Unique Cocktails

How To Make The Equinox Smoke & Spice Old Fashioned

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Welcome to Episode 89 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, Rebecca crafts the Equinox Smoke & Spice, a dark, spirit-forward smoked Old Fashioned created to welcome the crisp nights of the autumn equinox.

Anchored by the bold 27% high-rye backbone and oily viscosity of Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel, this recipe layers subtle barrel-aged sweetness with aromatic complexity. Sweetened with just a whisper of bourbon barrel aged maple syrup and infused with Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco and Aztec Chocolate bitters, this build finishes under a rich canopy of fragrant cherry wood smoke.

Whether you are hosting friends by the firepit or looking to elevate your home bar cocktail smoking technique, this balanced, non-sweet, spirit-forward build is an absolute must-try for bourbon lovers.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss our weekly spirits reviews, barrel picks, and Thirsty Thursday cocktail builds!

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🍂 Cocktail Recipe: Equinox Smoke & Spice

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 1 barspoon (0.15 oz) Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • Wood Smoke: Cherry wood chips

🥃 Instructions:

  1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, barrel-aged maple syrup, Turkish tobacco bitters, and Aztec chocolate bitters.
  2. Add dense ice and stir thoroughly until well chilled and properly diluted.
  3. Strain into a double rocks glass over a large clear ice cube.
  4. Place your cocktail smoking chimney top on the glass, fill with cherry wood chips, and ignite with your torch.
  5. Allow the smoke to infuse into the spirit, remove the top, and enjoy the rich hearth aromas!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#SmokedOldFashioned #BourbonCocktails #OldGrandDad114 #ThirstyThursday #CocktailRecipe #FallCocktails #CraftCocktails #OldFashioned #SmokedCocktails #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyTasting #BourbonLover #CocktailSmoker #BourbonBarrelAged #HomeBartender

How to Make the Perfect Harvest Bramble Sour

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Welcome to Episode 88 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, Rebecca crafts The Harvest Bramble Sour, a crisp, layered amaro-sour hybrid designed to celebrate late-season fruit, robust Indiana grain, and bittersweet alpine botanicals.

By pairing the 100-proof backbone of Starlight Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon with the rich, jammy depth of Starlight Blackberry Whiskey, this cocktail skips cloying syrups in favor of complexity. Amaro Nonino adds an elegant, bitter-orange mid-palate, fresh lemon juice provides a vibrant sour snap, and orchard plum bitters tie the entire autumn profile together.

If you love spirit-forward whiskey sours with depth, balance, and a dry, sophisticated finish, this is your new go-to fall cocktail.

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🥃 THE RECIPE: The Harvest Bramble Sour

  • 1.50 oz Starlight Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Starlight Blackberry Whiskey
  • 0.75 oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
  • 0.50 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (double strained)
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Plum Bitters
  • Garnish: Luxardo Maraschino Cherry

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#Bourbon #CocktailRecipe #WhiskeySour #YourBourbonJourney #StarlightDistillery #AmaroNonino #CraftCocktails #BourbonCocktails #ThirstyThursday #FallCocktails #Mixology #HomeBartender #BrambleSour #WhiskeyLovers #CocktailHour

How to Make The Autumn Envoy | Fall Bourbon Cocktail 

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Welcome to Episode 87 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we’re stepping into the cooler September evenings with The Autumn Envoy—a deep, brooding, and decadent twist on the classic 1920s Boulevardier.

Instead of traditional Campari, we’re leaning into savory, earthy depth by bringing in Cynar 70 Amaro. Paired with the rich cocoa and botanical vanilla of Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth, allspice-forward Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters, and the bold backbone of a 110-proof Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel, this cocktail delivers an unbelievably silky, viscous texture and a lingering cracked-pepper finish.

Grab your mixing glass, chill a coupe, and let’s craft the ultimate spirit-forward autumn sipper!

