Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

Better Than a Manhattan? The Seelbach Sparkling Bourbon Special 

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The Seelbach Cocktail: A Sparkling Bourbon Classic for the New Year! (Ep. 51)

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! We are kicking off the year with Episode 51 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails. If you have leftover Champagne or sparkling wine from your New Year’s Eve celebrations, this is the ultimate way to use it.

Today we are diving into the history and the “lore” of the Seelbach Cocktail, a legendary drink from Louisville’s historic Seelbach Hotel. It’s the perfect bridge for whiskey lovers—it has the celebratory sparkle of Champagne but hits with the complexity of a Manhattan.

The Star of the Show: To stand up to the “heavy hand” of bitters in this recipe, I’m using a powerhouse: Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon. At a whopping 129 proof, this bourbon brings the “pop” and spice needed to shine through the bubbles.

The Secret Sauce: Traditional Seelbachs can be sharp, but we are perfecting the balance today by adding 0.5 oz of Demerara syrup. This rounds out the 14 dashes of bitters and integrates perfectly with the dark brown sugar notes of the Old Forester.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why high-proof bourbon is essential for sparkling cocktails.
  • How to achieve the perfect “bitters bloom” in a coupe glass.
  • My pro-tip for using Demerara syrup to balance heavy aromatics.

The Recipe:

  • 1.5 oz Old Forester Single Barrel Bourbon (129 Proof)
  • 0.5 oz Cointreau
  • 0.5 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 7 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • 7 dashes Aromatic (Angostura) Bitters
  • 5 oz Chilled Brut Champagne
  • Garnish: Expressed Long Orange Twist

Join the Journey: If you enjoyed this New Year’s Day special, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to Your Bourbon Journey!

Coming Up Next: Stay tuned as we kick off our January Winter Series next week! We’ll be focusing on “Warm & Weathered” pours to get you through the bitter cold of winter.

Drink Responsibly & Happy New Year!

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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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Unlock the Secrets of Bold Bourbon Bloody Marys!

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In episode 6 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we’re crafting a bold and rich interpretation of the classic Bloody Mary. This time, we’re elevating it with BOURBON! Often referred to as a Bourbon Bloody Mary, a Bloody Marianne, or a Bloody Derby, this cocktail is a game changer. The beauty of the Bourbon Bloody Mary lies in its versatility; you can start with a prepared Bloody Mary mix and effortlessly enhance it with a few careful ingredients to match your taste. Perfect for bourbon enthusiasts, this cocktail transforms the traditional Bloody Mary, as the bourbon introduces a remarkable depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

RECIPE & DIRECTIONS: 
Optional: Rim Glass with Bacon Salt & Tajín® Clásico Seasoning
In a mixing glass, add:
…6 ounces Bloody Mary mix
…2 ounces bourbon
…3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
…2-3 dashes of Tajín® Clásico Seasoning
…2-3 dashes of Maple Bacon Salt
…2-3 dashes of celery salt
…2-3 dashes of black pepper
…1/2 teaspoon (or bar spoon) of Prepared Horseradish
…2-3 drops Gravy Master
…2-4 drops of Hot Sauce (to your spice level)
…Squeeze of Fresh Lime
Pour into a prepared highball glass filled with ice and pre-rimmed
Garnish as desired. This can be simple to elaborate!
…Mini Dill Pickle, Stuffed Olives, Cherry Tomato
Enjoy!

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5 Minute Hot Buttered Bourbon Recipe That Will BLOW Your Mind!

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In episode 2 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we’re crafting a drink that will envelop you in warmth during these chilly winter evenings – the Hot Buttered Bourbon! This delightful variation on the classic Hot Buttered Rum, which has its origins in colonial America, is sure to impress. With its straightforward ingredients and irresistibly smooth, sweet flavor, it has rightfully earned its place in the hearts of many. Tonight, we’ll explore the art of making the Spiced Butter Batter and then guide you through the creation of the Hot Buttered Bourbon cocktail with precise, step-by-step instructions.

If you share my enthusiasm, you will absolutely adore a Hot Buttered Bourbon; it’s an indulgent, rich, and satisfying drink that boasts a smooth, creamy texture from melted butter, perfectly complemented by the sweetness and spice of added sugars and spices, making it especially delightful on frosty winter nights. It’s truly a cozy, decadent cocktail that feels nothing short of luxurious to savor.

RECIPE: HOT BUTTERED BOURBON

SPICED BUTTER BATTER INGREDIENTS

  • 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt (OMIT if using salted butter)

Note: All of these warming spices are not required, use what you have and love

  • 1/4 to 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 to 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 to 1 teaspoon ground allspice

DIRECTIONS

In mixing bowl, combine butter, vanilla extract, brown sugar, spices and salt. Beat until well combined. Remaining batter can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for future use.

In heat-proof glass or mug, add 1-2 tablespoons spiced butter batter,  1.5 to 2 oz of bourbon,  top with hot water and stir until ingredients are well incorporated. Garnish with cinnamon stick, if desired, and enjoy!

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