Why Not Throw a Bourbon Cocktail Party?
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| Don and Pete. Mint Juleps. That is all. via AMC. |
It's Friday, and it's Bourbon Heritage Month. Why not celebrate the gloriously crisp autumn weather with the warm, smooth notes of a bourbon cocktail? This weekend, you should throw a bourbon cocktail party!
Now, here at HerKentucky, we're always looking for a reason to throw a good party. Kentucky's very own whisky is a better reason than most. In just four simple steps, you can put together a fun and elegant bourbon cocktail party.
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| Bourbon tasting bar, via Garden & Gun |
Step One: Choose Your Bourbon
I'd suggest picking up three whisky labels that fit the distinct mashbill profiles -- one high rye content brand, like Basil Hayden's, one high corn content like Buffalo Trace's Old Charter, and a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark or Pappy Van Winkle. This article from Bluegrass Threads, and this one from Epicurious, do a great job of describing the different taste profiles. Pick up one of the small batch labels for true sipping, and remember your beer-loving guests with Bourbon Barrel Ale.
I'd suggest picking up three whisky labels that fit the distinct mashbill profiles -- one high rye content brand, like Basil Hayden's, one high corn content like Buffalo Trace's Old Charter, and a wheated bourbon like Maker's Mark or Pappy Van Winkle. This article from Bluegrass Threads, and this one from Epicurious, do a great job of describing the different taste profiles. Pick up one of the small batch labels for true sipping, and remember your beer-loving guests with Bourbon Barrel Ale.
Step 2: Choose Your Blend
Most Kentuckians are pretty easy to please. We take our bourbon neat, with a splash of water or, heaven forbid, with a little Coca-Cola. (Bourbon and Coke tastes good, but don't ever admit it!) It seems that bourbon is nationally trendy again, with all these speakeasies popping up in major cities. You get things like the Bacon Old Fashioned, from Nashville's Patterson House, or the Kentucky Rose from Atlanta's Southern Art and Bourbon Bar. If you want to get that fancy, your guests will love a sip. This bourbon and ginger sounds interesting. Of course, nothing beats a Maker's Manhattan. Nothing.Step 3: Choose Your Glass
A variety of lowball glasses, Manhattan glasses and julep cups help you enjoy in style. I love these stemless martini glasses from Maker's Mark and these Fleur de Lis julep cups from Louisville StonewareStep 4: Choose Your Friends
Make a few calls, pour a few drinks, and enjoy.
Cheers, y'all!
This is the first installment in a series of posts called "The Bourbon Files", which will showcase the history, culture, and distinct taste of Kentucky's signature spirit.