Bourbon cocktails are about as classic as a cocktail comes. But what's in each one and what are the differences? If you are a vodka drinker like me, it may be daunting to try a bourbon cocktail even the well-known ones. What's in them? What's the difference between a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned? Should you already know? Well! Now you will. Read on...
Before the Cosmo, there was the Manhattan (named obviously for the ultimate cosmopolitan city), a Manhattan consists of the following:
Ice cubes
2 parts whiskey (Canadian or bourbon preferred)
1 part dry vermouth
4 dashes Angostura bitters
If you have a sophisticated palate (mmmmm - oak!), you may taste herbal essences that can include spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, marjoram and chamomile.
Next up is the Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned is the unofficial drink of Wisconsin and although it's most widely known to be a bourbon-based cocktail, the Wisconites make their Old Fashioned's with brandy. A "classic" (classic is of course a relative term) Old Fashioned consists of the following:
Ice cubes
2 parts bourbon
Cube of sugar or a 0.25 part sugar syrup
2 dashed Angostura bitters
Soda water
The soda water and sugar can be substituted with ginger ale or 7-Up to achieve the same taste. Muddled oranges and cherries give a subtle fruity flavor to the drink and provide texture. The Old Fashioned is a good "starter" bourbon cocktail as the sweet from the fruit and sugar provides a nice balance to the strong bourbon flavor.
And of course, we can't talk about bourbon drinks without the ever-chic, Mint Julep. It even gets it's own sassy little glass! But what exactly is IN a mint julep? Mint - yes. Bourbon - yes. Here is a recipe:
4 fresh mint sprigs
2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water
Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in the glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
Mint juleps have been made famous by the Kentucky Derby, however, it is widely thought that mint juleps were first introduced in the early 1800's by Virginians who would drink one in the morning to cleanse their palates. Who knew??!
And lastly, a lesser known bourbon cocktail (just something to impress your bourbon savvy friends): The Blood and Sand (scary name, strangely tasty drink). This prohibition era cocktail, was named after the movie, Blood and Sand, starring Rudolph Valentino, about a young-boy who becomes a famous bull-fighter.
3/4 oz. Scotch Whiskey (can substitute bourbon of your choice)
3/4 oz. Cherry Herring
3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
3/4 oz. Orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
Combine in shaker with a scoop of ice. Shake and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with orange and enjoy!
Recently, BarSmarts deemed the Blood and Sand one of the Top 25 cocktails that every bartender should know how to make well.
And for some "old-fashioned" eye candy: Rudy Valentino in Blood and Sand. Swoon!
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