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🥃 The Autumn Envoy Recipe: 

  • • 1.75 oz Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon (110 Proof) 
  • • 0.75 oz Cynar 70 Amaro 
  • • 0.75 oz Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth 
  • • 2 Dashes (or 20 Drops) Bittercube Jamaican #1 Bitters 
  • • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#Boulevardier #BourbonCocktails #FallCocktails #YourBourbonJourney #ThirstyThursday #Cynar70 #AmaroCocktails #RussellsReserve #CraftCocktails #HomeBartender #WhiskeyTasting #CocktailRecipe #DrinkResponsibly #CocktailHour #Mixology

Crisp Fall Whiskey Drink: The Solitary Orchard Build 

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Welcome to Episode 86 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we are crafting The Solitary Orchard—a crisp, layered, and beautifully balanced autumn cocktail designed to transition your palate seamlessly into the fall season.

Reimagining traditional orchard fruit profiles through the lens of Kentucky pot-still grain, dark tart berries, and warm baking spices, this rocks-glass build hits every high note. We anchor the glass with Evan Williams Square 6 High-Rye Bourbon (95 proof / 35% rye mash bill) for a robust herbal grain snap and oak structure. We stay within the Heaven Hill family by incorporating Evan Williams Spiced Apple Whiskey for notes of warm baked apple, nutmeg, and cinnamon without overwhelming sweetness.

To create depth and contrast, we layer in tart, dark French blackcurrant via Merlet Crème de Cassis, exotic warmth with Fee Brothers Cardamom Bitters, and a gentle effervescent lift from chilled club soda. Topped with a dehydrated apple chip, this is the ultimate September bourbon sipper!

👀 NEXT WEEK ON THIRSTY THURSDAY: Tune in for Episode 87: The Autumnal Envoy—a rich, brooding Boulevardier riff that pairs high-proof Kentucky oak with the earthy, herbal bitterness of Cynar 70 and Cocchi di Torino!

Please remember to drink responsibly! If you enjoyed this video, make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a pour.

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#Bourbon #CocktailRecipe #FallCocktails #EvanWilliams #WhiskeyCocktails #ThirstyThursday #YourBourbonJourney #Cassis #AppleCocktail #Mixology #CraftCocktails #BourbonLovers #HomeBartender #WhiskeyTasting #AutumnVibes

Is This the Perfect Black Manhattan? The Botanical Velvet 

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Welcome to Episode 85 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! Tonight, we are crafting The Botanical Velvet, a rich, nuanced, and highly aromatic modern riff on the classic Black Manhattan.

By splitting our bourbon base, we combine the elegant, floral lift of Larrikin Rosewater Bourbon with the bold, 120-proof backbone, deep oak, and rich caramel of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve. Paired with the silky orange and alpine botanicals of Amaro Montenegro, a barspoon of rich Demerara syrup for decadent texture, and an earthy spiced blend of Black Walnut and Cardamom bitters, this cocktail is pure liquid velvet.

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🥃 THE BOTANICAL VELVET RECIPE

  • 1.5 oz Larrikin Rosewater Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Bourbon (120 Proof)
  • 0.75 oz Amaro Montenegro
  • 1 barspoon (0.125 oz) Rich Demerara Syrup (2:1)
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Cardamom Bitters

Glassware: Chilled Coupe or Nick & Nora Glass

Garnish: Expressed Lemon Peel (oils expressed over the surface)

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#BlackManhattan #BourbonCocktails #CocktailRecipe #CraftCocktails #ThirstyThursday #BourbonJourney #KnobCreek #AmaroMontenegro #Mixology #WhiskeyLovers #HomeBartender #StirredCocktails #BourbonWhiskey #CocktailHour #ClassicCocktailsRiff

How to Make the Cactus Flower Sour Cocktail 

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Elevate your summer cocktail game with The Cactus Flower Sour! In Episode 84 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca shakes up a tart, vibrant, and visually stunning late-summer twist on the classic Whiskey Sour.

Featuring the rich, 100-proof backbone of Heaven Hill 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, this craft cocktail balances deep oak, caramel, and baking spices with the earthy melon notes of Thornbush Prickly Pear Flavored Whiskey. Combined with fresh, tart lemon juice, bright magenta prickly pear syrup, and silky Fee Foam, this shaken bourbon drink delivers an electric color, velvety head, and crisp, mouthwatering finish topped with aromatic Peychaud’s Bitters.

