Mixology

Bourbon & Bubbles: The Perfect Mother’s Day Cocktail

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails is BACK with Episode 17, and just in time for Mother’s Day, we’re crafting a delightful sip that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to Mom’s face: The Kentucky Kiss!

Forget the same old brunch routine – this weekend, treat the amazing mothers in your life (or yourself!) to a sophisticated and utterly delicious bourbon-based cocktail. We’ll guide you through each simple step to create this elegant concoction, ensuring your glass is filled with pure joy.

Get ready to master The Kentucky Kiss:

  • A generous 1.5 oz of your favorite Bourbon
  • A sweet and vibrant 0.5 oz of Cherry Liqueur
  • A zesty 0.5 oz of Fresh Lime Juice for that perfect tang
  • A few dashes (2-3) of Cherry Bitters to add complexity
  • The crucial chilling ritual: Stir for 20-30 seconds until perfectly frosty
  • A graceful strain into a Coupe Glass or Champagne Flute
  • The celebratory crown: Top it off with chilled Champagne!
  • The final flourish: Garnish with a luscious Luxardo Cherry

Whether you’re a bourbon aficionado seeking your next exquisite drink or a curious beginner ready to dive into the art of cocktail making, this episode is your essential guide to unlocking the secrets of The Kentucky Kiss. Let’s raise a glass to Mom!

#bourboncocktails #MakersMark #champagnecocktail 

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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.

Unlock the Secrets to a Perfect Mint Julep | Thirsty Thursday

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Get ready to saddle up for Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Episode 16! 🐎💨 With the thunder of hooves echoing in the distance, we’re gearing up for the 151st Kentucky Derby this Saturday by diving headfirst into the legendary Mint Julep! 🎉

Forget those watered-down imitations! We’re unlocking the secrets to crafting a truly electrifying Mint Julep, the quintessential Derby Day sipper. We’ll round up the champions of flavor: vibrant, fragrant fresh mint leaves, the perfect touch of sweetness with sugar or silky simple syrup, a mountain of frosty crushed ice, and of course, the heart and soul – authentic Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey! 🥃

Then, prepare to witness the magic as we take these stellar ingredients and transform them into liquid gold! 🔄 We’ll guide you step-by-step through the time-honored techniques, ensuring your Mint Julep isn’t just a drink, but an experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur with a taste for the finer things or a curious newcomer eager to explore the world of bourbon, this episode is your ticket to Mint Julep mastery. Get ready to impress your Derby Day crew or simply treat yourself to a taste of Southern tradition. Let’s stir up some excitement! ✨

Background of The Mint Julep: 

U.S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky is credited with introducing the bourbon-based mint julep to Washington, D.C., around 1850, popularizing it beyond the South. 

The mint julep’s association with horse racing, particularly in Kentucky, grew in the 19th century. By the 1820s, silver cups were awarded to winning jockeys, possibly contributing to the tradition of serving juleps in silver cups, which also frost nicely due to the crushed ice.

The Kentucky Derby, established in 1875, further solidified this connection. In 1938, the mint julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs began serving it in souvenir glasses in 1939, which became highly collectible. Today, around 120,000 mint juleps are estimated to be consumed during the Kentucky Derby weekend.

#bourboncocktails #MintJulep  #woodfordreserve 

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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.

Sip Like a Pro: Mastering the Sazerac with Our Easy Guide

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Alright, get ready to dive into a true classic! 🥃 

Welcome to Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, Episode 15! 🎉 This week, we’re tackling the legendary Sazerac, a New Orleans original renowned for its complex flavors and intriguing preparation.⚜️ Join us as we walk you through each step to craft this iconic rye whiskey and brandy cocktail.🍹 

We’ll start by gathering all the essentials, from the chilled Old-Fashioned glass 🧊 to the crucial ingredients: smooth rye whiskey, rich brandy, sweet demerara syrup, and the aromatic duo of Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters.🌿 

Then, it’s time to get mixing! 🔄 We’ll guide you through the traditional process, beginning with the essential absinthe rinse to coat your glass with its distinctive anise aroma.👃 Watch closely 👀 as we combine the rye, brandy, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass, stirring with ice to achieve the perfect chill and dilution.🧊 

Finally, we’ll strain our masterpiece into the prepared glass and add the final flourish: a fragrant lemon peel twist.🍋 The moment you’ve been waiting for arrives as we take that first sip, exploring the layered notes of spice, sweetness, and herbal complexity that make the Sazerac a timeless favorite.😋 

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just starting your bourbon journey, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to create a truly exceptional Sazerac at home.🏠 Cheers to Thirsty Thursday!🥂

Background: The Sazerac evolved in New Orleans throughout the 19th century, likely originating with Antoine Peychaud’s cognac and bitters concoction, gaining prominence at the Sazerac Coffee House, and adapting with the substitution of rye for cognac and the addition of absinthe. It stands today as a testament to New Orleans’ rich cocktail history.

