classic cocktails

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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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.

#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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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.

#MonteCarloCocktail #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonJourney #ThirstyThursday #WinterCocktails #Benedictine #RyeWhiskey #BardstownBourbonCo #Mixology #HomeBartender #ClassicCocktails #CocktailRecipes #DrinkResponsibly #WhiskeyLover #SpiritHistory

Revival Vintage Spirits: Finding Rare Vintage Whiskey & Bourbon

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🥃 Vintage Spirits Haul! Rare Whiskey & 70s Liqueurs at Revival Vintage Spirits! 🍒

Join Wayne and Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey on a special trip to Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, Kentucky! While known for vintage bourbon and whiskey, this time we’re diving deep into a treasure trove of vintage liqueurs and rare spirits perfect for classic cocktails!

🌟 What We Found in Our Vintage Spirits Haul!

🥃 Rebecca’s Rare Liqueur Finds:

We scored some incredible vintage bottles for Rebecca’s upcoming vintage cocktail series (check out her other cocktail videos!):

  • 1971 Cherry Heering: The legendary cherry liqueur—perfect for classic drinks! We’ll be comparing it to a modern sample.
  • 1970s Swiss Chocolate Cherry Liqueur: An absolute jewel in stunning opal glass! Swiss chocolate and cherry… what kind of decadent vintage drink will this make?
  • 1966 DuBouchett Crème de Menthe: A vintage bottle for an authentic Grasshopper cocktail! We got the idea after enjoying Revival’s delicious vintage cocktails made with 1970s Hiram Walker.
  • 1979 Kahlúa (Vintage Pour): We were blown away by the taste of this old-school, coffee-made Kahlúa—thick, rich, and amazing! We bought the last pour to make a special vintage Kahlúa cocktail.
  • 1970s Amaretto: Complete with an adorable box and original liqueur glasses! Get ready for a classic Amaretto Sour!

🥃 Wayne’s Rare Whiskey Finds:

Of course, Wayne couldn’t leave without a few vintage whiskey and spirit bottles of his own!

  • 1990s Four Roses (Japan Release): A highly sought-after vintage Four Roses—the closest we could get to the 1970s Yellow Label that blew us away on a previous visit! A future “official review” is coming!
  • 1970s Sunny Brook Mini Bottle: A National Distillers brand from way back! Vintage minis are a great, affordable way to “dip your toe into vintage pours.”
  • 1970s Italian Swiss Colony Port: A vintage California ruby port we snagged for a steal!
  • 1960s  Schenley Reserve Blended Whiskey! We couldn’t resist a spontaneous tasting of this 8-year blended whiskey (likely 60s/70s) found on an inventory tray. 

🥃 TASTING! Schenley Reserve Mini: The Shocking Lemon Whiskey!

We found a legendary piece of history! This mini-bottle of Schenley Reserve is a pristine example of 1960s/70s American blended whiskey. The label confirms its recipe: 8-years-old, composed of 35% straight whiskey (well above the legal minimum!) and 65% Neutral Grain Spirits.

The result is mind-blowing: incredible viscosity, rich creaminess, and an unexpected explosion of flavor that smells exactly like a lemon grove and delivers a bright, beautiful lemon-citrus palate. This tiny bottle is an absolute must-try! We’re already hunting for a bigger one!

Revival Vintage Spirits is an absolute must-visit in Covington, KY! They have so much more than whiskey—including vintage wine, port, tequila, gin, and current single barrels.

👉 Want to see more of our vintage finds or have a specific vintage spirit you want us to review? Let us know in the comments below!

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#VintageWhiskey #RevivalVintageSpirits #VintageCocktails #bourbonjourney #CovingtonKY #VintageSpirits #RareWhiskey #FourRoses #SchenleyReserve #WhiskeyReview #ClassicCocktails #CherryHeering #VintageLiqueur #BlendedWhiskey #LiquorHaul 

Elevate Your Cocktail Game! (Spicy Paper Plane)

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🛫 The Upgraded Flight: A Spicy Twist on the Paper Plane! 🥃

Get ready to take off with the Upgraded Flight, our sensational riff on the classic Paper Plane cocktail! In this Thirsty Thursday Episode 34, we’re elevating your cocktail game with a recipe that’s more spirit-forward and complex than its inspiration.

We start with Russell’s 10-Year-Old Bourbon, giving this drink a rich, smooth backbone. We then balance it with Aperol and Amaro Nonino, which brings a beautiful, bittersweet harmony. But here’s where the Upgraded Flight truly soars: a few dashes of habanero bitters add a layer of spicy complexity and aromatic intrigue that you won’t find in the original.

This isn’t your average cocktail—it’s a journey for your taste buds. We’ll show you how to perfectly shake it to a frosty chill and serve it up neat in a chilled coupe glass for that elegant touch. The finishing flourish? A delicate lemon twist, which adds a bright citrus aroma that perfectly complements the drink’s depth.

Ready to craft this sophisticated sipper? Grab your shaker and let’s get mixing!

If you love mixing up great cocktails, you won’t want to miss this. Click Play Now ➡️

Don’t miss a single sip! Be sure to watch the full video to see the magic happen and learn all our tips and tricks for making the perfect Upgraded Flight cocktail. If you enjoy delicious drinks and learning new recipes, make sure to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss next week’s Thirsty Thursday episode!

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Cheers to better drinks! 🥂

Upgraded Flight Cocktail Recipe

  • 2 oz Russell’s 10-Year Bourbon
  • 1 oz Aperol
  • 1 oz Amaro Nonino
  • 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 dashes Habanero Bitters

#bourboncocktails #PaperPlane #UpgradedFlight 

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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.