Cocktails | Bourbon Central

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Mint Julep Recipes
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Every first Saturday in May since 1875, Kentuckians, horse-racing fans, and countless celebrities have converged on Louisville, KY to mark the commencement of spring by cheering the thoroughbred racehorses at the Kentucky Derby.

And since 1938, the Mint Julep has been a staple as well as the official cocktail for what has been called “the most exciting two minutes in sports”.

The Mint Julep is an original American creation (much like it’s main ingredient, bourbon), and was popularized by Kentucky Senator Henry Clay in the 18th century.

It’s a simple cocktail, made from a combination of bourbon whiskey, mint, sugar, and ice. But the exact method and proportions seem to be up for debate every year. In fact, if you ask 10 Kentuckians how to make a Mint Julep, you will likely get 10 different answers.

Continue reading “Mint Juleps, A Springtime Cocktail for the Ponies”

Photo courtesy of galant

Most people are first introduced to bourbon in college – “Beam and Coke” or “Makers and Coke” when rollin’ high.

The confused co-ed may even mistakenly ask for a “Jack and Coke”, thinking Jack Daniels is a bourbon.

I guess this is a reasonable choice when the purpose is really to hide the flavors of the whiskey, since the sweetness of the bourbon pairs well with Coke. (by pairing well, I mean smothering the remaining flavors)

But after five or six bourbon and Cokes and a monster hangover for the umpteenth time, most are convinced they don’t like bourbon, which is a real shame.

At the other end of the spectrum, many bourbon purists think that it shouldn’t be mixed or diluted at all. I would agree for many of the top-shelf brands. But bourbon has its place in a good cocktail = in fact, bourbon was a main ingredient in many of the earliest cocktails.
Continue reading “Bourbon In Mixed Drinks”