I would never argue with anyone who called me girlie. I’ll own that any day of the week and twice on Friday in sparkles. But when it comes to my drink of choice, I prefer something simple, classic, and masculine (that doesn’t just go for drinks…heyo!). Of course I do love a good glass of something equally as sparkly as any outfit, but bourbon will always be my first go-to in adult beverages. For those bourbon newbies or even those who just need a refresher course in this libation’s finer points & it’s smooth taste, I bring you some classic cocktails that will let this southern staple shine in all it’s glory. “Hey, Barkeep! I’ll have a bourbon.”
A list of classic cocktails can only start with the most classic of them all. The Old Fashioned. The name says it all. The bourbon (or whiskey in an even more traditional variation) is able to stand on it’s own without being overpowered by too many other accoutrements. Don Draper prefers this drink, so you know it’s not for the faint of heart. The recipe is simple with very little room for error. One tip though, I prefer buying a simple syrup instead of making my own to avoid the risk of having undissolved sugar spoil the last sip.
The Manhattan is one of those drinks that I picture Cary Grant casually imbibing on with his infinite amount of charm. The recipe is a bit more difficult than the Old Fashioned, in that the ratio of bourbon to vermouth is absolutely critical. Manhattan’s are typically not made with Kentucky bourbon, but I personally like the variation. For something a bit more traditional in the way of Manhattan’s, stick to a rye or a Canadian whiskey. This is another cocktail for someone who genuinely enjoys the taste of the chosen alcohol.
This is probably the most southern of the cocktails, it’s history, rooted in the Kentucky derby (home of Larceny). This is the most hands-on cocktail featured, however a good Mint Julep cannot be rushed. It’s also, I think, the easiest drink to serve to those who don’t imbibe in bourbon as often as I do. The handling of the mint is crucial to the success of this cocktail. I follow this recipe, which includs a good amount of instruction on the proper way to swab the mint around the glass instead of muddling it as is common.
The Derby might not be as well known as the others, but it should be. There are many variations of the Derby, so feel free to have fun with it. I use this version, and fid it a great cocktail to serve next to the Mint Julep. It has a bit more of a dry and tart taste, so if if you have party-goers or derby-lovers who don’t like the sweetness of a julep, this should be a great alternative. Try it for yourself, and see if you can come up with your own spin on this constantly changing cocktail.
