Winter Cocktails

Liquid Praline! Smoked Pecan & Larceny Bourbon Cocktail 

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Escape to the woods with The Pecan Grove, a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail designed for the deep, earthy vibes of late February. In Episode 58 of Thirsty Thursday, Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey breaks down a “liquid praline” in a glass—a masterclass in texture, smoke, and high-proof wheated bourbon.

The star of the show is the rare Rivulet Pecan Liqueur, which provides a buttery, velvet mouthfeel that perfectly rounds out the muscle of Larceny Barrel Proof B525. We’re elevating the “forest floor” profile with Black Walnut and Molasses bitters, a touch of honeyed medicinal spice from Dom Bénédictine, and a sweet, floral finish using Cherry Wood smoke.

Whether you’re a bourbon enthusiast or a home bartender looking to master the smoking kit, this “Pecan Pie meets Toasted Marshmallow” build is the ultimate winter warmer.

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📋 THE RECIPE: THE PECAN GROVE

Glass: Rocks Glass Ice: One Large Clear Cube 

Method: Stirred & Smoked

  • 2 oz Larceny Barrel Proof B525 (Wheated Bourbon)
  • 3/4 oz Rivulet Pecan Liqueur
  • 1/2 oz Dom Bénédictine
  • 2 Dashes Black Walnut Bitters
  • 1 Dash Molasses Bitters
  • Finish: Cold smoke with Cherry Wood
  • Garnish: Fresh Orange Twist (expressed)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
  2. Stir for 25–30 seconds to achieve proper dilution and chill.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice block.
  4. Use your smoking kit to infuse the cocktail with Cherry Wood smoke for 15–20 seconds.
  5. Express the orange twist over the glass to release the oils, drop it in, 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. Please drink responsibly.

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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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🚨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. Please drink responsibly.

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