September is Bourbon Heritage Month, and to honor America’s native spirit, we’ve compiled a quick list of bourbon-based cocktail recipes to put a spin on the legendary spirit. Or, to give patrons a taste of the classic, simply invite them try their favorite bourbon on the rocks, which just happens to be America’s most popular way to drink bourbon, according to a Beam Global Spirits & Wine survey.
Citrus Manhattan
Created by Brian Zipin of Central Michel Richard in Washington, D.C., and served at Capitol File’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner After Party.
1 ¾ parts Maker’s Mark
1 ¼ parts sweet vermouth
1 ¼ parts Aperol
½ part fresh lime and orange juice
4 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Marinated orange peel, for garnish
Shake over ice, strain and serve in a cocktail glass with a marinated orange peel.
Perfect Manhattan
Courtesy of Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon.
2 parts Knob Creek
½ part sweet vermouth
½ part dry vermouth
1 dash of bitters
Swirl with ice to chill, pour into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Maker’s Mark Champagne Julep
Devleoped by James Hewes of Round Robin Bar/Willard in Washington, D.C., and served at Capitol File’s White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner After Party.
½ part Maker’s Mark Bourbon
¼ part DeKuyper Triple Sec
¼ part Fresh Fruit Mint Infusion
1 dash Bourbon Bitters
3 mint leaves
4 parts Champagne
Raspberries and Blackberries
Place Maker’s Mark, Triple Sec, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well, strain into a champagne flute. In a separate glass muddle fresh raspberry, mint leaves, and a dash of bitters. Place the mint puree into the chilled champagne flute with the bourbon mixture. Add the champagne and garnish with a fresh Blackberry, a sprig of mint, and a zest of orange rind.
Red Manhattan
Courtesy of Red Stag by Jim Beam.
2 parts Red Stag by Jim Beam
½ part dry vermouth
½ part sweet vermouth
Prepare in a shaker over ice, and then strain into a Martini glass and serve with a long stem black cherry garnish.
Apple Bottom
Courtesy of Basil Hayden's Bourbon.
1 part Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
Sparkling Apple Juice
Add one part bourbon to a glass; fill the remainder of the glass with sparkling apple juice. Garnish with an apple slice.