10 Best Places for Bourbon Drinks in Downtown Des Moines

Although National Bourbon Day takes place annually in June, Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is the perfect place to celebrate the unofficial holiday all.year.long. If you love tried-and-true bourbon drinks like southern Juleps or classic Manhattans, or even something a little more unique (with a twist!) — Downtown DSM is the place to make all your bourbon-loving dreams come true.

Where to Find Bourbon in Downtown Des Moines

Alba DSM

Happy hour at Alba is daily from 4 to 6 p.m., and that means $6 cocktails! Ask the bartender for the Horse Feather: bourbon, lemon, ginger and Angostura Bitters.
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Bubba

You just can’t enjoy southern comfort food without an accompanying Mint Julep! Bubba’s signature cocktail is made with Old Forester bourbon. And don’t skip the whiskey pecan pie for dessert!
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Buzzard Billy’s

Pair your favorite New Orleans cuisine with a Louisiana Lemonade: Brown sugar bourbon, lemonade and soda water. A southern classic!
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The Continental

Take a peek at the drink pictured below and you’ll see the Bobby Boucher, made with bourbon, Luxardo liqueur, Benedictine liqueur and Dolin Rouge Vermouth de Chambéry. Or try the Beast of Bourbon, including Aperol, Amaro liqueur, Benedictine and lemon. Both drinks are served up.
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Hello, Marjorie

A local favorite here is the Editor’s Note (pictured below), made with High Wheat American Prairie bourbon, Rothman & Winter apricot liqueur, demerara and smoked apple bitters. Cheers!
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In Confidence

Who wants a Millionaire? (We do! We do!) Made with Four Rose’s Single Barrel bourbon, Grand Marnier, Ricard liqueur, egg white, grenadine, lemon juice and a hint of nutmeg. You’ll be feeling like a kingpin in no time at all.
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Juniper Moon

Really, can you go wrong with a traditional whiskey sour? Juniper Moon’s version is made with Larcery bourbon and the tried-and-true mashup of lemon, sugar, egg whites and bitters (shown below). Their extensive cocktail list also includes two types of Manhattans and a classic Boulevardier, for your sipping pleasure.
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Roca DSM

A DSM favorite is the Smoking Gun: Bulleit bourbon, Angostura bitters, maple and applewood smoke (pictured below). If smokey flavors aren’t your thing, order the Pig & Fig Manhattan: fat-washed bourbon, fig-infused Sweet Vermouth, house-made chicory maple bitters and candied bacon.
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The Stuffed Olive

Don’t let their new location fool you! This Downtown Des Moines cocktail bar still offers an extensive drink menu and cozy yet energetic nightlife vibe. Known for their martini selection, we suggest the Ginger Jule: Maker’s Mark bourbon, Domaine de Canton, ginger beer, mint and lemon served up.
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Tupelo Honey

“The Boozy Turkey” is a proper bourbon-based old fashioned, made with Wild Turkey 101, sugar, bitters, orange peel and an Amarena cherry on top. Give it a go!
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For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.