We're celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month all throughout September. Want to join us? Here's everything you need to know about Bourbon Heritage Month, plus the right way to taste bourbon.
If you have super awesome bourbon on hand, you might just want to go ahead and drink it straight -- at least give it a taste. If you have something that is begging to be mixed into a cocktail, start here:
The Classics
Old Fashioned
Strong, aromatic and slightly sweet, Old Fashioneds are perfect for that good bourbon you want to mix into a cocktail without completely losing the flavors of good booze.
Whiskey Sour
Whiskey sours are easy and simple but always delicious. Ditch that sweet and sour mix you have and make it yourself with nothing more than lemon and sugar.
Mint Julep
This is another one that works well with the good stuff, as the sweet mint allows all kinds of flavors from your bourbon to shine through. Adjust the sugar to taste for a stronger or sweeter drink.
Boulevardier
A little Campari and sweet vermouth will play well with your whiskey for a rich, bittersweet cocktail that is perfect for fall.
Manhattan
This classic sweet, aromatic and balanced cocktail is perfect with any bourbon you have but goes especially well if you have something with floral notes, like rye. Love the aromatics? Add in a few extra dashes of bitters.
Want to mix it up with something a little unusual? Check these out.
The Unusual Refreshers
Bourbon Peach Sweet Tea
For some reason bourbon and peach preserves were just made for each other.
Frozen Mint Julep
If you love Mint Juleps but are craving something even more refreshing to get you through the last of the summer heat, you've come to the right place.
Strawberry Whiskey Sour
Similar to a regular one, but with an extra-special strawberry lemonade spin.
Honey Whiskey Lemonade
The thyme really adds a special note of complexity, although you can totally swap it out for something like basil, mint or rosemary. Don't have honey whiskey? No problem. Just add a little extra honey (or simple syrup) to taste.
Rosemary Peach Maple Leaf
Tart, bright, earthy and sweet, this cocktail is great with something a little smoky.