Welcome to Episode 71 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! As we approach Memorial Day weekend, we are crafting a cocktail designed for reflection, honor, and remembrance—The Honor Guard.
This patriotic, bold, and spirit-forward drink is a striking variation of the classic Boulevardier. Featuring a stunning, solemn, shimmering presentation and a deep-red appearance, it is the perfect whiskey-forward drink to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In tonight’s episode, we use a powerhouse foundation: Rossville Union Store Pick Cask Strength Rye Whiskey at a muscle-building 111 proof. Instead of traditional sweet vermouth, we combine the bright, citrusy bitterness of Campari with the dense, rich blackcurrant notes of Merlet Crème de Cassis Liqueur. We tie the entire flavor profile together with five dashes of Jeptha Creed Strawberry Ginger Bitters for a sharp, fiery bite and a seasonal berry edge.
Please take a moment of silence this weekend for our fallen heroes, drink responsibly, and give this beautiful cocktail a try. Happy Memorial Day!
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The Honor Guard Recipe
- 2 oz Rossville Union Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (or your favorite high-proof rye)
- 0.75 oz Campari
- 0.75 oz Merlet Cassis Liqueur
- 5 Dashes Jeptha Creed Strawberry Ginger Bitters
- Visual Flair: Red and white edible cocktail glitter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Glass: Add a dust of red and white edible glitter to the bottom of your mixing glass.
- Build: Pour in the Rossville Union Rye, Campari, Merlet Cassis, and 5 dashes of Jeptha Creed bitters.
- Chill & Activate: Add ice and stir vigorously for about 20 seconds to chill the spirits, open up the rye’s aromatic oils, and activate the stunning star-like shimmer.
- Serve: Strain over one large clear ice cube into a rocks glass. Enjoy responsibly!
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Rich dark berry sweetness perfectly balanced by bright, spicy rye.
- Taste: Bold black pepper, complex herbal bitterness, and deep, luscious blackcurrant.
- Finish: Lingering ginger heat backed by a structured, dry oak finish.
🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨
NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.
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