Bourbon Woman

Romantic Bourbon Cocktail Recipe | The Velvet Letter

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A Dark Romance in a Glass: The Velvet Letter Bourbon Cocktail 🥃💌

Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we are kicking off our two-part Valentine’s series with a spirit-forward “Dark Romance” build that is as sophisticated as a hand-written love letter. If a Manhattan is a classic evening gown, The Velvet Letter is its mysterious, dark velvet cloak. 

This cocktail is a modern riff on a Black Manhattan, designed for those who prefer complexity over chocolate clichés. We use the “ink” of Merlet Crème de Cassis for a deep, moody hue and the “perfume” of Strongwater Lavender Bitters to mimic the scented stationery of the Victorian era. At the heart of it all is a bold declaration: Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon. The high-rye spice and 114 proof ensure the whiskey stands tall against the herbal weight of Cinzano Sweet Vermouth.

📜 A Sip of History: The Story Behind the Ingredients

While The Velvet Letter is a modern creation, every ingredient carries a legacy of romance and tradition:

  • The “Ink” (Cassis): A French café staple since the mid-1800s, this blackcurrant liqueur acts as the “ink” of our letter. Historically used in aperitifs to sharpen the mind and appetite, it brings a deep, moody hue to the glass.
  • The “Bond” (Old Grand-Dad 114): A nod to the legendary Basil Hayden, this high-rye bourbon represents the “bold declaration” of our letter. Its spicy punch is a tribute to pre-Prohibition Manhattans, which were far more robust than today’s versions.
  • The “Perfume” (Lavender): In the Victorian era, lovers separated by distance would scent their stationery with lavender. Using lavender bitters isn’t just a flavor choice—it’s a historical homage to those fragrant, handwritten tokens of affection.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just love a silky, berry-forward bourbon drink, The Velvet Letter is a must-try.

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📜 The Recipe

  • 2 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
  • 0.5 oz Cinzano Sweet Vermouth
  • 0.5 oz Merlet Crème de Cassis
  • 3 Dashes Strongwater Lavender Bitters
  • 2 Dashes Fee Brothers Molasses Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Lemon Peel (discarded) & Luxardo Cherry

Method: Stir with plenty of ice for 25–30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe.

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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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The Toronto Cocktail: The Old Fashioned’s Muscle Car 

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Upgrade Your Old Fashioned: The Toronto Cocktail 🏎️💨

If the Old Fashioned is your daily driver, consider The Toronto your high-performance muscle car. It’s got more torque, more grip, and a bold flavor profile that demands your attention!

In Episode 55 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Rebecca breaks down this sophisticated “Bitter Old Fashioned.” Originally appearing in 1948, this classic cocktail swaps standard bitters and sugar for the powerhouse punch of Fernet-Branca and the rich, smoky depth of Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup.

We’re putting a unique twist on the original by using Old Grand-Dad 114. This high-rye bourbon (27% rye mashbill) brings the heat of a rye whiskey, while its signature “peanut and vanilla” sweetness acts as a silencer, perfectly taming the medicinal notes of the Fernet.

In this video, you’ll learn:

  • Why Fernet-Branca is the “seasoning” your home bar needs.
  • How to use maple syrup as a bridge between Kentucky bourbon and Canadian history.
  • The secret to balancing herbaceous “snap” with rich, coating sweetness.

Stay tuned until the end for the full tasting notes—from the bright orange oil nose to the dry, minty finish that will leave you wanting another sip.

🔔 Subscribe for more Thirsty Thursday cocktails! Next week, we’re kicking off our Valentine’s Day series with romantic sips you won’t want to miss.

🥃 The Recipe: The Toronto

  • 2 oz High-Rye Bourbon (Old Grand-Dad 114)
  • 1/4 oz Fernet-Branca
  • 1/4 oz Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Garnish: Large Orange Twist

Preparation: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in.

