This recipe was originally published in August 2015, but it’s been a recipe that I’ve used for even longer. My husband is as much of a bourbon aficionado as I am a fan of Cava and Champagne. Thus, we’ve had a container of bourbon sugar on the coffee counter for years. There’s no kick in this sugar, but there’s a nice hint of flavor to perk up your morning cup of coffee.
Just mix the bourbon with some soda water, add ice, and call it a day! If you enjoy the pure taste of bourbon, we suggest using soda water. If you like your cocktails a bit sweeter, use ginger ale or ginger beer.
This recipe was originally published in August 2015, but it’s been a recipe that I’ve used for even longer. My husband is as much of a bourbon aficionado as I am a fan of Cava and Champagne. Thus, we’ve had a container of bourbon sugar on the coffee counter for years. There’s no kick in this sugar, but there’s a nice hint of flavor to perk up your morning cup of coffee.
There are two important notes before you begin. First, you need to use a good bourbon; the flavor of the bourbon will be strong, so don’t go on the money saving route. Commit to making good sugar, or skip it entirely. Second, the sugar needs about a week to hang out before you use it, so plan carefully!
I decided to put a spin on this cocktail for mom (or dad). If we’re hosting a late morning or afternoon gathering to celebrate the start of school, why not give the flavor of a cocktail without the kick? Not only can you serve this at the party, you can make extra to send home as favors with the adults.
This week’s theme is back to school. Yep, take another peek at the title of the recipe. Bourbon sugar, back to school? Let me explain. The full theme is a back to school party. As a mom of older teens, I have been through the back to school season many times. From this experience I know that there are many parents that are excited for back to school and who possibly even indulge in a cocktail to recognize this time of year.
A classic Old Fashioned Cocktail calls for rye whiskey or bourbon. We like to stick with reliable, mid-range bottles. Four Roses is a fantastic everyday choice, especially for the price. Bulleit is popular, too (we’ve got their 10-year rye right now). Our friends rave about Woodford Reserve Double Oaked if you want something special. Of course, the world of whiskey is vast, so if you have a favorite, let us know in the comments!
How to make the best old fashioned cocktail. In our recipe below, we share our favorite recipe for an Old Fashioned at home and a few of our twists to change it up.
I also add some fruit. The amount of fruit in an Old Fashioned depends on who’s making it. We’ve seen everything from a handful of muddled oranges and cherries to nothing at all! When I make them, I stick with a piece of orange peel (blood orange is excellent) and a cherry or two.
The best old fashioned recipes call for sugar to balance the alcohol. I use simple syrup, which quickly dissolves and is simple to make. It also allows us to play around and use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the syrup, giving our cocktail a caramel-like flavor that works well with whiskey or rum.
We use two or three dashes of Angostura bitters, which are sold in most liquor stores. A well-stocked store or a quick online search will give you a world of options for more varieties of of bitters.
SWEETENS COVE KENNESSEE BOURBON: Buy, Bar, or Pass?
FAQ
What can I add to bourbon to make it taste better?
Can you add sugar to bourbon?
How do you sweeten whiskey?
Can you add flavor to bourbon?
How do you smell Bourbon?
Pick up your glass, tilt it, and place your nose near the rim. Breathe through your nose but with your lips parted (this will help you smell more than just the scents of strong alcohol). Take a sip and hold the bourbon in your mouth. Most A. Smith Bowman Distillery bourbons will have notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, or even a touch of spice.
What is the healthier substitute of Bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, distilled from a mash made from primarily of corn. Best non alcohol substitute for bourbon are non-alcoholic vanilla extract, peach nectar mixed with apple cider vinegar, almond extract, ginger beer, non alcoholic bourbon extract.
How do you taste bourbon?
The best way to taste bourbon is through the “Kentucky Chew” method. After taking a mouthful of bourbon, use a chewing motion to coat your tongue with the spirit. The entire tongue must be coated so that all taste receptors or “tasting zones” are equally represented.
How do you distill a Bourbon?
Bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof, barreled at no higher than 125 proof, and bottled at no less than 80 proof. Bourbon can have nothing added to it except water. The first step in the distilling process is fermentation. We start by grinding corn and cooking it to draw out the natural sugar.