Thirsty Thursday Cocktails

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.

The Wildly Delicious Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour!

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Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails! In Episode 12, we’re diving into the delightfully bizarre and surprisingly delicious Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour! 🥒🥃 Ready to challenge your taste buds? We’ll show you exactly how to make this unique cocktail, a sophisticated twist on the classic Pickleback. Get ready for a savory, tangy, and surprisingly refreshing drink!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Bourbon (We’re using the bold Wild Turkey 101!)
  • Pickle Juice (Dill is the way to go!)
  • Sweet & Sour Mix (or simple syrup & fresh lemon juice)
  • Celery Bitters (Optional, but trust us on this complexity!)
  • Fee Foam (or 1 egg white – Optional, but you want that silky texture!)

Follow along for the step-by-step instructions and discover why this unexpected combo works! We’ll also touch on the history of this intriguing cocktail, tracing its roots back to the infamous Pickleback.

Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and let us know in the comments if you’re brave enough to try this Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour! 

#BourbonCocktails #WhiskeySour #ThirstyThursday 

While the exact origin of the Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour as a specific cocktail isn’t as clearly defined as some classics, the concept of pairing whiskey with pickle juice is rooted in the popularity of the Pickleback shot. The Pickleback, a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle brine, gained significant traction in the mid-2000s, particularly in bars in Brooklyn, New York.

The Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour can be seen as a more sophisticated and sippable evolution of the Pickleback, incorporating the familiar sour format to balance the unique flavors. Its popularity has grown as adventurous drinkers seek out new and interesting flavor combinations in cocktails.

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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.

Elevate Your Old Fashioned: Try This Pecan Bourbon Cocktail Recipe!

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✴️Alright, cocktail connoisseurs, get ready to elevate your Old Fashioned game! 🔥 In Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails: Episode 11, we’re diving deep into decadence with the Pecan Old Fashioned.

Forget your average Old Fashioned – this beauty is a symphony of rich, nutty notes that will tantalize your taste buds. We’re talking smooth Maker’s Mark Bourbon dancing with the luxurious sweetness of Rivulet Pecan Liqueur, all brought to life with a whisper of Toasted Almond Bitters and a seductive hint of Aztec Chocolate Bitters.

This isn’t just a cocktail; it’s an experience. Perfect for a cozy night in, impressing your guests, or simply treating yourself to something truly special.

Ready to craft this liquid masterpiece? Hit play and let’s get shaking (or stirring, in this case!)! 😉

Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious bourbon cocktail adventures every Thirsty Thursday! 🥂 

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Directions for Making the Pecan Old Fashioned

📍Ingredients: 

✅ 2 oz of Maker’s Mark Bourbon

✅ 1 oz of Rivulet Pecan Liqueur

✅ 2 Dashes of Toasted Almond Bitters

✅ 2 Dashes of Aztec Chocolate Bitters

📍Instructions:

*️⃣ Combine all items in a mixing glass

*️⃣ Add plenty of ice and stir well for 15-30 seconds until well chilled

*️⃣ Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass that has a large ice cube or ball

📍Notes:

✴️ Adjust to your sweetness level by adjusting the Pecan Liqueur. This liqueur substitutes for the traditional simple syrup commonly used in an Old Fashioned

✴️ The combination of bitters adds an additional layer of complexity. You can adjust for more or less toasted almond and/or chocolate

✴️ A wheated bourbon works very well with this cocktail due to its sweet notes of caramel and vanilla as they complement the pecan flavor.

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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.

Maple Habanero Sour: A Flavor Explosion You NEED to Try! 

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In episode 10 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we present the Maple Habanero Sour cocktail recipe. This spicy cocktail is a complex and exciting sensory experience. This easy Maple Habanero Sour Recipe is made with Russells Reserve 10, bourbon barrel aged maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, habanero bitters, and black walnut bitters.

🍁 SWEETNESS: The first sensation is often the rich, warm sweetness of maple syrup. This sweetness coats the palate, providing an inviting first impression. 

🍋 CITRUS ZEST: Quickly following the maple, the tartness of the lemon juice cuts through the sweetness. This provides a refreshing, zesty counterpoint. The habanero’s heat emerges gradually. It’s not always an immediate, overwhelming burn, but rather a slow, warming sensation that builds. 

🌶️ SUBTLE HEAT: Habanero peppers have a distinct fruity quality, so the heat is often accompanied by subtle floral or tropical notes. 

🎆 FLAVOR  FUSION: The interplay between the sweet, sour, and spicy elements creates a layered flavor profile. The maple syrup and citrus work to balance the habanero’s heat, while the habanero adds depth and complexity to the sweet-and-sour base. 

🥰 FINISH: The finish can linger, with the warmth of the habanero remaining on the tongue. The sweetness of the maple may also persist, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. 

