Today, June 14 is a very special day. It’s National Bourbon Day! Since I live in Cincinnati, and Kentucky is just across the river, Bourbon is pretty special in my region. I first started drinking bourbon shortly after I turned 21. I decided that the Whiskey Sour would be my go to drink (this was replaced after about 5 months with the Tequila Sunrise, but that’s another story). I spent many nights feeling oh so classy sipping on my well whiskey sour, with extra cherries please! It didn’t take me long to figure out that higher quality ingredients meant a much tastier cocktail, and a much more comfortable morning, if you know what I mean! From cheap well whiskey, to Maker’s Mark and Basil Hayden’s. From bright red maraschino cherries to the luxurious Luxardo. It’s safe to say I’ve upped my whiskey game over the years.
My taste for and appreciation of Bourbon has grown so much since my first few sours. As a bartender I hear all the time how people hate “brown liquor” (what does that even mean?) or that they can’t stand the “burn” with bourbon. Professionally I see this as a challenge. I firmly believe that if you don’t like a liquor you just haven’t had it in the correct drink yet- and I’m here to help!
So here are my three offerings for National Bourbon Day. I’ll list them, from I feel, is the most approachable, easy drinking, to the boldest, biggest bourbon flavors.
Tart Cherry Limeade-
1.5 ounces Red Stag
1 ounce Tart Cherry Simple Syrup*
topped with Lime Seltzer, right now I’m obsesses with a brand called Bubbly
Fill a Collins glass with ice, add the Red Stag, Cherry Syrup, and soda. Stir gently to combine and top with a couple of cherries.
Bourbon Bramble-
1.5 ounces Maker’s Mark
1 ounce Blackberry-Honey Syrup*
.5ounce Lemon Juice
Splash of soda water
I like to feel fancy with this drink, so I put it in a Wine glass. Combine the Maker’s, Syrup, and Lemon Juice in a Shaker, add ice, and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Pour into the Wine glass, add a little more ice and soda for bubbles. Add a couple of blackberries to the glass and enjoy!
Blood Orange Old Fashioned-
2 ounces Woodford Reserve
1 ounce Blood Orange Simple Syrup* (I make my own, but you can find some at most liquor stores)
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Add ingredients to a rocks glass, stir to combine, top with ice and garnish with an orange or blood orange wedge and a Luxardo cherry if you have it.
*I’ll add some syrup recipes in the next couple of days. It is so worth it to make your own, especially if you can get the ingredients when they are in season!
