Black Currant Liqueur

Is This the Best Apple Brandy Cocktail? Hoosier Meets Caribbean 

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Indiana Heritage Meets Caribbean Spice in “The Orchard’s Journey”

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey! In Episode 66 of our Thirsty Thursday series, we are bridging the gap between the refined rows of the Huber family orchard in Indiana and the aggressive, tropical “hogo” funk of Jamaica.

Tonight, I’m showing you how to craft The Orchard’s Journey, a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that features two powerhouse pours from Starlight Distillery: their 112-proof Apple Brandy Cask Finished Bourbon and their incredible 12-Year Estate Apple Brandy.

We’re adding a deep, jammy anchor with Merlet Cassis and a savory, spicy kick with 30 drops of Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters. If you love complex, dry, and wood-influenced cocktails, this “Funky Apple Sipper” is for you!

Join me as we explore:

  • The unique cinnamon-apple bridge of Starlight’s finished bourbon.
  • The transformed, caramelized profile of a 12-year-old estate brandy.
  • How to balance intense Jamaican spices (ginger, black pepper, allspice) in a stirred drink.
  • A “not-tiki” tropical teaser for next week!

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The Recipe: The Orchard’s Journey

  • 2 oz Starlight Bourbon Finished in Apple Brandy (112 Proof)
  • 0.75 oz Starlight 12-Year Estate Apple Brandy
  • 0.75 oz Merlet Cassis Liqueur
  • 30 Drops (3 Dashes) Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Lemon Twist

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir for approximately 30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
  3. Strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass.
  4. Express a fresh lemon twist over the top and drop it into the glass.
  5. Cheers to the journey!

🚨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.

#YourBourbonJourney #StarlightDistillery #AppleBrandy #BourbonCocktails #CraftCocktails #HomeBartender #ThirstyThursday #WhiskeyEnthusiast #IndianaSpirits #CocktailRecipe #MerletCassis #Bittercube #DrinkResponsibly #SpicedCocktail #Mixology

Witching Hour Sour: The Perfect Halloween Bourbon Drink

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🧙‍♀️ The “Witching Hour Sour!” A Dark & Delicious Halloween Cocktail! 🥃

Welcome to Thursday Thirsty Cocktails, Episode 41! Tonight, for Halloween Part 2 of 3, we’re stirring up a truly enchanting drink: The Witching Hour Sour!

This isn’t your average cocktail. We’ve taken a classic sour and given it a complex, spirit-forward twist perfect for your spooky celebrations. With a beautiful deep purple hue thanks to the Crème de Cassis, this drink is as mesmerizing to look at as it is delicious to sip.

🌟 Featured Ingredients & Flavor Profile

We’re starting with Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon—chosen for its big notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, making it a fantastic and affordable base spirit.

  • The Color & Tartness: Black Currant Liqueur (Crème de Cassis) delivers a vibrant purple and a delicious sweet-yet-tart flavor.
  • The Spice & Smoke: We’re adding a hint of warming Demerara Syrup and 4 dashes of Bonfire Bitters (they’re more smoky than spicy!) to make you feel like you’re standing over a witch’s cauldron!
  • The Silky Finish: Fee Foam gives this Bourbon Sour its signature silky texture and beautiful white foam top.

🎬 Make the Witching Hour Sour Step-by-Step

Follow along as Rebecca guides you through every step, from the dry shake to the final double strain for that extra-silky mouthfeel. Don’t forget the optional Halloween fun: purple glitter, white glitter on the foam, and a mini witch’s hat garnish! This is the ultimate fall cocktail for fans of bourbon cocktails and anyone looking for a craft cocktail that screams spooky season!

🎬 Don’t Miss Out! Click to watch and learn how to make this show-stopping, easy-to-make cocktail! ➡️ 

🎉 Join the Bourbon Journey Community!

What are you mixing up for Halloween? Let us know in the comments below! Will you give this Witching Hour Sour a try?

We just celebrated our one-year anniversary! If you’re interested in joining our community, suggesting cocktails, and getting involved, check out our new Patreon account!

If you love cocktail recipes and are excited for the rest of our Halloween series, be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss Part 3! Hit the bell for notifications! 👇

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💬 Share your thoughts and favorite cocktail twists in the comments! 

➡️ Hit that SHARE button and spread the whiskey love! 

Cheers to better drinks! 🥂

📋 The Full Recipe: “The Witching Hour Sour”

  • 2 oz of Bourbon 
  • .50 oz of Crème de Cassis
  • .25 oz of Demerara Syrup 
  • .75 oz of Fresh Lemon Juice 
  • 4 dashes of Bonfire Bitters Bitters 
  • 5 dashes of Fee Foam

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker.
  2. Dry Shake for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the Fee Foam.
  3. Add ice and Wet Shake for another 15-20 seconds to chill.
  4. Double Strain into a coupe glass.
  5. Optional: Sprinkle white glitter on the foam and garnish with a witch’s hat pic!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

✅ Please SUBSCRIBE and hit the LIKE button!

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.

#WitchingHourSour #HalloweenCocktail #BourbonCocktails #WhiskeySour #CrèmeDeCassis #WildTurkey101 #SmokyCocktail #SpookyDrinks #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #FeeFoam #CraftCocktails #BlackCurrant