The Old Fashioned and Manhattan are great cocktails but here are a few more whiskey classics you need to try.
Bartenders and whiskey aficionados can debate which whiskey classic cocktail reigns supreme, but one fact is universally accepted, bourbon is delicious. Bourbon is transformed with just a few extra ingredients into one of the dozens of drinks that stand at the top of the cocktail pantheon. What would the world be like without drinks like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan? A much darker place, I imagine.
Although the Old Fashioned and Manhattan are constant contenders for the best whiskey classic, many others deserve a shot at the title. Here are just 3. These cocktails may be lesser known than the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, but they are classics for a reason. Make them today and decide for yourself which whiskey classic comes out on top.
1. Blackberry Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is just a simple combo of bourbon, sugar, and muddled mint served over crushed ice, it's hard to find a more refreshing summer drink.
This riff adds muddled blackberries and honey to amplify bourbon's fruit notes taking the already great Mint Julep to a new level. Think of a fruit cobbler meets Kentucky Mule. It's a perfect start to spring or summer and shows there's no need to wait to try a Mint Julep today.
Ingredients
1½ oz. 100 Proof Bourbon (preferably Cooper's Craft Barrel Reserve)
½ oz. Fresh lime juice
1 oz. Honey syrup
5 blackberries
6 mint leaves
Instructions
Muddle blackberries, mint, and lime juice together in the bottom of a shaker tin. Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a julep cup packed with ice. Garnish with a spring of mint.
2. New York Sour
The whiskey sour is one of the most iconic whiskey cocktails. It's a classic combination of citrus and good Bourbon (and egg white if you want to serve it right). The New York Sour is an easy but striking variation that's bound to impress your friends.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. 100 Proof Bourbon (preferably Cooper's Craft)
1 oz. Lemon juice
¾ oz. Simple syrup
1 egg white (optional)
½ oz red wine
Instructions
Add all ingredients except red wine to a shaker without ice. Dry shake for 20 seconds. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Pour red wine over the back of a bar spoon on top of the drink and serve.
3. Boulevardier
If you love bourbon, love Negronis, or both, you need to make a Boulevardier. The Boulevardier is classic cocktail that's basically a Negroni with bourbon instead of gin.
The Boulevardier is more full bodied and nuanced than your typical Negroni since bourbon has a more delicate flavor than gin. Use a high proof Bourbon in this drink to really help it shine and stand up to the Campari.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. 100 Proof Bourbon (preferably Cooper's Craft Barrel Reserve)
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. Sweet vermouth
Instructions
Stir all ingredients in mixing glass with ice until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel and serve.
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