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The Velvet Hammer: Making the Perfect Vieux Carré

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The Ultimate Vieux Carré: A New Orleans Masterclass in a Glass

If the Sazerac is the soul of New Orleans, the Vieux Carré is its tuxedo. In Episode 54, we are diving deep into this “Big Easy” classic—a cocktail that is essentially what happens when a Manhattan and a Sazerac have a baby. Born in 1937 at the legendary Hotel Monteleone, the Vieux Carré (French for “Old Square”) is a high-proof, split-base masterpiece that every whiskey lover needs in their repertoire.

In this video, we’re putting a “Bourbon Channel” twist on the recipe. We’ve selected Wild Turkey 101 Rye for that signature spice and “Turkey funk” to bridge the gap for bourbon fans. We’re pairing it with the luxurious Remy Martin 1738 Cognac and the nutty, Sherry-based Valdespino Sweet Vermouth for a build that feels like a “Reserve” selection.

Whether you’re a fan of New Orleans cocktail history or just looking for the perfect boozy nightcap, this velvety “velvet hammer” is the one.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Rye Whiskey (Wild Turkey 101)
  • 1 oz Cognac (Remy Martin 1738)
  • 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Valdespino)
  • 0.25 oz Bénédictine DOM
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • Garnish: Cocktail cherry & Lemon peel

Method:

  1. Combine: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir: Stir well (about 30-45 seconds) to properly chill and marry the Rye and Cognac.
  3. Strain: Strain into a chilled rocks glass (serve it neat or over a large clear ice rock).
  4. Garnish: Express the lemon peel over the top and drop in a premium cocktail cherry.

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#VieuxCarre #NewOrleansCocktails #WhiskeyCocktails #WildTurkey101 #RemyMartin #HomeBartender #ClassicCocktails #BourbonLovers #RyeWhiskey #CocktailRecipe #Mixology #BigEasy #DrinkHistory #Cognac #SpiritForward

Why You Need Bénédictine & Rye This Winter | Monte Carlo 

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Warm Up Your Winter with the Monte Carlo Cocktail | Thirsty Thursday E53

Looking for the ultimate “winter-coat” cocktail? Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday Episode 53! As we continue our January series on warming spirits, Rebecca takes you on a deep dive into The Monte Carlo—a sophisticated, herbal twist on the classic Old Fashioned that swaps sugar for the complex, honeyed notes of Bénédictine.

In this episode, we’re using the Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Rye, finished with toasted cherry wood, to create a drink that feels like a walk through a pine forest. From its mysterious 19th-century history to the “Alpine” dryness of the finish, this is the perfect pour for a cold January night.

🕰️ A Sip of History: What is Bénédictine?

The Monte Carlo is a “ghost” of cocktail history, first appearing in David Embury’s 1948 classic, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. It is often considered an “Improved Manhattan,” swapping vermouth for the legendary Bénédictine D.O.M.

Did you know?

  • The Myth: While the bottle says “1510,” the liqueur was actually “rediscovered” in 1863 by Alexandre Le Grand.
  • D.O.M.: This stands for Deo Optimo Maximo (“To God, most good, most great”).
  • The Flavor: It contains 27 herbs and spices, including saffron, hyssop, and fir cones—which is why it pairs so perfectly with our cardamom bitters to create that winter forest profile!

📜 The Monte Carlo Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Bardstown Straight Rye Whiskey (Origin Series)
  • 0.5 oz Bénédictine D.O.M.
  • 1 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 1 dash Cardamom Bitters (The secret to that winter vibe!)
  • Garnish: Thick lemon twist

Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for approximately 20 seconds until chilled and diluted.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
  4. Express lemon oils over the top and garnish.

🥃 Tasting Notes: The “Alpine” Experience

  • The Nose: Bright lemon oils followed by a “baking spice” cloud of cardamom and cinnamon.
  • The Attack: A rich, silky entry featuring toasted oak and a hint of cherry wood.
  • The Mid-Palate: Weighted notes of clove, honey, and herbal tea.
  • The Finish: A cooling, forest-like dryness with pine needles, black pepper, and mint.

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How To Make The Revolver: The Best Winter Bourbon Cocktail 

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Episode 52: The “Single Distillery” Revolver | Cask Strength Bourbon & Coffee Cocktail

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 52 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Tonight, we are heating up a cold January night with a bold, caffeinated modern classic: The Revolver.

