Whiskey Cocktail - The Whiskey Roundup

Photo by Brian on Reshot

Whiskey is so incredibly versatile, especially when it comes to cocktails. The flavors you can pull off with whiskey are limitless. Unlike some other liquors, where the cocktail flavor comes from whatever else you are putting the cocktail, whiskey has an identity all its own and makes the cocktail. The other ingredients in the cocktail then compliment the whiskey and make a whole cocktail experience. Give me a Manhattan or on Old Fashioned any day of the week over a vodka and tonic with a lime. 

So this week on the Whiskey Roundup, as you may have guessed, we are exploring all things Whiskey Cocktail!

I don't typically go for fruity cocktails, but I do like a few of them. In this case, the bourbon is main player and is complimented by the fruit and kiwi juice. I'm intrigued by the sparking apple cider element of it too!

Kiwi go again! We're back with another fruity, yet boozy summer cocktail for you to try. The first cocktail in August is the Bourbon Kiwi Apple Shimmer.✨ #clevelandwhiskey #cocktail #bourboncocktail #whiskeycocktail https://t.co/yZIfiFx0qO

— Cleveland Whiskey (@clevewhiskey) August 4, 2020

I'm from Texas, and in Texas, we're all about anything that has anything Texas on it. Like this cocktail. Forget the other types of mules and try out the Texas Mule!

This weekend, try a Texas Mule. Recipes and bottle finder here - https://t.co/EutG7U3hBM#whiskey #whiskeycocktail #mule #texasmule pic.twitter.com/uS9QUdxOPF

— Milam & Greene Whiskey (@MilamandGreene) August 1, 2020

I'm going to take back what I said about fruity cocktails, because now that I've found this, I'm not sure that there' any turning back. I love strawberry lemonade. Add some bourbon and you have a good thing going.  

A whiskey drink that tastes like strawberry lemonade.

2.25 oz whiskey
.75 oz simple syrup
.5 oz lemon juice
1 strawberry

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well to muddle the strawberry. Strain into a glass with ice. #whiskeycocktailhttps://t.co/HqeKIn8b54 pic.twitter.com/Eq1xXaWG77

— Texas Whiskey Fest (@TXwhiskeyfest) July 31, 2020

 

Bourbon and ginger beer is always a great combination. Now add in a chili? I just might have to try! 

The sun? Shining. The meat? Grilled. The barbecue? Lit. There's only one thing to quench your thirst - an Irish Squealer. Recipe here: https://t.co/lGLVVPLYuj #bbqdrinks #whiskeycocktail #flamingpig #irishwhiskey #bbqcocktails #thirstquencher pic.twitter.com/jTb9My47zc

— Flaming Pig Irish Whiskey (@drinkflamingpig) July 19, 2020

Ginger and Lime Cocktail

There are certain flavors that go together so well, they were meant to go together. Whiskey and ginger and ginger and lime. So knowing that those flavors compliment each other, I wanted to craft a cocktail around them. This is nothing cutting edge, much less original, but it is a simple cocktail designed to sip and enjoy. 

Ginger and Lime Cocktail

The Tools

• Old Fashioned Glass or Cocktail Glass
• Jigger
• Bar Spoon

The Ingredients

• 2 oz of Bourbon
• 1 tsp Lime Juice or Lime Wedge
• Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer
• Ice

The Method

Add the ice to the cocktail glass. I used a large square mold to get 2 inch cubes for mine. It just takes one. Add the lime juice, bourbon, I used Buffalo Trace, and ginger ale to the glass. The amount of ginger all will depend on three things, the amount of ice, the size of the glass, and personal taste. Stir to combine and enjoy.

That's it. A simple cocktail with a simple recipe and a few simple ingredients that comes together super quickly so you can sit down and enjoy it sooner. 

If I make this again, which I will, I might try to add a few dashes of bitters to the mix. This time, I used ginger ale, but also might try it with the ginger beer to give it more bite.

Slainte!

Whiskey Roundup - Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned saw a recent rise in popularity thanks to shows like Mad Men. It was a tradition of mine to watch the show every week and enjoy an Old Fashioned with friends. This week, the Whiskey

Whiskey Roundup - Old Fashioned

Roundup is all about the Old Fashioned.

It's true that an Old Fashioned never really goes out of style. It's simple and elegant and doesn't require a special occasion to enjoy. This is the most simple recipe. 

An Old-fashioned really never goes out of fashion. #Angosturabitters #houseofangosturanigeria#Oldfashioned#cocktails #recipe pic.twitter.com/Wj09TdaV6z

— Angostura House NG (@AngosturaNG) July 14, 2020

Since it's recent rise in popularity, bars have been putting their own spin on drink. Typically they'll use infused whiskies or syrups. Maple and cherry seem to be the most popular flavors I've come across, but I have also seen smoked Old Fashioneds and a variety of bitters being used like chocolate and  Peychaud's.

