Bourbon
 

Got 750 mils of Maker's Mark on a bet.. what are some good ways of drinking it? I know some people add water. Any simple cocktails to whip up?

Jack and Coke (or bourbon and Coke)

Whiskey Ginger (whiskey and ginger ale)

Bourbon and root beer (there is actually a name for that but I don't remember)

But the classic is Bourbon and branch, which is to say, water. I like it about one-to-one with a couple cubes of ice. And if you get into bourbon try Jim Beam Black and Old Grand Dad.

That is all I can think of...

A fine whiskey should be sipped, not drank..and definately not ruined on the rocks.

For the timid palette, I'd suggest putting the bottle in the freezer for at least 12 hours. Pour yourself about 2 fingers of this fine bourbon, and enjoy it. If you aren't used to it, the first few sips might be a bit much, but it will mellow out after your 2nd or 3rd sip. Perhaps a splash of water and a cube or two would help you. You might also enjoy it with a water back or a ginger ale back. If you go for the ginger ale, go for one of the better ones, such as Stewart's Ginger Beer. The bite it has works well with the bourbon.

Personally, I drink mine neat, at room temp, with a pipe or cigar. The flavors of tobacco and bourbon marry so well...why ruin it with water?

I like jack but recently have discovered makers mark and knob creek. The knob creek is so flavorful you can mix in quite a bit of water and it is still tastey.

I like it neat, on the rocks and in the winter sometimes with warm water. I also like it with 7 up but it is all wrong conceptually and I rarely drink it that way.

Lately I've been enjoying Bourbon and Ginger ale.

I disagree there. Bourbon on the rocks is my favorite drink.

Makers Mark is so mild, I would not put any water in it. Have it on the rocks. Once the ice melts a bit, that's all the water it needs.

drink it naked (maybe with just one icecube).

A splash of water will open up the flavors a bit, but just a splash. No rocks for me. Sometimes I like a splash of club soda, esp. in summer. I wouldn't mix a whiskey as good as Maker's Mark with anything sweet.
Knob Creek is a good one. I also like Bulleit, I understand it's pronounced "bullet". I've been really liking Rye over Bourbon lately though.

straight up is my preferred method for all whiskeys.

X2 on straight.

Bourbon lovers: try Eagle Rare, it's 101 proof but you'd never know it; it is so smooth and flavorful! Surprisingly here it's not much more expensive than Jack.

If you must mix water in, use filtered water, I cannot believe the difference a brita pitcher makes - activated charcoal; ER docs will testify to its ability to "suck out the poison" (say those last words w/a mexican accent). It's also why our cars' cabin air filters eliminate diesel, grass, rain & exhaust smells.

Neat at room temp. let it breath for a few minutes similar to wine.

Don't waste good bourbon by adulterating it with anything other that maybe an ice cube or some branch water. If mixed drinks are what you like, just buy some cheap crap and mix away!

Ever had any Pappy Van Winkle's? That is probably the best bourbon you can buy. They deliberately limit production to keep the prices high, but it's the best.

I'd have to go to great lengths to try it, most likely that would include having to polish my boots and go in to some high class bar and pay 50 bucks for a shot of the stuff, not that I wouldn't enjoy a sip of it on somebody's porch. I don't believe in "best you can buy" anything, especially when it comes to personal taste. Winning 90 or more points in some tasting proves nothing unless it's my tongue awarding the points.

Lately I've been enjoying High West Rendezvous Rye, made closer to home up in Park City Utah. Good stuff, to me. It's 100% Utah and Colorado rye. While I enjoy Bourbon, I really prefer malted whiskeys most of the time. Bourbon, I'm sure you're aware, is at least 51% corn, and usually closer to 80%.