While traditionally made with a high-rye bourbon, we are leveling up this recipe with a “Single Distillery” approach using the incredible spirits from Town Branch Distillery. We’re pairing the massive Town Branch True Cask Bourbon (Batch #005 at 108.6 proof) with the rich, bourbon-infused Bluegrass Sundown Coffee Liqueur.

The result? A velvety, high-proof riff on a Manhattan that features a “Trinity of Bitters” and a flamed orange peel showstopper. If you love Espresso Martinis or Manhattans, this is the winter cocktail you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why High-Malt Bourbon creates a chocolatey, bready profile that loves coffee.
  • How to balance a 100+ proof cocktail with proper dilution.
  • The “Trinity of Bitters” (Mole, Orange, and Cherry) to bridge complex flavors.
  • The secret to the Flamed Orange Peel for a smoky, caramelized citrus aroma.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Town Branch True Cask Bourbon (108.6 Proof)
  • 0.5 oz Bluegrass Sundown Bourbon Coffee Liqueur
  • 1 Dash Mole Bitters (The Earthy Anchor)
  • 1 Dash Orange Bitters (The Brightener)
  • 1 Dash Cherry Bitters (The Fruit Pop)
  • Garnish: Torched Orange Peel

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#Bourbon #CocktailRecipe #TheRevolver #TownBranch #CoffeeCocktail #WhiskeyTasting #HomeBartender #ThirstyThursday #CaskStrength #WinterCocktails #ManhattanRiff #BourbonJourney #Mixology #CoffeeLiqueur #BluegrassSundown

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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50th Episode Special: The Bold Pomegranate Sazerac

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Merry Christmas! Celebrating Episode 50 with a Festive Pomegranate Sazerac! 🎄🥃

Welcome to a massive milestone of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Today is Episode 50, and we are celebrating Christmas Day in style with a high-proof, festive evolution of a New Orleans icon.

In Part Four of our December series, we are going “Neeley-on-Neeley” by featuring spirits from our good friends Royce and Rebekah at the Neeley Family Distillery. This isn’t your average Sazerac—we’ve swapped the sugar cube for Pomegranate Liqueur to get that beautiful ruby-red holiday color and added a healthy pour of award-winning Absinthe Verte for a silky, medicinal complexity that is absolutely legendary.

This is “Christmas in a Glass”—bold, herbal, and finished with a dark-fruit brightness. Whether you’re a rye whiskey aficionado or looking for the perfect Christmas cocktail recipe, this Pomegranate Sazerac is the ultimate holiday pour.

Please drink responsibly. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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📋 The Recipe: Pomegranate Sazerac

  • 2 oz Neeley’s Sweet Thumped Rye
  • 0.5 oz Pomegranate Liqueur
  • 0.25 oz Neeley’s “Fear and Loathing in Kentucky” Absinthe Verte
  • 0.25 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 4 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
  • 2 Dashes Cardamom Bitters
  • Garnish: Lemon Peel (Expressed)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir for 20–30 seconds for perfect dilution and chill.
  3. Strain neat into a chilled glass.
  4. Express a lemon peel over the top to bridge the fruit and herbal notes. Cheers!

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The Ultimate Winter Boulevardier: The Oloroso Dusk 

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Elevate your winter spirits with The Oloroso Dusk—a sophisticated, deep, and intense twist on the classic Boulevardier.

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 49 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! We are currently in Part 3 of our 5-part December Cocktail Series, and tonight, we are moving away from the bright and bubbly into the elegant and mysterious.

If you love a traditional Boulevardier cocktail, you’ll adore this winter variation. By swapping standard vermouth for a rich, sherry-cask-aged Valdespino Sweet Vermouth, we create what we call the “Oloroso Bridge.” This connects the bold, oaky notes of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon with the herbal bitterness of Campari.

To round out the “forest floor” profile, we’re layering in Black Walnut and Aztec Chocolate bitters. The result? A drink that tastes like a toasted walnut cake drizzled in dark chocolate, enjoyed right by the fireplace.

