Disclaimer

Typically I will start a blog with all the supportive information on the subject and conclude with any disclaimers. For example, “all the reasons you should buy a king size bed”, followed by a reminder that kids should not sleep in a bed that is too big. BUT… since I know many bourbon enthusiasts out there feel so passionately about their bourbon remaining “pure” and “unfettered”, I feel compelled to address those folks first.

I hear you and I get it. At the risk of being blunt, this blog isn’t for you. This blog is for those of us who love bourbon and every once in a while, particularly at a upscale bar or tavern, want to enjoy its palette of flavors in a harmonious dance alongside some carefully chosen and well-vetted dance partners. We’ll start with some common steps and transition to the more obscure. Let the ball commence!

The Sock Hop

• Bourbon Sour – Mix with ice and strain into a rocks glass with ice.
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • .75 oz. lemon juice
  • .75 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
  • Cherry and/or lemon wedge for garnish
• Manhattan – Mix with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 1 oz. sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes bitters
  • Cherry for garnish
• Old Fashioned – Muddle the sugar with the bitters. Mix with bourbon over ice.
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 1 tsp. sugar (or 1 sugar cube)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 cherry
  • Orange peel for garnish
• Mint Julip – Muddle the sugar with the leaves. Mix with bourbon over ice.
  • 3 oz. bourbon
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • Several mint leaves

The Grand Ball

• Boulevardier – A Negroni but with bourbon instead of gin. Mix with ice, strain, and serve.
  • 1. 5 oz. bourbon
  • 1 oz. Campari
  • 1 oz. sweet vermouth
  • Orange peel for garnish
• Brown Derby – Mix with ice, strain, and serve.
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 1 oz. grapefruit juice
  • .5 oz. honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
• Ward Eight – Mix with ice, strain, and serve.
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • .75 oz. lemon juice
  • .75 oz. orange juice
  • 1 tsp. Grenadine
• Scofflaw – Mix with ice, strain, and serve.
  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 1 oz. dry vermouth
  • .5 oz. grenadine
  • .25 oz. lemon juice
  • 2 dashes of orange bitters
  • Lemon peel for garnish
• Milk Punch – Mix all but the nutmeg with ice, strain, and serve in a rocks. Top with nutmeg.
  • 1.5 oz. bourbon
  • .5 oz. rum
  • 2 oz. milk or creamer (in this case, French vanilla creamer)
  • 3/4 tsp. of vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. of superfine sugar
  • Grated nutmeg

If you’re making these cocktails at home, you’ll want to experiment some with the proportions, particularly those with sugar, to get them just the way you like. Most can be served up or on the rocks depending on your personal preference. Be sure not to skimp on the mixers. If you’re going to dance with a quality bourbon, don’t partner it with the lemon juice that has been hanging around in your refrigerator for 2 years.

Ready to dance down the road with friends and explore the world of bourbon further? Let Tour with Us KY help you set up the perfect dance card of bourbon partners throughout the Commonwealth. Give us a call today to start scheduling your next group outing!