There are many ways to make an old fashioned, but this is my go to so far!
- 2 oz bourbon
- barspoon of maple syrup 🇨🇦
- 2 dashes of bitters
- stir and pour
- garnish with orange or lemon or both lol#oldfashioned pic.twitter.com/sGIDJ55PAB

— PorknCheese (@PorknCheese_) July 18, 2020

The first printed mention of the phrase "old fashioned cocktail" was in February 1880 int he Chicago Tribune. So I think black and white photography works well for the drink. Plus, it looks super classy. 

Black and white is SO #oldfashioned pic.twitter.com/ZWjbG54gQA

— Dylan Cole (@ThaRoyWonder) July 17, 2020

I never thought about using Wild Turkey 101 to make an Old Fashioned. I always thought the whiskey would be strong for the drink. But now that I see it, I'm thinking maybe stronger whiskey makes for bigger flavor. 

Who will you share your Wild Turkey with? It’s a big decision.#bourbon #wildturkeybourbon #kentuckybourbon #OldFashioned #cocktails #whiskey #cocktail #whiskeywednesday #orange #bitters #friendship 🥃 🥃 🦃 🇺🇲 pic.twitter.com/ivVt1QIUnL

— Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey UK (@WildTurkeyUK) July 15, 2020

Whiskey Roundup - Cocktails

I love cocktails, like this one made with Johnnie Walker. This week, the Whiskey Roundup is all about cocktails! I decided to go a little outside of the whiskey box and include cocktails that aren't technically a whiskey cocktail.

I've been making a lot of Bloody Mary's lately. I typically will use a store bought mix, but I have wanted to try my hand at making my own for a while. This should at least give a jumping of point to get started with making a mix at home.

3 parts vodka
6 parts tomato juice
5 drops of Tabasco sauce (hot)
Lemon juice
Olives, pickles or a celery stick for decoration
Salt and pepper to taste
Ice

Mix the ingredients in a cocktail glass and decorate as desired.#bloodymary #cocktail pic.twitter.com/AxUcHhhPh8

— Drinks&Co United Kingdom (@drinksco_UK) July 11, 2020

It's been a while since I had a good whiskey sour. Most sour mixes are crap, so making them at home or getting one at a bar is usually out of the question. Unless the bar takes the time to make their own mix, it's a non-starter. I don't know why I never thought of it being just a few simple ingredients.   

Its Sourtaday! Time for a easy & dee-lish 3 ingredients craft #bourbon sour.

🥃 BOURBON SOUR 🥃
2 ounces Xplorer Bourbon
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
¾ ounce simple syrup

Mix bourbon, lemon juice, & simple syrup in a #cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, shake well until cold. pic.twitter.com/cXTEEAvnun

— Xplorer Spirits (@XplorerSpirits) July 11, 2020

This a different take on the whiskey sour, that honestly sounds amazing. I've always liked raspberry lemonade and adding whiskey to it sounds incredible! This would make a great summer afternoon sipper. 

#WhiskySour
Makers Mark
Lemonjuice
Raspberry syrup#howtodrink #cocktail pic.twitter.com/4LLrTw3aEj

— Nicklas Johansson (@theeriknicklas) July 10, 2020

Sometimes you have to take a simple approach. The whiskey can get lost in a cocktail full of syrups and juices, unless you mix it right. This cocktail is just two simple ingredients.  

There is a simple yet overlooked cocktail called the whiskey & soda. This classic highball is often frowned upon by whiskey snobs. Ignore them.

2.25 oz bourbon or rye
Club soda or sparkling water
Ice

In a glass with ice, add whiskey and top with club soda and stir. #cocktail pic.twitter.com/msXAeGmfYu

— Texas Whiskey Fest (@TXwhiskeyfest) July 10, 2020

Slainte! 

The BLT Cocktail, Texas Edition

After making the BLT Cocktail for the first time the other day, I was hooked. But I go to thinking, how can I make this drink something that is uniquely Texan? One thing was obvious. It had to be a Texas Bourbon. But what else? Texans love their Topo Chico mineral water, so that would replace the

BLT Cocktail, TX Edition

tonic. Let's try it out.

The Recipe

The Tools

• Cocktail Glass
• Jigger
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Mason Jar
• Bar Spoon

The Ingredients

• 2 oz Texas Bourbon
• Topo Chico
• Lemon
• Ice

The Method

For this recipe, we'll use a mason jar. That's not uniquely Texan, but it feels right for this drink. First, fill the mason jar with ice. Next, add 2 oz of your favorite Texas Bourbon. I'm using Garrison Brothers in this one. Top the bourbon off with Topo Chico and add your lemon wedge. Stir to combine using the bar spoon. 

Slainte!

The BLT, A Summery Cocktail

Summer is here and it is getting hot outside. Hot enough to need a good summer cocktail. Last night, I tried out the BLT cocktail and it was definitely refreshing on a hot summer night outside on the patio, with the bourbon, lemon, and tonic water to cool you down. Today, I'm sharing the recipe with you, because I think you'll want to try it out! 

