Back to our home-grown roots. June 14th calls for a celebration of America’s “Native Spirit:” Bourbon. A fine whiskey that is primarily made out of corn in Kentucky, it is a symbol of America’s past and rising future. The popularity of Bourbon has been booming. With a rising demand, get it while you can. It has become so popular that distilleries struggle to keep up with our whiskey needs.
So are we drinking Bourbon or whiskey? Or could we be drinking both? Prepared to be surprised. Bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Simple! To get specific, whiskey is made through fermented grain while bourbon has to be created by at least 51% of corn.
Now that that’s settled, let’s focus on the reason for celebration: to honor our favorite whiskey. Bourbon has been around for a centuries. Literally. Today, we still do not know the exact origin. Some say we attribute Bourbon to Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister in Kentucky, and some say Jacob Spears, a warehouse owner. No matter where it’s from, today, we honor the people who created it, it’s home in Kentucky, and it’s sweet flavor. Always find an excuse to drink this sweet whiskey and today is no exception…
Maker’s Mark Mint Julep: (serves 1)
- 1 ½ parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon
- Fresh Mint
- 2 tbsp Simple Syrup ( 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup distilled water. Heat to dissolve sugar, stir while cook to avoid the sugar burning. Let cool after finished cooking.)
- 1 splash water, distilled
- Powdered sugar
- Garnish Mint
Combine simple syrup, mint, distilled water, and last but not least, Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Fill your tall glass with crushed ice and pour your blend over it. To top it off, sprinkle some powdered sugar and your mint garnish. Enjoy.
Recipe from thecocktailproject
Apples to Oranges: (serves 1)
- 2 ounces of Bourbon
- 1 ounce white grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup distilled water. Heat to dissolve sugar, stir while cook to avoid the sugar burning. Let cool after finished cooking.)
- 2 slices of cucumber
- 3-4 thin slices of cucumber for garnish
- Celery bitters (optional)
- Ice
Using a cocktail shaker, throw in the 2 slices of cucumber. Shake it up to muddle the cucumber slices. Next, add the rest of the ingredients excluding the garnishes. Shake it well and strain your mixture into an ice filled glass. Don’t forget to add the garnish and thin cucumber slices for the final touch of your delicious cocktail. Drink up!
Recipe from foodandwine
Bourbon Rickey: (serves 1)
- 1.5 oz Bourbon
- ½ a lime
- Club Soda
- Crushed Ice
Fill your glass sky high with come crushed ice. Squeeze half of your lime into the glass and drop it in to really get the flavor. Then, add 1.5 oz. bourbon and fill the rest of the glass with club soda. Stir and drink.
Recipe from liquor
Bourbon Palmer: (serves 1)
- 1.5 oz. of Bourbon
- 1 oz. of Lemonade (any type)
- 1 oz. of Tea (any type)
- Lemon wedge for garnish
- Ice
As always, grab your tallest glass, fill it with ice, add all ingredients, and stir it up! Add your lemon wedge and you’re ready to go.
Recipe from Maxim