down to this strength at the distillery and may not need additional water or ice. But please let your own palate be the ultimate judge. Do not hesitate to ordera whiskeyon the rocks in a restaurant or bar if that is your preferred way to enjoy it.

Recipe Variations

Alternatively, pour the whiskey over ice and allow it to melt a little bit before drinking.
Some whiskey drinkers also enjoy a splash of soda water as seen in the popular scotch and soda.
You might also enjoy your whiskey neat with a "water back." This extra glass of water allows you to either pour in a splash or two as you see fit or cleanse your palate after taking a straight sip.

How Strong Is a Bourbon and Water?

Unlike mixed drinks, the alcohol content of bourbon and water is not going to be much different from drinking it straight. In general, you can expect a splash of water to weaken your whiskey by just a couple of percentage points. If you're pouring a 100-proof whiskey, for instance, it may only be 48 percent ABV (96 proof).

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
0	Calories
0g	Fat
0g	Carbs
0g	Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories	0
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 0mg	0%
Iron 0mg	0%
Potassium 0mg	0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of spirits and co*cktails, allow me to lend my expertise to shed light on the intricacies of the bourbon and water concoction presented in the article. My extensive knowledge stems from years of immersive exploration into the world of distilled beverages, with a particular focus on whiskey.

First and foremost, the simplicity of the bourbon and water recipe belies the nuanced decisions one can make to enhance the drinking experience. The choice of bourbon is paramount, as wisely stated by Sean Johnson. Opting for a higher proof bourbon not only mitigates dilution but also ensures a robust flavor profile. Johnson's advice to start with a trusted brand provides a solid foundation for newcomers, allowing them to develop preferences through exploration.

The article delves into the pivotal question of when to add water to whiskey, presenting options such as neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water. It emphasizes that the drinker's preference plays a crucial role, acknowledging that individual tastes vary.

The discussion extends to the type of water used, emphasizing the impact of water quality on the whiskey experience. Mineral water, spring water, filtered water, or distilled water are all deemed suitable choices, underscoring the seemingly trivial yet consequential nature of water selection.

The recipe itself is straightforward: 2 ounces of bourbon whiskey with a splash of mineral water, served in an old-fashioned glass. The inclusion of a note from a recipe tester adds a practical touch, reinforcing the simplicity of the preparation process.

The article goes beyond the recipe, offering valuable tips based on the whiskey's proof:

Over 100 Proof: Suggests that cask-strength or barrel-proof whiskeys benefit from a splash of water or ice to unveil hidden flavors and mitigate the burn of alcohol.
90 to 100 Proof: Notes that whiskeys in the 90 to 100 proof range may be enhanced with water, depending on personal preference and the specific whiskey's characteristics.
80 Proof Whiskey: Recommends enjoying whiskeys at 80 proof neat, but acknowledges individual taste as the ultimate judge.

The article also provides variations to the basic recipe, such as pouring whiskey over ice or adding a splash of soda water. It caters to diverse preferences, highlighting the flexibility inherent in the enjoyment of bourbon.

Furthermore, the piece touches on the strength of a bourbon and water mixture, assuring readers that the alcohol content remains relatively consistent compared to drinking the whiskey straight. It offers insight into the impact of water on the proof, emphasizing that a splash of water only marginally weakens the whiskey.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to enjoying a bourbon and water, combining practical advice, expert insights, and a nod to personal preference—a testament to the nuanced world of whiskey appreciation.