BLT Cocktail

The Recipe

The Tools

• Cocktail Glass
• Jigger
• Cutting Board
• Knife

The Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon
• Tonic Water
• Lemon
• Ice

The Method

Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Then, using the small side of the jigger, add 2 oz of bourbon to your cocktail glass. For this recipe, I am using Bulleit Bourbon. Next, top off the glass with tonic water and give it a stir. Finally add your lemon wedge and give it a final stir. 

It's that simple. 3 ingredients for a refreshing summer cocktail. If you want it to be a little bit more like a spiked lemonade, you could a some simple syrup, but it honestly doesn't need it. Some mint would go really well with this too.

Slainte!

Maker's Mark Maple Ginger

Maker's Mark Maple Ginger

Certain flavors compliment your whiskey perfectly, and one of those flavors is maple. So for this cocktail recipe, I've taken three simple ingredients, bourbon, maple, and ginger, to make the Maker's Mark Maple Ginger.

The Recipe:

The Tools:

• Old Fashioned Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger

The Ingredients:

• 2 Ounces Bourbon
• 1 Teaspoon Maple Syrup
• Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer

The Method:
In and Old Fashioned glass, add 2 ounces of bourbon. For this recipe, I am using Maker's Mark. Add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Stir to combine. Fill the glass with ice. Top off with ginger ale or ginger beer. The ginger ale will be sweeter, while the ginger beer will be spicier.

Slainte!

Cherry Old Fashioned

Cherry Old Fashioned

Everyone loves a good Old Fashioned Cocktail. And since the dawning of the age of Mad Men, the drink has been seen everywhere. Considering the flavors and ingredients in an Old Fashioned, I wanted to play around with the flavors and create a different version. The first one I came up with and liked, was the Cherry Old Fashioned.

The Recipe:

The Tools:

• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Muddler
• Old Fashioned or Cocktail Glass

The Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon (I use Buffalo Trace)
• 1/2 ounce Cherry Liqueur
• 1 Teaspoon Simple Syrup
• 3 to 4 Maraschino Cherries
• 1 Teaspoon of the Maraschino Cherry Juice
• Ice Sphere
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters

The Method:

Cherry Old Fashioned Ingredients

In the Old Fashioned or cocktail glass, add the simple syrup, Angostura and orange bitters, Maraschino cherries, and Maraschino cherry juice. Using the muddler, mash the cherries to release the juices from the cherries and combine with the bitters. Add in the ice sphere. Add in 2 ounces of bourbon and 1/2 ounce of cherry liqueur. Stir to combine. Sit back and sip and enjoy!

I didn't use an orange twist in this recipe. That was intentional. The orange bitters have enough orange flavor to keep it true to the original cocktail recipe, while the addition of the cherry liqueur brings out the cherry flavor that was already there and compliments the Angostura bitters perfectly.

Slainte!

Johnnie Walker Fancy Free

Johnnie Walker Fancy Free

Remember the other day, I told you about the Johnnie Walker tasting event I went to several years ago? We had four chances to try four labels one time each. With the Red Label, they were making two different cocktails. One, was an Old Fashioned with some cherry liqueur added. But, that's a different post. The other Red Label cocktail that night was very similar to a Fancy Free, a cocktail made with whiskey, cherry liqueur, and bitters. I'm making mine with the Black Label.


The Recipe:

The Tools:

• Old Fashioned Glass
• Ice Sphere
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger

Johnnie Walker Fancy Free Ingredients

The Ingredients:

• 2 Ounces Johnnie Walker Black Label
• 1/2 Ounce Cherry Liqueur
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters

The Method:

In an Old Fashioned Glass, add two dashes of Angostura Bitters and two dashes of Orange Bitters. Add the ice sphere. Pour two ounces of Johnnie Walker Black Label and one ounce of cherry liqueur. Stir to combine.

Slainte!

Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned Cocktail

After the simple Whiskey and Coke, I think it's safe to say that the first true whiskey cocktail everyone is introduced to is The Old Fashioned. The flavors of this classic cocktail are so smooth, they are approachable to just about anyone! The sweet from the simple syrup and the spice from the bitters complement each other perfectly. It's customize-able too! Add a little more simple syrup or a few more cherries and it's your perfect cocktail. This is my recipe!


The Recipe:

The Tools:

• Old-Fashioned Glass
• Ice Sphere
• Jigger
• Muddler
• Jigger

The Ingredients:

• 2 Ounces Bourbon
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
• 1 Teaspoon Simple Syrup
• 2 Marraschino Cherries
• Orange Twist

The Method:

Building a delicious cocktail is something of an art form. The right ingredients have to go together in the right order. Otherwise, the cocktail will be good, but not great. That is the case with an Old Fashioned. You have to build the proper base to set up the rest of the cocktail.

Ingredients for an Old Fashioned Cocktail

To start, add your simple syrup, marraschino cherries, and both types of bitters. Using the muddler, muddle cherries by lightly pressing against the bottom of the glass. Once the cherries are muddled, add the ice. For the ice, I prefer to use one large piece of ice, like a sphere or large cube.

Using the small side of the jigger, pour 2  ounce shots of bourbon over the ice. For this recipe, I'm using Buffalo Trace. Add the orange twist. Using the bar spoon, stir to combine.