Greetings to all bourbon drinkers or lovers out there! Are you ready to learn some interesting facts about your favorite drinks? Today, we are going to explore the wide world of bourbon cocktails. Trust me; it's a journey that is going to get your taste buds dancing!
First things first, let's talk about bourbon. Is it just another ordinary whiskey. Well, it is not. It's rather special. But what does it take to make a good bourbon? Yes, that's what we are about to find out. In this blog, we will get through the basics of bourbon, some classic cocktails, and even a few modern twists. Excited? We know we are! So, let's get started!
Understanding Bourbon
What is bourbon all about? Well, it is a type of American whiskey, but there are some strict rules that make it unique. For starters, it must be made in the USA. It's as American as apple pie! That's not all. The mash bill - or the mix of grains used to make the whiskey - contains a minimum of 51% corn, which is what lends the characteristic sweetness to the bourbon.
Also it has to be aged in brand-new, charred-oak barrels. And this aging process gives the flavor all the characteristics that make bourbon that rich and complex drink. If you want to imagine, think vanilla and caramel with a hint of smokiness.
And not all bourbons are created equal. Some special bourbons can take your cocktail from good to great. Take for example the following tasting profile: smooth, vanilla, spice - great for mixing.
Wish to taste it? You can find this Buffalo Trace Bourbon at The Epicurean Trader. Believe me, your taste buds will thank you!
There are a ton of great bourbons out there. Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek. These are just a few of the other more well-known. Each holds its own unique flavor profile so don't fret to experiment!
Classic Bourbon Cocktails
Now we know our bourbon; let's mix some drinks. We will start with the classics. These are your steadfast favorites that never age.
First: the Old Fashioned. Simple but so good. The following kit is all you need:
- 2 oz bourbon (try Buffalo Trace)
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
To make it, start by -
- muddling the sugar cube with the bitters in the bottom of a rocks glass.
- Add your bourbon and some ice.
- Stir well until the drink is chilled and the flavors are well combined.
- Finally, garnish with the orange peel. Easy, right?
It's all about using a good bourbon in a great Old Fashioned, and Buffalo Trace fits the bill here. Its taste profile is on point for this timeless classic.
Another cocktail that you can try is a Mint Julep, which is refreshing and perfect for summer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon (get any of your choice)
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Crushed ice
To prepare a Mint Julep:
- Gently muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup or a highball glass. This helps release the mint's oils but doesn't make the drink bitter.
- Add your bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Stir until the glass frosts on the outside.
- Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint, its bold flavor stands up well to the mint and sugar.
Last but certainly not the least in our classic lineup, the Whiskey Sour. Tart, sweet, and so smooth.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Cherry and orange slice for garnish
Here's how to make it:
- In a shaker, go ahead and add the whole sour mix with the bourbon and ice.
- Shake it for about 10-15 seconds. This will not only get the drink really cold but also create a wonderful frothy drink from all the sour mix.
- Strain it into a glass over new ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
A more flavorful bourbon is preferred in the Whiskey Sour to withstand the infusion of citrusy flavors. An example can be of Knob Creek is very flavorful and works nicely such drink recipes.
Modern Twists on Bourbon Cocktails
So, we've covered the classics. Now, let's get really glam! These modern twists really elevate bourbon cocktails to the next level.
The first cocktail we have is the Bourbon Smash. It's fruity and refreshing - just right for the hot days of summer.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 lemon, cut into wedges
- 4-5 mint leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
To make a Bourbon Smash -
- Muddle the lemon wedges and mint leaves with the simple syrup in the bottom of a shaker. All you're doing here is crushing the lemon and mint to release the lemon juice and oil from the mint.
- Add your bourbon and fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lemon wheel.
The Bourbon Smash means a ton of different bourbons actually. Make it one night with Maker's Mark for a slightly sweeter version.
Next up we have the Maple Bourbon Fizz. It's sweet, it's fizzy and it's brunchy. Here is how to go about it:
35 Maple Street Spirits - 'Bib & Tucker' Small Batch Bourbon (750ML)
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz maple syrup
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 2-3 oz club soda
- Ice
To create a Maple Bourbon Fizz -
- Combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds and strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lemon twist when feeling fancy.
- The caramel notes of the bourbon pair really great with the maple syrup.
- Use Buffalo Trace for a real treat.
Rounding out our modern lineup is the Bourbon Espresso Martini. It's a caffeinated twist on a classic and is the ideal after-dinner cocktail.
Here's the key ingredients you need:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- 2 ounces coffee bourbon
- 1–1.5 ounces espresso
- 0.75 ounce simple syrup
Here's how you can make it:
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a few coffee beans on top.
Pairing Bourbon Cocktails with Food
Now that our drinking game is on point, let's talk about food. Bourbon cocktails are perfect for a lot of variations of food dishes. The key is to pair and not overwhelm the food with the flavors.
