My Favorite Craft Cocktails for Summer 2021

Here’s my three favorite cocktails for summer 2021. Each with a “Craft” twist. 

BOURBON SMASH our #1 Requested Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz of Simple Syrup
• 5 to 8 Mint Leaves – depending on size of leaves
• 1/4 of a large lemon cut into wedges or 1/2 a small lemon
• 2 oz of Paddle Wheel Bourbon

Directions

First, combine and muddle the simple syrup, mint leaves and lemon in a shaker. Next, add Paddle Wheel and shake with a lot of ice for 12 seconds. Strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a wedge of lemon & mint. An optional addition is to add some Ginger Ale.

BOURBON SOUR – A craft version everyone will love

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz of FRESH Orange Juice
• 1/2 oz of FRESH Lemon Juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 2 oz of Paddle Wheel Bourbon

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a shaker ands shake with a lot of ice for 12 seconds. Next, strain into a glass with fresh ice. Optional addition is to add some zest from lemon and orange.

BOURBON SAZERAC – My Personal Favorite

Ingredients

• 2 oz of Paddle Wheel Bourbon
• 1 tsp. of simple syrup
• 3 Drops of Brain Brew 1862 Bitters – optional
• 4 sprays of Absinthe Bitters*

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake with a lot of ice for 12 seconds. Strain into a glass with fresh ice and enjoy.

ABSINTHE BITTERS (Employees Only Bar recipe*)

Mix together and bottle in small spray bottles:

• 3 cups of Pernod
• 1/2 cup of Green Chartreuse
• 1 teaspoon of Peychaurd’s bitters
• 1 teaspoon of Angostura bitters
• 2 tablespoons of Fee Brothers mint bitters

Enjoy,

Doug