Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month with Classic Cocktails!

Raise a glass to bourbon with our favorite cocktails and bourbon trivia!

Author

Mixologist Master
September 12, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Hello, fellow Mixologists! Did you know that September is National Bourbon Heritage Month? This month is all about celebrating America’s native spirit—bourbon. Declared by Congress in 2007, Bourbon Heritage Month honors the rich history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of bourbon. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon lover or new to the world of whiskey, this week we’ll take you on a flavorful journey with bourbon cocktail recipes, fun facts, and pro tips on how to elevate your bourbon experience.

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Trivia Question❓

Which U.S. state produces 95% of the world’s bourbon?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

This week’s featured drink, the Maple Bourbon Smash, is a cozy yet refreshing cocktail that bridges summer’s end and the arrival of fall. The sweetness of maple syrup pairs perfectly with bourbon’s bold flavors, while fresh lemon juice and mint add brightness and balance.

Fun Bourbon Facts:

  1. Bourbon is America’s Native Spirit: In 1964, Congress declared bourbon “America’s Native Spirit,” meaning it must be produced in the United States (and primarily in Kentucky) to be legally called bourbon. This law solidified bourbon’s place as a distinctly American beverage.

  2. Barrel Aging: Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. The charred wood adds complex flavors like vanilla, caramel, and even chocolate, which gives bourbon its distinct character.

  3. The 51% Rule: Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn in its mash bill (the mixture of grains used in distillation), giving it its signature sweetness.

Bourbon Heritage Cocktails

1. Old Fashioned

  • Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, orange peel for garnish.

  • Instructions: Muddle the sugar cube and bitters in a glass. Add bourbon and ice, stir, and garnish with an orange peel.

  • Why it’s iconic: The Old Fashioned is the quintessential bourbon cocktail. Simple and refined, it highlights the natural flavors of bourbon without overwhelming them.

2. Bourbon Sour

  • Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, egg white (optional for froth), ice.

  • Instructions: Combine ingredients in a shaker, shake well, and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

  • Why bartenders love it: The Bourbon Sour is beloved for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and the richness of bourbon. Adding egg white gives it a silky, frothy texture.

3. Kentucky Mule

  • Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon, 1/2 oz lime juice, ginger beer, ice, lime wedge for garnish.

  • Instructions: Fill a glass or copper mug with ice, add bourbon and lime juice, top with ginger beer, and garnish with a lime wedge.

  • Why it’s a favorite: The Kentucky Mule is a bourbon twist on the Moscow Mule. The combination of spicy ginger beer and bourbon’s bold flavors creates a refreshing drink with a kick.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Kentucky Dominates: Around 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky. The state’s limestone water, climate, and rich soil make it the perfect location for distilling this beloved spirit.

As we celebrate National Bourbon Heritage Month, let’s take a moment to raise a glass to the craftsmanship, history, and bold flavors of this incredible spirit. Whether you’re enjoying a classic Old Fashioned or experimenting with a Maple Bourbon Smash, there’s no better time to appreciate bourbon than right now. Cheers!

Andrea