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📋 The Cactus Flower Sour Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1.75 oz Heaven Hill 7-Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (100 Proof)
  • 0.5 oz Thornbush Prickly Pear Flavored Whiskey
  • 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (Double Strained)
  • 0.75 oz Prickly Pear Syrup
  • 3 dashes Fee Foam
  • 1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters (for float)

Garnish & Glassware:

  • Glass: Double Rocks Glass with ice
  • Garnish: Dehydrated lemon wheel & 1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters floated on top

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#WhiskeySour #BourbonCocktails #PricklyPear #HeavenHill #CocktailRecipe #BourbonJourney #CraftCocktails #ThirstyThursday #WhiskeyLovers #SummerCocktails #Mixology #HomeBartender #SourCocktails #Bourbon #CocktailHour

The High Desert Manhattan: A Cocktail That Balances Heat and Sweetness

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Welcome to Episode 83! Tonight, we are crafting The High Desert Manhattan, a dry, sophisticated, and earthy Manhattan variant that proves flavored whiskeys can belong in a serious, spirit-forward cocktail when properly balanced.

Anchored by a roaring 126-proof Four Roses Single Barrel Cask Strength (OBSV recipe), this drink delivers a powerful punch of sharp rye spice and heavy barrel heat. We balance that intensity with Thornbush Prickly Pear Whiskey, the deep herbal bitterness of Cynar 70, bright orange bitters, and a whisper of peppery smoke from Strongwater Spicy Bonfire Bitters.

Prepare your palate for a truly elevated drinking experience: The High Desert Manhattan opens with an enticing aroma of bright orange peel, dark berries, and deep herbal botanicals wrapped in heavy barrel oak. The first sip delivers a powerful rush of rich oak and peppery rye spice that seamlessly softens into a touch of prickly pear sweetness, quickly grounded by velvety dark cocoa and complex herbal undertones. It all culminates in a long, warming finish that stays remarkably dry, leaving behind a lingering whisper of soft smoke and wild botanicals that will have you reaching for your glass again and again.

Join us next week for Episode 84: The Cactus Flower Sour—a tart, bright, and beautifully colorful late-summer whiskey sour pairing 100-proof Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond with fresh lemon and vibrant prickly pear syrup!

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📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon (OBSV Recipe, Cask Strength / 100+ Proof)
  • 0.75 oz Thornbush Prickly Pear Flavored Whiskey
  • 0.5 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Orange Bitters
  • 1 dash Strongwater Spicy Bonfire Bitters
  • Garnish: Brandied Cherry (Luxardo)

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
  2. Stir thoroughly until well-chilled and properly diluted.
  3. Strain into your chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a brandied cherry and enjoy!

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#ManhattanCocktail #WhiskeyCocktails #CraftCocktails #Bourbon #FourRoses #Cynar #CocktailRecipe #Mixology #PricklyPear #BourbonCocktails #SpiritForward #CocktailTutorial #DrinkRecipes #HighDesertManhattan #ClassicCocktailTwist

Bourbon + Jalapeño + Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven?

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🔥 Ready to spice up your bourbon collection with a bold, spirit-forward twist on a classic? Welcome to Episode 82 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey with Rebecca! Tonight, we’re pouring The Cinnamon Trail Old Fashioned—a fiery, complex Old Fashioned riff that combines heavy-oak bourbon, vintage liqueur heat, and rich Mexican chocolate vibes.

We anchor this build with a 110-proof Private Selection of Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon, bringing serious muscle, caramel, and Wild Turkey rye spice. For a unique modifier, we feature a rare find from Revival Vintage Spirits: Gaetano Jalapeño Liqueur (1984). While it smells like fresh cut peppers, it tastes like high-end cinnamon Red Hots! Balanced with Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup and a dash each of Aztec Chocolate & Mole Bitters, this cocktail takes your palate on an incredible journey.

