Jun 10, 2020

National Bourbon Day is almost here!

Get your rocks glasses ready, because June 14th is National Bourbon Day. Ever wonder what, exactly, is Bourbon? What makes it so special? Well, we have a few answers for you. But first, here are a few Bourbon Cocktail recipes for you to test out!

Gold Rush Cocktails

The Gold Rush Cocktail: Two ounces Bourbon (we used Woodford Reserve), .75 oz each, Cheeky Honey Syrup and Cheeky Lemon Juice. Build in a shaker tin and shake for 10-15 seconds over ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Leave as is, or garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.

The Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour: Two ounces Bourbon (we used Maker's Mark), .75 oz each, Cheeky Simple Syrup and Cheeky Lemon Juice. (Eggwhite optional!) If using eggwhite, crack this into the shaker tin first, then add remaining ingredients. If using eggwhite, dry shake (no ice) to emulsify egg for 15-20 seconds, then add ice and shake 10-15 seconds. Double strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a cherry and orange.

The Revolver Cocktail

The Revolver Cocktail (riff): Two ounces Bourbon (we used Bulleit), .5 oz Coffee Liqueur (we used "Brown, a limited edition offering from Forthave), .25 oz Cheeky Ginger Syrup, 2 dashes orange bitters. Stir in a mixing glass over ice, strain into a glass over fresh ice. Express an orange twist over the surface and place in glass or discard.

Fun Facts about Bourbon

Bourbon was first made in Kentucky
While 95% of all Bourbon is made in Kentucky, that is not a requirement to be called Bourbon, but it must be made in America

Bourbon: What's in a Name?

Bourbon must be made from 51% Corn, which gives it its sweeter characteristic
Most Bourbons are about 70% Corn, and the remainder of the grains used can include Malted Barley, Rye and Wheat

The Proof is in the Pudding (or barrel)😛

To get super technical, Bourbon must check these three boxes relating to Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Distilled no higher than 80% ABV
Entered into a barrel no higher than 62.5% ABV
Filled into a bottle no less than 40% ABV and no more than 160% ABV

Barrels: What Trees May Come

Bourbon must be aged in NEW Charred American White Oak Barrels
Straight Bourbon is aged for a minimum of two years
Bourbon aged in barrels less than four years must note the age
These barrels are then repurposed to age everything from beer to American Whiskey and Scotch to maple syrup!

We hope you learned something new!

Do you love Bourbon even more now? We love Bourbon for all it's flavor, it is fantastic on the rocks, up, or mixed into a huge variety of cocktails.