It’s that time. Summer is here, Father’s Day is fast approaching and what’s better? #NationalBourbonDay is around the corner. Gents, gather up your cronies and host a soiree that will echo for years to come. Your party doesn’t have to be epic, it just has to be memorable!
The crisp outdoor air, the lingering sweet scent of Old Fashioned whiskey accompanied by some Macklemore in the background will force you and your lads to make this boys night a generational event.
Here’s a list of my favourite easy crowd-pleasing, Crafted Bourbon Cocktails. A word of caution. They might even have a multiplying effect, bringing in people from around the neighbourhood or others you never invited.
The Bamboozled Angel
2 oz Heaven Hill Bourbon
1/5 oz Honey
Water
2 oz Grapefruit Juice
Ice and shake
Garnish with grapefruit peel
Wine & Bar Corkscrew
Boulevardier
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet vermouth
Garnish orange twist
Mixing Deets: Pour ingredients into a mixing glass and fill with cracked ice. Stir well for 20 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry or a twist of orange peel.
Wine & Bar Cooler
The Revolver
2 oz Bulleit Bourbon
1/5 oz coffee liquor
2 dashes of Orange bitter
Garnish with orange peel
Mixing Deets: 1. Combine bourbon, coffee liqueur, and orange bitters in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir well until chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
2. Twist orange peel to express oils over drink and use as garnish (or, for a better floor show and a deeper flavor, flame the orange twist and then use the twist as garnish).
Rope Cocktail Tray
Suffering Bastard
1oz Bourbon
1 oz Gin
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
4 oz chilled ginger ale
Mixing Deets: Pour ingredients into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass and top with ginger ale, adding more ice if needed. Garnish with a sprig of mint or an orange slice.
Finley Cocktail Picks & Holder/Set of 8
The Devereaux from Freemans
1 oz Bulleit Bourbon
1/5 oz St. Germain edleflower liqueur
1/2 oz fresh lemon
1/2 oz simple syrup
3 oz sparkling wine
Top with sparkling wine and garnish with mint leaf
Mixing Deets: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add bourbon, St. Germain, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
The Laundress Home Spray
Mint Julep
1.3 oz. Bulleit® Bourbon1.5 tsp sugar
1.5 tsp sugar
Fresh mint leaves
Water
Ice
Mixing Deets: 1 – Muddle mint leaves, sugar, and a splash of water in a rocks glass or julep cup.
2 – Add Bulleit® Bourbon, water, and fill glass with crushed ice and stir.
3 – Garnish with fresh mint.
Kikkerland Gentleman Ice Tray
BLT (Personal favourite)
1.3 oz. Bulleit® Bourbon
4 oz. tonic water
A wedge of lemon squeezed. Served on the rocks. Garnish with lemon.
Qualia Breeze Double Old-Fashioned Glass
Incorporate Some Swag
If you’re reading this, I’ll assume you aim to please. Your style should be no exception. Whether your soiree is legendary or not… you’re having a blast. Check out some basics that will keep you comfortable and classy all at once.
Last thought. A gentlemen always drinks responsibly.
Cheers!