With the Old Fashioned, let's start with the most classic of classic cocktails. It's a great accompaniment for rich, savory food, such as a juicy steak or hearty burger. Sweet bourbon and bitter bitters just help to support the umami of your well-cooked meat.
Think of southern comfort food with the Mint Julep. Refreshing mint flavor sets up the drink well, followed by a nice piece of fried chicken or barbecue. Coolness of the drink provides a nice contrast to spicy or rich food.
Tangy whiskey sour pairs well with spicy food. Match that with buffalo wings or spicy tacos. Sweetness coming from bourbon and tartness from lemon juice will level the scald.
Now, on to our modern cocktails: the Bourbon Smash can be perfect with those off-the-grill foods. Its fruity profile complements the smoky flavors from grilled meats or vegetables. Try it with grilled chicken or even grilled peaches for a summer treat.
This is wonderful for brunch since it is sweet and effervescent; a bit of French toast or waffles and it will really go down easy. The bourbon will cut the sweetness of the maple syrup for a balanced taste.
Finally, the Bourbon Espresso Martini serves admirable justice as an after-dinner drink. Pair it with chocolate desserts for a match made in heaven. The coffee notes in the drink pair tremendously well with the richness in the chocolate.
Host a Bourbon Cocktail Party
Want to flex those newfound muscles? Throw a bourbon cocktail party. Here are some tips to help you make the party a huge hit:
Plan out your menu. You can do some classics and modern cocktails so that everybody will find something they like. Have some non-alcoholic options for designated drivers or those who don't drink much.
First, choose your bourbons. Yes, good bourbon really does make a difference. Stock up on some special bourbons, like Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve. Having a variety around lets guests compare and contrast different flavor profiles.
Need supplies? Check out The Epicurean Trader's bourbon collection. They have everything you need - from quality bourbons to cocktail-making tools.
Prepare ingredients in advance. Juices, fresh, simple syrups, and garnishes. This way, mixing drinks will be much easier and quicker during the party.
Finally, there is the glassware. Different cocktails traditionally use different glasses. Old Fashioned's come in rocks glasses, and Mint Juleps come in silver or pewter cups.
Presentation matters. Use nice glasses. Add fun garnishes. Make large format ice cubes for your Old Fashioned's.
Create a DIY cocktail bar. Set out all the fixings for a couple of basic cocktails and let your guests create their own drinks. It's an interactive, fun way to involve them.Consider making large format ice cubes for your Old Fashioneds. It's all part of the experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers! Here are some common queries about bourbon cocktails:
Q: What's the best bourbon for cocktails?
A: It depends on the cocktail. For Old Fashioneds, try a high-rye bourbon like Buffalo Trace. For fruity cocktails, a sweeter bourbon like Maker's Mark works well. Don't be afraid to experiment!
Q: Can I substitute bourbon in whiskey cocktails?
A: Usually, yes! But remember, bourbon is sweeter than other whiskeys. You might need to adjust the recipe slightly, perhaps by reducing the amount of added sugar.
Q: How do I store bourbon?
A: Store it in a cool, dark place. Unlike wine, bourbon doesn't actually age in the bottle. Once you open it, though, it's best to polish off that bottle within a few months for the best flavor.
Q: Do I need to use expensive bourbon in cocktails?
A: Not really. Ultra-premium bourbons, indeed, will be a waste if mixed into a cocktail. Normally, this product can be drunk straight or on the rocks. Midrange bourbon is really good for making cocktails.
Q: What is the distinction between a shaken and a stirred cocktail?
A: Shaking aerates the drink, making it lighter in texture while it incorporates the blend of ingredients. On the other hand, stirring chills and dilutes a drink without introducing air. Generally, shake cocktails with juice or dairy, and stir spirit-forward drinks like the Old Fashioned.
And there you have it, folks - a comprehensive guide to bourbon cocktails. We have done it all, from understanding what makes a good bourbon to mixing classic and modern cocktails.
One thing to remember: great origination is good bourbon for a cocktail.
Do not shy away from experimenting with the assortment of brands; each one will be bringing something different to the mix. Don't forget to experiment! While these recipes are great starting points, feel free to adjust them to your taste.
Bourbon cocktails are really more than just a cocktail; it is an experience. They bring people together, push initial conversations, and make unforgettable memories, be it while sipping Old Fashioned whiskey in a cozy bar or out in your backyard mixing Bourbon Smash for friends.
Ready to get mixing? Head over to The Epicurean Trader for all your bourbon needs. They offer a great variety of bourbons and cocktail supplies to get you started in making some bourbon recipes.
So, now what are you waiting for? Open a bottle, shake a cocktail, and enjoy! Whether you're just getting into bourbon or are a connoisseur, there is always something new to discover with bourbon cocktail recipes. Cheers to good times and great drinks!
