Bourbon, the premier whisky of Kentucky, has recently been revived as a liquor of choice by mixologists and connoisseurs alike. Taking a cue from retro television and movies, as well as the public desire for more inspired drink choices, bourbon is back on the market.
First created in the late 1700s, this barrel-aged distilled spirit is named after Bourbon County, Kentucky. To be considered bourbon, a whisky must be made of mash that is at least 51 percent corn and aged in white-oak barrels for a minimum of two years. While bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States, to be called a Kentucky Bourbon it must be produced and aged only in Kentucky.
Bourbon can be enjoyed straight, diluted with water, on the rocks or in one of these classic cocktails you can make at home.
Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 2 parts bourbon
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- splash of water
- 1 tsp sugar or a sugar cube
- maraschino cherry
- a twist of orange peel for garnish
Directions:
- Mix sugar, water and bitters together in a cocktail glass.
- Muddle in the cherry using the back of a spoon and top with bourbon and ice.
- Stir; then, garnish.
Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 2 parts bourbon
- 1/2 part sweet vermouth
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- a maraschino cherry
- option: a splash of maraschino cherry juice for extra flavour
Directions:
- Lightly shake over ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain, garnish and serve in a rocks (old-fashioned) glass.
Whisky Sour
Ingredients:
- 1 part bourbon
- 1 part fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 part simple syrup (see recipe below)
- maraschino cherry or twist of lemon for garnish
Directions:
- Lighty shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish.
Simple syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 part water
- 2 parts sugar
Directions:
- Add water to a pot and bring to a boil.
- Add sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and cool.
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