June 14th, 2019

On June 14^th we celebrate National Bourbon Day and National Flag Day.  So, let the flags fly high as you sit back and relax while enjoying some delicious bourbon. 

Although bourbon is thoroughly enjoyed straight, it also lends itself well to some amazing cocktails.  Here are my top five favorite bourbon cocktails for you to enjoy!

Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 to 3 dashes bitters
• 2 oz. bourbon
• Orange and/or cherry, to garnish

Directions: In an Old Fashioned glass douse bitters and add 2 drops of water.  Add the bourbon and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.  Add a couple of large ice cubes and stir well to chill the mixture.  All done!  Garnish with a slice of orange or a Maraschino cherry and serve.

Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sugar, to taste, dissolved in 1 teaspoon water (or use 2 teaspoons simple syrup)
• 8 to 10 leaves fresh mint
• Crushed ice
• 2-3 oz. bourbon, to taste
• Mint sprigs, for garnish

Directions: In a julep glass or copper mug, add sugar and water and stir until the sugar is dissolved.  If you’re using simple syrup, you can just add this to the bottom of the glass to speed up the process.  Add mint leaves to the sugar and muddle with a wooden spoon (also swipe the outside of the mug with the mint leaves for aromatics.)  Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice and add the bourbon.  Stir well to combine and fill the glass the rest of the way with ice.  Add fresh mint sprigs and serve with a short straw.

Maple-Bourbon Smash

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. pure maple syrup
• 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice
• 1/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 4 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1/2 orange wheel
• 2 oz. bourbon Ice
• 1 1/2 oz. chilled seltzer

Directions:  In a short glass combine the maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice and bitters.  Add the half of an orange wheel and muddle.  Add the bourbon and stir well.  Fill the glass with ice and top with seltzer.

Palmer Swizzle

Ingredients:

• 2 cups bourbon
• 1 black tea bag
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 8 mint leaves
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish
• Ice cubes and crushed ice for serving

Directions:  In a jar, steep the bourbon and tea for about two hours then remove tea bag.  Fill a shaker with ice, lime juice, simple syrup, and 2 oz. of the bourbon infused tea and shake well.  Strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

The Bobby Boucher

Ingredients:

• 1 orange twist, for garnish
• 1/4 oz. cherry liqueur
• 2 oz. bourbon
• 1/4 oz. Bénédictine (brandy-based herbal liqueur)
• 1/2 oz. Carpano Antica Formula or other sweet vermouth
• Ice

Directions:  Fill a pint glass with ice, add all ingredients and stir well.  Strain into a coupe glass filled with ice, twist an orange peel over the drink, drop in and serve.

I hope you enjoy these delicious bourbon cocktails!

Cheers,

Danyelle