Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes
Introduction
Calling all bourbon enthusiasts! Bourbon Heritage Month is celebrated each September in the United States. This month-long celebration was established in 2007 by the United States Congress to honor the deep rooted legacy, history, and tradition of bourbon whiskey. Bourbon is a unique American spirit, and it has helped to shape our nation's identity. Bourbon Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich history of this spirit and to enjoy its delicious flavor.
Bourbon History
Bourbon has a long and storied history in the United States. Bourbon has been produced in the United States since the 18th century, making it one of America's oldest distilled spirits. The exact origins of bourbon are somewhat murky, but the most popular theory is that it was first made by Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled in Kentucky.
Bourbon became popular during the American Revolution, when it was used as a form of currency. After the war, bourbon continued to gain in popularity, and by the early 19th century, it was being exported to other countries. In 1836, Dr. James C. Crow developed a new distilling method that further improved the quality of bourbon. As a result, bourbon became even more popular and began to establish itself as a truly American spirit.
Bourbon is made from a mash of corn, rye, and barley. The grain mixture is known as the "mash bill," and it must be at least 51% corn. Bourbon is distilled to no more than 160 proof, and it must be aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. This unique aging process is what gives bourbon its characteristic flavor and amber color. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, but most bourbon is still produced in Kentucky. It can only be called bourbon if it is produced in compliance with strict federal regulations.
Despite its longstanding tradition, bourbon has only recently become popular as a cocktail ingredient. In the past, bourbon was primarily used for making straight drinks or on the rocks. However, bartenders have begun to experiment with bourbon cocktails, and they have discovered that bourbon can be a versatile and delicious cocktail ingredient. There are many different ways to enjoy bourbon. You can keep it simple with a bourbon neat or on the rocks, or you can get creative and mix bourbon with other ingredients to create delicious and unique cocktails. Here at Barsys, we like to get creative so if you want to join in on the fun, try making one of these bourbon cocktails:
Bourbon Calling
How To Make The Bourbon Calling Recipe
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth
- 2 dash Orange Bitters
- 1 oz Orange Juice
- 0.25 oz Grenadine Syrup
Glass:
Coupe
Garnish:
Orange Peel
Instructions:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster: 3 - 5 minutes
- In a mixing glass with ice, add Bourbon Whiskey, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters, Orange Juice, and Grenadine Syrup.
- Mix well and strain into a chilled Coupe Glass.
- Garnish with an Orange Peel and serve.
Berry Old Fashioned
How To Make The Berry Old Fashioned Recipe
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- 0.25 oz Strawberry Syrup
- 0.25 oz Vanilla Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Glass:
Old Fashioned
Garnish:
Orange Peel
Instructions:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster: 3 - 5 minutes
- In a mixing glass with ice, add in Bourbon Whiskey, Strawberry Syrup, Vanilla Syrup, and Angostura Bitters.
- Mix well and strain into an ice filled Old Fashioned Glass.
- Garnish with an Orange Peel and serve.
Bourbon Spice Rush
How To Make The Bourbon Spice Rush Recipe
Tip: Use the Barsys Coaster for an elevated cocktail-making experience!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
- 0.75 oz. Cinnamon Syrup
- 1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
- 0.5 oz. Lemon Juice
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
Glass:
Coupe or Cocktail
Garnish:
Grapefruit Slice
Instructions:
Preparation time without the Barsys Coaster: 3 - 5 minutes
- In a mixing glass with ice, add in Bourbon Whiskey, Cinnamon Syrup, Grapefruit Juice, Lemon Juice, and Angostura Bitters.
- Mix well and strain into a Chilled Coupe or Cocktail Glass.
- Garnish with a Grapefruit Slice and serve.
Recommended Bourbon Brands
There are many different types of bourbon whiskey, and each has its own unique flavor. When choosing a bourbon for your cocktail, it is important to consider the flavor of the bourbon and how it will pair with the other ingredients in your drink. Here are a few bourbon whiskey recommendations to get you started:
- Maker's Mark bourbon has a smooth, mellow flavor that pairs well with sweet or citrusy flavors.
- Bulleit bourbon has a dry, spicy flavor that works well in many different types of cocktails.
- Elijah Craig bourbon has a rich, caramel flavor that pairs well with sweet or savory flavors.
- Evan Williams bourbon has a smooth, mellow flavor that is perfect for mixing in cocktails.
These are just a few of the many different types of bourbon whiskey that are available. As you experiment with making bourbon cocktails, you will develop your own preferences for which bourbons you like to use. There is no wrong way to make a bourbon cocktail, so have fun and be creative!
Tips On How to Make The Best Bourbon Cocktails
- Use high-quality bourbon whiskey for the best flavor.
- When drinking bourbon, consider the flavors of this liquor and how they will pair with the other ingredients in your drink.
- Be creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. There is no wrong way to make a bourbon cocktail!
What To Pair With Bourbon
Bourbon whiskey is a rich, flavorful spirit, and it can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a delicious cocktail. When pairing bourbon with food, it is important to consider the flavor of the bourbon and how it will pair with the flavors in your dish. bourbon has a rich, caramel flavor that pairs well with sweet or savory flavors. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
- Caramelized onions: The sweetness of caramelized onions complements the caramel flavor of bourbon whiskey.
- Grilled steak: The bold flavor of grilled steak pairs well with the dry, spicy flavor of bourbon.
- Roasted chicken: The rich, caramel flavor of bourbon whiskey pairs well with the roasted chicken
Conclusion
National Bourbon Heritage Month is a great time to enjoy America's native spirit, bourbon whiskey. Whether you are a bourbon lover who prefers to drink it neat or mix it into a cocktail, bourbon is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. When choosing a bourbon for your cocktail, be sure to consider the flavor of the bourbon and how it will pair with the other ingredients in your drink. Experiment with different flavor combinations and be creative!
Cheers to Bourbon Heritage Month!
Team Barsys
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