Old Forester Old Fashioned

Today is National Cocktail Day, y’all. Now, I’m not usually one for these made-up internet holidays, and these days I’d rather sip my bourbon neat rather than mix up a cocktail. But, it was such a lovely afternoon to sit on the porch and enjoy an Old Fashioned.

The Old Fashioned claims its roots in the late 19th century, at Louisville’s famed Pendennis Club. I’ve heard it called Louisville’s official cocktail, and the official drink of Thurby. Whatever you call it, the sweet syrup, tart bitters, strong bourbon and hint of orange make for a lovely cocktail. You can sweeten it with a wheated bourbon or you can add a high-proof pour to even out the edges. It’s usually a great sipper, unless your bartender goes overboard with the bitters.

The best Old Fashioned I ever drank was during an interview and tasting experience. Jackie Zykan, the Master Taster at Old Forester, made the perfect OldFo Old Fashioned as we talked and tasted at the Brown-Forman Shively Warehouse. While this was kind of a once-in-a lifetime experience — trust me when I say that Jackie is one of the coolest, most knowledgeable, and all-around awesome people you’ll ever meet and I can only dream of being a badass like she is— we can all try her recipe at home.

The Perfect Old Fashioned Recipe, via Old Forester

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Old Forester 100 Proof

• 0.5 oz. Demerara Syrup (2:1)

• 2 dashes Angostura™ Bitters

  Combine ingredients in mixing glass. Stir with ice. Strain over ice in a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with lemon and orange peel.

Cheers, y’all!

How to Build a Maker's Mark Bourbon Bar for the Holidays!

Maker's Mark Distillery at Christmas 

I always think of Maker's Mark as the bourbon of Christmas. Sure, there may be bourbons you drink at Derby time, and bourbons you drink on, say, your birthday. But, Maker's is the bourbon you buy for Christmas.

It may have something to do with the fabulous way that the folks at Maker's market the holiday, from nostalgic print ads to witty Ambassador gifts. It may be that Maker's Mark is the bourbon my family has always used in the bourbon balls that we make at Christmastime. Whatever it is, Maker's slays the Christmas game.

My cousin Amy had the most creative use for her Maker's Ambassador earmuffs! Lola the Chihuahua models them for us!

Since Maker's is the flavor of Christmas, it's a great idea to set up a Maker's Mark bourbon bar over the next few days. Only a few simple ingredients will allow you to offer your guests a variety of popular cocktails. 

What you'll need:

• A couple of bottles of Maker's Mark
• A bottle of vermouth
• A bottle of Angostura bitters
• Simple Syrup
• Sour Mix (3 cups simple syrup to one cup lemon and lime juice)
• Maker's Mark cherries
• Lemons, limes, and oranges for garnish

If you have these items, you can mix up a whisky sour, an old-fashioned, or a Manhattan, in addition to serving your bourbon neat or on the rocks. Add a couple of sizes of glasses to allow your guests some choice.

Set everything out in an accessible place, keep fresh ice handy, and your guests will be refreshed and full of holiday cheer!

What's your favorite holiday cocktail?