🥃 Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon (for those dark chocolate and brown sugar notes)
  • 1 oz Campari (the essential bitter backbone)
  • 1 oz Valdespino Sweet Vermouth (Oloroso Sherry cask aged)
  • 2 Dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
  • 2 Dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • Garnish: One Luxardo Brandied Cherry

🛠️ Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and stir for 25–30 seconds to achieve the perfect chill and dilution.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass (or over a large ice sphere in a rocks glass).
  4. Garnish with a brandied cherry and enjoy your ultimate winter sip!

Next Week: Don’t miss Episode 50! We’re heading to New Orleans for a festive holiday treat: The Pomegranate Sazerac!

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#Bourbon #CocktailRecipes #Boulevardier #WhiskeyGram #HomeBartender #ThirstyThursday #WinterCocktails #ElijahCraig #Mixology #HolidayDrinks #BourbonJourney #ClassicCocktails #DrinkStirred #SherryCask #CocktailHour

Dessert in a Glass! The S’mores Old Fashioned

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🥃 THE FIRESIDE S’MORES OLD FASHIONED | Dessert Cocktail | Thirsty Thursday Cocktails E48

Welcome to Episode 48 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Tonight is Part Two of our December Cocktail Series, and we are diving into the coziest drink of the season: The Fireside S’mores Old Fashioned!

This recipe is pure holiday nostalgia and perhaps the easiest S’more you will ever make. It’s a truly spirit-forward dessert cocktail that uses the secret weapon of Swiss Miss Shmallow Whiskey to instantly bring the sweet, toasted marshmallow flavor to the party.

We complete the S’more profile by substituting the traditional sugar cube with Demerara Syrup to mimic those rich, caramelized graham cracker notes. For the essential chocolate layer, we use four dashes of Aztec Chocolate Bitters, which adds a complex depth with hints of chili and cinnamon spice.

The showpiece is the spectacular torched marshmallow garnish, which delivers an incredible aroma and completes the campfire experience. It’s low-proof, high-flavor, and the perfect drink for snuggling up by the fireplace this winter.

Don’t forget to like this video and subscribe for more spirit-forward recipes every Thursday! Cheers!

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🍸 The Fireside S’mores Old Fashioned Recipe

  • 2 oz Swiss Miss Shmallow Whiskey
  • $1/4$ oz Demerara Syrup
  • 4 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • 2 dashes Aromatic Bitters (Angostura)
  • Garnish: Torched Marshmallow

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#smorescocktail #oldfashioned #DessertCocktail #HolidayCocktails #FiresideSmores #WhiskeyCocktail #SwissMissWhiskey #ToastedMarshmallow #ThirstyThursday #bourbonjourney #WinterDrinks Mixology #cocktailrecipe #ChristmasCocktails #EasyCocktail 

Turkish Tobacco Manhattan: The Ultimate Winter Cocktail 

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🥃 The Turkish Tobacco Manhattan (Rye Twist) | December Cocktail Series Part 1/5 | Thirsty Thursday E47

Welcome to Episode 47 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails and the exciting start of our five-part December Cocktail Series!

Tonight, we’re kicking off the holidays with a sophisticated, deep, and woodsy cocktail: The Turkish Tobacco Manhattan. This is more than just a twist on a classic; it’s a slow-sipper built for contemplation and chilly nights.

We anchor this drink with 2 oz of Sagamore Spirit Small Batch Rye Whiskey for a fantastic backbone of spice and pepper. We maintain the classic 2:1 ratio using Valdespino Sweet Vermouth, which adds a rich, almost savory depth.

The magic is in the bitters blend! We use 3 dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters for that deep, smoky, earthy base note (it’s all about the aroma of the cured leaf!) and 2 dashes of Cherry Bitters to provide a crucial, bright ‘lift.’

For the final touch of luxury and aroma, we smoke the coupe glass with Cherry Wood before straining. This creates a woodsy, “fireplace” aroma that ties the whole concept together. 

This is a complex, flavorful, and perfect welcome to your holiday entertaining!

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