The Sazerac

  • Start with a chilled Old-Fashioned glass
  • Add a splash of Absinthe to rinse the glass
  • Add 2 oz Rye Whiskey 
  • Add 1/2 oz of Brandy
  • Add 1/4 oz of Demerara Syrup
  • Add 5 drops of Peychaud’s bitters
  • Add 2 drops of Angostura bitters
  • Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass
  • Strain into a chilled, absinthe rinsed old-fashioned glass
  • Garnish with a lemon peel 

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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.

3-Ingredient Rye Cocktail for a Cause: The “Old Cranky Dave”

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It’s Thirsty Thursday! 🍹 And this week’s Episode 14 of our bourbon cocktail series has a meaningful twist! 🎉 We’re making the “Old Cranky Dave” – a simple and refreshing 3-ingredient cocktail featuring rye whiskey 🥃, root beer 🍺, and lime juice 🍋‍🟩 (think elevated Root Beer Rickey!). We’ll show you exactly how to make it step-by-step and explain why this unique combination works so well.

The name “Old Cranky Dave” is a loving nod to David Meier, the Owner & Distiller at the fantastic Glenns Creek Distilling. 👍 However, our reason for highlighting Dave and his distillery is serious. Glenns Creek Distilling in Frankfort, Kentucky, has been tragically impacted by the recent, historic Kentucky floods 💔🌊. The rising waters of the Kentucky River in early April 2025 have caused significant damage to their distillery, including the historic 1835 Old Crow buildings 🏛️ – a place where so much heart and soul goes into crafting their bourbon 🥃.

So, grab your rye whiskey, root beer, and lime 🛒, learn to make the “Old Cranky Dave,” and most importantly, hear the story of Glenns Creek Distilling and how you can support their recovery 🙏. Let’s raise a glass 🥂 to community and resilience! 💪 

You have the power to make a real difference in the lives of the Glenns Creek Distilling family. 💪 Please consider contributing to their flood relief efforts through one of the following ways:

Donate Directly: ➡️ https://glennscreekdistillery.com/product/2025-flood-donation/ – Every dollar counts towards their rebuilding. 💰

Give the Gift of Future Bourbon: ➡️ https://glennscreekdistillery.com/the-gcd-vault-2/ – A thoughtful way to support them now and enjoy their spirits later. 🎁

Find Unique Treasures: ➡️ https://glennscreekdistillery.com/shop/ – Support them while getting something special. ✨

Secure a Future Pour: ➡️ https://glennscreekdistillery.com/the-gcd-vault-2/ – Invest in their future by purchasing a bottle to be held for you. 🔒

Help us amplify their voice! 📣 Please SHARE this video with your friends, family, and fellow bourbon enthusiasts. 🤝 Let’s show the strength of the bourbon community in times of need. ❤️

Share your act of kindness in the comments below! 👇 We are committed to matching donations up to at least $250 to further support Glenns Creek Distilling. Your compassion means the world. 🙏 Thank you for watching and for standing with Glenns Creek Distilling.


✴️ Glenns Creek Distilling Flood Relief Video


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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.

💜 The Lavender Manhattan: A Floral Twist on a Bourbon Classic🥃 

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It’s Thirsty Thursday! 🍹 And we’re back with Episode 13 of our bourbon cocktail series! 🎉 This week, prepare your taste buds for an elegant and fragrant experience: The Lavender Manhattan. 💜🥃

Think you know the Manhattan? 🤔 Think again! 😉 We’re infusing this classic with the delicate floral notes of lavender whiskey, creating a truly unique and unforgettable drink. ✨ We’ll show you exactly how to balance the lavender with the beloved flavors of Maker’s Mark and sweet vermouth, finished with a hint of bitters.🌿

Ready to elevate your Thursday? ⬆️ Here’s what you will need: Lavender Whiskey 💜, Maker’s Mark 🥃, Sweet vermouth ❤️, Aromatic bitters. 💧

Watch along as we mix it up: 🧊 Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until perfectly chilled. Strain into your favorite chilled coupe 🍸 or martini glass. Get ready to sip in style! 😎

What are your thoughts on a lavender twist in a classic? 🤔 Share your opinions in the comments below!  👇Don’t forget to like 👍, subscribe ❤️, and hit that notification bell 🔔 for more delicious bourbon cocktails every Thirsty Thursday! 🗓️

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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.