🔮 NEXT WEEK: Tune in for Episode 83: The High Desert Manhattan—a dry, earthy twist pairing high-rye bourbon with Cynar 70 and prickly pear!

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more weekly bourbon cocktail recipes! Always drink responsibly. Cheers! 🥂

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Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients:

  • 2.0 oz Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon (110 Proof)
  • 0.25 oz Gaetano Jalapeño Liqueur (1984 Vintage)
  • 0.25 oz Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Mole Bitters

Method & Assembly:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for 25–30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
  3. Strain into a Double Rocks Glass over a single large ice cube.
  4. Express fresh orange peel oils over the top and drop the peel into the glass.

TASTING PROFILE

  • Aroma: Fresh, pepper-forward top notes shifting into warm baking spices, rich maple, toasted oak, and bright orange oils.
  • Taste: Bold caramel and sweet maple give way to a lively spike of cinnamon Red Hots, quickly balanced by dark cocoa and savory mole spices.
  • Finish: Long, warming, and comforting—lingering notes of charred oak, dark chocolate, and a gentle cinnamon glow.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#OldFashioned #BourbonCocktail #RussellsReserve #BourbonJourney #ThirstyThursday #CocktailRecipe #SpicyCocktail #VintageSpirits #Mixology #CraftCocktails #Bourbon #WhiskeyGram #CocktailHour #MexicanChocolate #WildTurkey

Summer Midnight Manhattan | Zero Sweetness, Maximum Flavor

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Welcome to Episode 81 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! 

To close out the month of July, we are crafting the Summer Midnight Manhattan—a sleek, savory, and sophisticated Black Manhattan style cocktail that balances high-proof bourbon muscle with deep herbal complexity and zero cloying sweetness.

In this episode, Rebecca builds this bold cocktail anchored by Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon. The 114 proof and 27% high-rye mash bill provide seasoned oak, baking spice, and a rich, oily viscosity that slices cleanly through the bittersweet vegetal bite of Cynar 70 and the authentic, earthy pepper warmth of Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile. Balanced with silky gum syrup and layered with Turkish Tobacco and Black Walnut bitters, this stirred craft cocktail delivers an unforgettable tasting experience from the first sip to the lingering finish.

If you enjoy craft bourbon cocktails, amaro riffs, and unique Manhattan variations, make sure to Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a Thirsty Thursday release!

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

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🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

Recipe: The Summer Midnight Manhattan

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 0.50 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 0.25 oz Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile
  • 0.25 oz Gum Syrup
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Black Walnut Cocktail Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel
  • Glassware: Chilled Coupe Glass

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#BlackManhattan #BourbonCocktails #OldGrandDad114 #Cynar70 #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #CraftCocktails #BourbonJourney #WhiskeyCocktails #ManhattanCocktail #Bitters #Mixology #HomeBartender #SummerCocktails #BourbonCommunity

Crafting the Ultimate Spicy Old Fashioned with Cherry Wood Smoke

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Welcome to Episode 80 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! 

Tonight, Rebecca crafts the Chile & Spice Old Fashioned—a rich, savory, and slightly smoky cocktail built specifically for mid-summer evenings.

We are pairing high-proof, high-rye bourbon muscle with authentic earthy pepper heat, juicy stone fruit, and a fragrant cloud of cherry wood smoke.

Stir one up with us tonight, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Please drink responsibly.

Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!


🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

📋 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Chile & Spice Old Fashioned

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 0.5 oz Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile
  • 0.33 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 2 dashes Fee Brothers Plum Cocktail Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed orange peel
  • Smoke: Cherry wood chips

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir for approximately 25 seconds until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
  3. Strain over a large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
  4. Express fresh orange peel oils over the surface.
  5. Apply the cocktail smoking kit with cherry wood chips right before serving, trapping the smoke under a cloche for presentation.

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#Bourbon #OldFashioned #SmokedCocktail #WhiskeyCocktails #OldGrandDad114 #CraftCocktails #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #BourbonJourney #Mixology #Amaro #AmargoDeChile #BourbonLovers #SmokedOldFashioned #Whiskey