Nectarine Dreams
Annnd we’re back with the second half of this week’s content, starting off with a “no-waste” syrup and now building a cocktail around it. I love bourbon and peaches (or nectarines), so this is my core. I split the base with aquavit for its botanicals— specifically, coriander, clementine, and anise. A bit of Montenegro elevates the orange-y notes and lends a bittersweet balance.
Palmer Sessions
This recipe is my entry into this month’s @homebarawards’ session bourbon cocktails— something relatively low ABV and easy to drink more than one. As the temps rise in Texas, I wanted something thirst-quenching to enjoy while hanging out in the sun. The result is somewhere in between an Arnold Palmer and a Whiskey Smash and might be my official drink of Summer 2023.
Stand Tall
This cocktail is absolutely delicious and I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s a whiskey sour riff that features a delicious California bourbon kindly sent by @redwoodempirewhiskey and builds around a homemade strawberry tarragon syrup. [Muddle strawberries with equal weight of white sugar, stir in handful of slapped tarragon, refrigerate overnight. Fine strain, coffee filter, bottle, refrigerate.]. The Campari plays off the berry notes and provides some bitter depth, and the bit of Jäger helps draw out the gentle anise notes from the tarragon.
Sunny Toddy
This drink is dedicated to all of you still experiencing winter. I’ll try not to rub in the fact that we have been in the 80s this week. Okay, maybe I’ll throw a little shade to go with this super sunny hot toddy riff. I did enjoy it fireside not *that* long ago when temperatures were a bit cooler.
Need A Vacation
Okay, we’re getting to that point in winter when a vacation sounds really nice. Not that I have to deal with any snow or anything😆 But regardless, this is a great tropical-leaning old fashioned that’s hard not to like. It’s admittedly a riff on myself (“Still on Vacation”, 5/18/22), but if you still haven’t tried it, a little bit of pineapple juice in a stirred drink is incredible. Yeah yeah all you purists out there, I didn’t come up with the concept but I’m happy to debate its merits.
Still On Vacation
Last week you saw a pre-vacation drink: something super tropical to get into the mood for the beach. This is the drink to have once you're back from vacation-- something boozy to sip while relaxing on the couch, with enough tropical-ness to keep those vacation vibes going for a *little* bit longer.
Barnum Flip
If I had any flair bartending skills, I’d do a video for this drink. But I don’t. So just imagine me riding a unicycle in a creepy clown costume while I flip a bunch of bottles around to make this drink. What’s that? You’re glad I didn’t actually do that? Yeah, me too, friend.
The Double Doink
In football, the infamous Double Doink refers to a (partially blocked) missed field goal attempt by the Chicago Bears that tragically hit the goal post twice before bouncing out. This hilarious event resonates with me today because of the way that this drink played out. Since this post is for the Super Bowl I was very excited to use my football ice mold. I wanted to make the ice football-colored, so I came up with a (surprise) overly complicated recipe that would impart lovely flavors and color.
Flippin’ Nuts
December is here, the Christmas tree is up, and I can wear a jacket in Texas most days without feeling hot. Sounds like as good of time as any to begin Flip Season. Believe it or not, this is actually My First Flip post. If you are like I was and have…reservations about a full egg in your cocktail, well, let’s just say that waiting this long is on my list of regrets. Do yourself a solid and try one!
Texas BBQ Old Fashioned
Today I’m excited to share with y’all the second of two cocktails celebrating the arrival of Penelope Bourbon in Texas. This drink features their barrel strength bourbon. It’s the ideal style of whiskey for an Old Fashioned— higher proof (~115), and a ton of delicious character that doesn’t need to be buried in a cocktail. There are definite notes of maple, vanilla, and caramel with a distinct oak presence. It’s assertive, but approachable, especially for its strength.