🎉 The overall experience is a delightful dance of contrasting flavors. It’s a cocktail that stimulates multiple taste receptors, offering a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy that can be both refreshing and invigorating.

RECIPE

Maple🍁Habanero🌶️Sour🍋

  • 2 oz of bourbon
  • .5 oz of barrel aged maple syrup
  • .5 oz of lemon juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
  • 3 dashes of habanero bitters (for the heat)
  • 3 dashes black walnut bitters (added depth)
  • 5 dashes of Fee Foam (or one egg white)
  • Dry shake 15-20 seconds
  • Add ice and shake 15-20 seconds
  • Pour into cocktail glass with an ice ball/block
  • Garnish with 1 dash of black pepper & 1 dried lemon slice

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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 Kentucky Coffee: A Recipe for Bourbon Lovers

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In episode 9 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we present an exciting twist on the classic Irish Coffee that is destined to be your go-to coffee specialty – the Kentucky Coffee Cocktail! You’ll discover that the Kentucky Coffee boasts a vibrant aroma and delivers a smooth, flavorful experience, where the bold bitterness of black coffee is perfectly balanced by the sweet notes of vanilla and caramel from the Kentucky Bourbon. With a strong, freshly brewed coffee as its foundation, this cocktail packs a punch. The Kentucky Bourbon infuses a smooth, slightly spicy warmth that complements the coffee’s boldness brilliantly. Adding Tobacco Bitters enhances the earthy characteristics of the Bourbon, while a touch of caramel and Bourbon Cream introduces the ideal sweetness, perfectly balancing the coffee’s assertiveness with the bourbon’s warmth. Finally, a velvety layer of whipped cream crowns this drink, adding a delightful creamy texture. In this video, we will expertly guide you through the cocktail-making process with clear, step-by-step instructions, empowering you to craft this delightful coffee—ideal for sharing with friends or indulging solo.

RECIPE: 

  • Caramel to drizzle into the coffee cup
  • 1.5 oz. of Kentucky Bourbon
  • 1 oz of bourbon cream
  • 3-4 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 4 oz of fresh brewed coffee
  • Garnish with whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg

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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.

Kentucky Tobacco Sour: A Unique Spin on the Classic Whiskey Sour

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In episode 8 of Thirsty Thursday Bourbon Cocktails, we’re crafting the ultimate bourbon cocktail set to become your new favorite: the Kentucky Tobacco Sour! My inspiration struck at a bourbon pairing dinner where a chef used Turkish Tobacco Bitters in the appetizer, leaving me completely captivated by the rich aromas and earthy flavors.

The very next day, I seized a bottle of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters, eager to explore its potential. However, I couldn’t find a bourbon-based cocktail that matched my flavor aspirations. So, I put my spin on the classic Whiskey Sour—using Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a splash of Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters.

The result is a delightful fragrance that evokes tobacco leaves—warm, complex, earthy, subtly sweet, and intriguingly floral. The bitters’ notes of nutmeg and clove create a robust cocktail experience. After testing several versions, Wayne and I are confident you’ll love this Kentucky Tobacco Sour as much as we do!

In this video, we will guide you through the cocktail-making process with clear, step-by-step instructions so you can confidently create this exquisite drink—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo.

RECIPE: 

  • 2 oz. of bourbon
  • 1 oz. of Sweet & Sour Mix (or equal parts lemon juice & simple syrup)
  • 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 6 Dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam (or one egg white)
  • Garnish with 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters

DIRECTIONS:

  • Add 2 oz. bourbon
  • Add 1 oz. of Sweet & Sour Mix
  • Add 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • Stir in mixing glass until chilled
  • Pour into shaker dry (with no ice)
  • Add 6 Dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam
  • Shake for up to 1 minute
  • Pour into Coupe Glass
  • Garnish with 3 Dashes of Turkish Tobacco Bitters

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Bourbon Hot Toddy: The Cozy Cocktail You Need This Winter

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In episode 7 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails, we are crafting a drink that will wrap you in cozy warmth on a chilly evening – the Bourbon Hot Toddy! This timeless classic not only brings comfort but also delights the senses, making it a perfect companion for curling up by the fireplace or enjoying a quiet night in. With its straightforward ingredients, including the rich and smooth bourbon, fragrant honey, zesty lemon, and hot water, it strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness, ensuring a satisfying sip every time. This terrific cocktail is sure to be your go-to evening sipper, providing both refreshment and relief from the cold. Tonight, we will master the Bourbon Hot Toddy cocktail with clear, step-by-step instructions, empowering you to create this delightful drink with confidence and style, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own.

RECIPE: 

  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 1 bar spoon of lemon juice
  • Dash of Angostura Aromatic Bitters 
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • Dash of nutmeg
  • 4 oz hot water
  • 2 full bar spoons of honey
  • Lemon slices and cinnamon sticks, for serving

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