Cheers to America’s Native Spirit

Happy National Bourbon Day!

In an industry built on creativity, ideas can be inspired by anything. But today, we raise our glasses to a tried and true source … bourbon.

For our staff, this amber nectar has fueled thoughtful strategic plans, brilliant big ideas, and endless energy to endure the long night before a deadline. Ever seen Mad Men? Think: Don Draper without the arrogance and infidelity.

In honor of the holiday, we’ve compiled our favorite bourbon cocktail recipes that are sure to give you a good ol’ fashion “Kentucky hug.”

Modern Old Fashioned

Contributor: Todd Krise, Integrated Communications Director

As a proud new dad, Todd enjoys this go-to cocktail with his baby girl in tow.

Ingredients:

Splash of simple syrup

3-4 dashes of Angostura Bitters

2-3 drops of Orange Bitters

2 oz bourbon

Mix together all ingredients. Drop in 2 ice cubes and stir for 10-20 seconds. Pour into a cocktail glass with 1 large ice ball and garnish with 2 cherries.

Manhattan Cocktail

Contributor: Meghan Boyd, Senior Art Director

Meghan’s recipe was passed down from her grandmother (“Memaw”) and now is her drink of choice.

Ingredients:
2-3 parts bourbon

1 part sweet vermouth

1 to 2 Angostura dashes bitters

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir thoroughly. Garnish with a Luxardo Maraschino Cherries (or two).

Kentucky Mule

Contributor: Andrew Lyons, Integrated Communications Specialist

A local twist on a world favorite. Andrew’s love for this cocktail stems from a somewhat unhealthy obsession with ginger beer.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon

4-6 oz ginger beer

0.5 oz lime juice

Mint and/or lime wheel (optional)

Pour bourbon and lime juice over ice (preferably crushed). Add ginger beer and garnish with a lime. Best served in a copper mug.

Kentucky Sunshine

Contributor: Beth Welch, Assistant Account Executive

Beth and her boyfriend stumbled upon this recipe when they were snowed in the winter of 2017.

Ingredients:

2 oz bourbon

Splash of triple sec

Splash of fresh orange juice

1 tsp favorite jam/preserves

Club soda

Orange peel (optional)

Put ice, bourbon, jam, triple sec, and OJ in a cocktail shaker. Pour over ice and top with a splash of club soda and orange peel.

Bourbon Sour (makes a pitcher)

Contributor: Marci Levine, Media Buyer

Marci credits this recipe to Ina Garten. Who doesn’t love Ina? It’s one of her summer favorites.

3/4 cup bourbon

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

2/3 cup sugar syrup (recipe below)

Maraschino cherries (optional)

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and fill two-thirds full with the cocktail mixture. Shake for 30 seconds and pour into a martini or rocks glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve ice cold.

Sugar Syrup Recipe:

Put 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.

Dirty Tea (makes a pitcher)

Contributor: Charlotte Mabry, Senior Account Executive

Bourbon is typically a fall/winter time drink for Charlotte, but since the Bourbon Slush is slightly fruity and icey, it’s great to drink in the warmer months.

Ingredients:

6 cups sweet tea (best if you brew it yourself)

1 (12-ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate

6 oz frozen orange juice concentrate

2 cups bourbon

Combine all ingredients, freeze, and serve.

Strawberry Bourbon Mojito

Contributor: John Baumgardner, Creative Director

John first tried this cocktail at the Peabody in Memphis. Each drink cost $15 … he had three.

Ingredients:

3 Strawberries

8 Mint leaves

2 tsp simple syrup

1 oz lime juice

2 oz bourbon

1 oz club soda

Mint sprig (optional)

Place syrup and strawberries in rocks glass. Muddle until pureed. Add mint leaves and muddle again. Add bourbon and fill glass with ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with mint spring and strawberry.