Demerara Syrup

Opulent Bourbon Cocktails: The Golden Jubilee Recipe

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Celebrate with me! 🥂 In honor of my birthday and Episode 68 of Thirsty Thursday, I’m dipping into the “Library” for a truly opulent pour. Meet The Golden Jubilee—a luxury Old Fashioned designed for milestones and high-proof treasures.

Tonight we are featuring the incredible Wenzel’s Packard Proof, a 16-year-old Kentucky single barrel (affectionately known as a “BuffTurkey” pour) sitting at a massive 126 proof. This bourbon is a total cherry bomb, and we’re elevating it with velvet textures and exotic spices to create a “Chewy” foundation that feels like a high-end dessert in a glass.

We’re swapping standard simple syrup for Gum Syrup to achieve that signature silky mouthfeel and adding Bluegrass 5-Spice Orange Bitters for a complex layer of star anise, clove, and cinnamon. To top it all off, we’re adding Edible Gold Glitter for a shimmering visual toast to the journey ahead!

In this video:

  • How to use Gum Syrup for a velvety cocktail texture.
  • Reviewing the 16-year Wenzel’s Packard Proof.
  • Tips for working with 5-spice bitters and edible luster dust.
  • A sneak peek at next week’s Mother’s Day cocktail: The Dandelion Crown!

📋 THE RECIPE: THE GOLDEN JUBILEE

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz Wenzel’s Packard Proof Bourbon (or your favorite 16yr+ Library Pour)
  • 0.25 oz Gum Syrup (for that velvety mouthfeel)
  • 1 Bar Spoon Demerara Syrup
  • 10 Drops Bluegrass 5-Spice Orange Bitters
  • 1 Pinch Edible Gold Glitter
  • Garnish: Gold-dusted Luxardo Cherry

Instructions:

  1. Add Gum Syrup, Demerara, and 5-spice bitters to a mixing glass.
  2. Pour in your luxury bourbon.
  3. Add a generous pinch of gold edible glitter.
  4. Fill with ice and stir thoroughly for about 25 seconds to chill and suspend the shimmer.
  5. Strain into a crystal rocks glass over a clear ice sphere.
  6. Garnish with a gold-luster Luxardo cherry and enjoy!

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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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Making The Desert Bloom: A Prickly Pear Bourbon Refreshment

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Episode 64: The Desert Bloom | Neon Pink Highball!

The garden has finally woken up! 🌸 Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca kicks off our April “Vibrant Spring” series with a cocktail that looks like a neon dream but hits like a heavyweight. Meet The Desert Bloom.

We’re trading forest floor flavors for high-desert botanicals, using a stunning Prickly Pear Syrup to create a “Neon Heart” in the glass. But don’t let the pink hue fool you—this isn’t a “sugar bomb.” By using Old Grand-Dad 114, we provide a spicy, high-proof anchor that stands up to the citrus and sweetness.

The real magic trick? Celery Bitters. This savory “garden snap” cuts through the candy notes, grounding the drink in a sophisticated, botanical reality. If you’re looking for a refreshing yet bold highball to celebrate the return of spring, this is your new go-to.

In this video, Rebecca breaks down:

  • The “Neon Heart”: Working with Prickly Pear Syrup.
  • Why OGD 114 is the perfect high-rye foundation for tall drinks.
  • The “Secret Weapon”: How celery bitters transform a fruit-forward cocktail.
  • The “Mineral Effervescence” of club soda as a flavor conductor.

Recipe: The Desert Bloom

  • 2 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
  • .75 oz Prickly Pear Syrup
  • .50 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 bar spoon Demerara Syrup
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Celery Bitters
  • 2 oz Club Soda
  • Garnish: Fresh Mint Sprig (Don’t forget to slap it!)

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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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Bourbon & Lime Magic: Demerara Derby Recipe

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 29

The Demerara Derby: Your New Favorite Bourbon & Lime Cocktail! 🐎🍋

Get ready to discover a hidden gem in the world of bourbon cocktails! In this video, we’re shaking up the incredibly refreshing Demerara Derby—a vibrant and surprisingly delightful mix of bourbon, fresh lime juice, rich demerara syrup, and aromatic orange bitters.

Forget what you thought you knew about bourbon and citrus. The Demerara Derby brings lime to the forefront, offering a brighter, sharper counterpoint to bourbon’s warmth than lemon ever could. The demerara syrup adds a beautiful depth, while the orange bitters tie all those fantastic citrus notes together for a perfectly balanced sip.

Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just starting your cocktail journey, this easy-to-make drink is a must-try. It’s elegant, unique, and guaranteed to impress your friends (or just yourself!).

Ready to elevate your happy hour?

🔗 Watch now to learn how to craft the perfect Demerara Derby and discover why lime and bourbon are a match made in cocktail heaven!

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • .5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • .5 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters 
  • Large ice cube
  • Garnish: Lime (optional)

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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.

Perfect New York Sour: Master This Stunning Cocktail!

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Craft Your Own Perfect New York Sour! 🍷🍋

Unleash your inner mixologist with our ultimate guide to crafting the New York Sour, a cocktail that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to drink! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey into balance, texture, and captivating aromas.

In this video, we’re not just making a New York Sour, we’re showing you how to make our perfect version, designed to hit all the right notes:

Here’s what makes this recipe your new go-to:

  • Spicy Backbone, Smooth Finish: We’re starting with a high-rye bourbon that brings a beautiful kick, perfectly complemented by the bright burst of fresh lemon juice and the rich depth of demerara syrup. It’s sweetness without being cloying, and spice without being overwhelming.
  • Velvet on Your Tongue: The secret to that luxurious, creamy mouthfeel? Fee Foam! It gives you all the glorious texture of an egg white, but with ultimate ease. Get ready for a silky sip every time.
  • Aromatic Layers You Can Savor: We’re dialing up the complexity with a dynamic duo of Angostura Aromatic Bitters for warm spices and Orange Bitters for zesty brightness. Finish it off with an expressed lemon zest for an immediate burst of fresh citrus aroma.
  • A Feast for the Eyes: Watch as the vibrant dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon) beautifully floats atop the frothy base, creating that iconic, show-stopping layer that defines the New York Sour. It’s a cocktail that earns its “oohs” and “aahs.”
  • Harmonious Sips: The chosen red wine isn’t just for looks; it integrates seamlessly, providing a fruity counterpoint that enhances every other flavor in the glass, making for a truly harmonious and unforgettable experience.

Ready to impress your guests and elevate your home bar? Watch now and learn all the tips and tricks to master this stunning classic!

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz High-Rye Bourbon
  • 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 0.50 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 3-5 Dashes Fee Foam
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
  • 0.75 oz Dry Red Wine (Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
  • Garnish: Lemon Zest

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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.