A Spring Spectacle For The Senses: Bourbon Cocktails

The cold is lifting, flowers are in bloom, longer days are heading our way and the promise of warmer weather is in the air, that’s right, spring is officially here. There’s no doubt about it—spring is a time of renewal, there’s a lot to love about this time of year including delicious bourbon cocktails.

Create a spectacle for the senses with these must try bourbon cocktails from Elizabeth McCall, Assistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve. 

“Whether you’re an avid whiskey drinker or new to whiskey, bourbon has something to offer every palate, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spicy, fruit and floral notes,” she says. “Woodford Reserve is perfect neat or on the rocks, or in a delectable cocktail – the wonderful complexity of flavour and character with over two-hundred flavour notes will delight and wow your senses.”

Bourbon Whiskey Sour

A citrus-based cocktail that can be adapted to perfectly suit your taste. Try it with Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select.

Ingredients

  • 60mls Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • 14mls of simple syrup
  • 22mls of fresh lemon juice
  • 7mls of egg whites

Instructions

  1. Shake egg white in a cocktail shaker. Add the Woodford Reserve bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice and shake vigorously.

2. Strain over ice blocks and garnish with a dash of Angostura® bitters and lemon peel twist. 

Mint Julep

A refreshing bourbon cocktail, perfect for sipping in the garden on a warm spring day. This cocktail first developed in the late 17th century was reserved for the most elite in society.

Ingredients

  • 60mls Woodford Reserve bourbon
  • 14mls Simple Syrup
  • 3 fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed ice

Instructions

  1. Crush the mint leaves and rub them inside the glass. To the same glass add the syrup, Woodford Reserve and crushed ice.
  2. Stir. Garnish with more ice, fresh mint and sugar.

The Boulevardier

A simple cocktail using equal measures of all ingredients with both American and French roots, similar to a Negroni which uses gin, the Boulevardier is made with bourbon – enjoy as the sun goes down.

Ingredients

  • 22mls Woodford Reserve bourbon
  • 22mls Sweet Vermouth
  • 22mls Campari®

Instructions

Combine ingredients to mixing glass, add ice and stir. Strain into a tumbler glass over a block of ice. Garnish with an orange twist.

Bourbon Manhattan

An original classic from the 1880’s, it’s a cocktail for any occasion. 

Ingredients

  • 60mls Woodford Reserve bourbon
  • 22mls Sweet Vermouth
  • 3 dashes of bitters

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ingredients, add ice, and stir gently for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry.

There are more than two-hundred detectable flavours in Woodford Reserve – two-hundred and twelve to be exact.. Woodford Reserve is more than a bourbon. It’s a sensorial experience. Not only how it tastes, but how it smells, makes you feel or just looks in a glass. Happy Sipping.

Elizabeth McCall, Assistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve