Natalie Bovis Talks Whiskey (And Dogs!)

By Richard Thomas That I’m a devoted dog lover will probably come as a surprise to you, despite that devotion rising to such a level that I jokingly affirm my “dog nut” status is a minor mental illness. The only time whiskey and dogs have ever crossed paths in such a way as I could …

By Richard Thomas

Author and consultant Natalie Bovis
(Credit: Natalie Bovis)

That I’m a devoted dog lover will probably come as a surprise to you, despite that devotion rising to such a level that I jokingly affirm my “dog nut” status is a minor mental illness. The only time whiskey and dogs have ever crossed paths in such a way as I could write about it was the publication of Bourbon Tails a few years ago, that being a coffee table photography book dedicated to the pets of folks in the bourbon industry.

But here we are again, with a new book bringing together man’s best friend and drink: Drinking With My Dog, by Natalie Bovis. Better still in terms of talking whiskey, Bovis is a drinks consultant and educator with her own liqueur brand.

RT: Let’s start with why we’re here, because while you are a fixture in the drinks and hospitality circuit, you have a new book out that brings two subjects that are near and dear to my heart together: dogs and booze. Not only that, I’ve seen you have a similar book about cats and booze slated for 2024.

What specifically inspired you to pull these threads together, and how does one practically go about making a work about cocktail ideas paired with pets?

NB: I’m so glad you asked this question because it is my whole “why” in writing this book!

I have three previous cocktail / mocktail books, and my niche is upbeat gifty books with cocktail recipes related to a particular topic. In my own personal life, I am a devoted animal advocate. I foster, volunteer, and fundraise for animal groups including my local animal shelters. I have managed to acquire 7 rescue pets – two dogs and five cats – as well as 13 goldfish which came with my house in the backyard pond. One of those is a goldfish I rescued from someone who posted on Facebook about finding him abandoned – no food and filthy water – in a classroom during summer break. That little guy now lives a great life!

Writing Drinking With My Dog (and Cocktails With My Cat) gave me a chance to further research the companion animals we so adore, and throughout the book you’ll have no doubt that I am cheerleading for animal rescue and wild habitat protection. I’ve been writing about cocktails since I founded The Liquid Muse as a mixology blog back in 2006. So, I thought that a cocktail book geared toward toasting our furry friends would be a fun way to encourage people to think about the other species with whom we share this magical planet, and raise a glass to helping them out. I have book signings coming up in various cities and will donate a portion of the book sales from those specific events to a local rescue in each place. I’m really excited about that. In a nutshell, these books give more meaning to my booze writing career.

 

RT: We’re an all-things whiskey website, and so for us the natural question is pairing whiskey with pets. Your book is full of cocktail ideas for particular circumstances, but in a more general and neat drinking sense… is a dog person likely to be a bourbon person? Or a Weimeraner lover going to get really into Japanese Whisky?

NB: Well, I certainly hope that dogs will draw folks in, and the recipes will raise the bar in their own home bartending! The section on how to create a signature cocktail in honor of one’s own dog encourages people to start with a spirit they love. So, whether that is bourbon, rye, Scotch, Japanese, Irish, Canadian whiskies, or any other spirit, the idea is to create their own concoction based on love – love of spirits and love of dogs!

To answer your question more directly, I tend to think of “dog people” as outdoorsy, active, and adventurous, so I think that whiskey is a wonderful spirit for someone with those qualities because if whiskey were a person, that’s how I’d picture their personality!

 

Natalie and the subject canine
(Credit: Natalie Bovis)

RT: Of all the cocktail recipes in your book, which one is actually the staple of your spend the evening on the couch with your pets time?

NB: My favorite drink is a Manhattan. Usually with rye but sometimes with bourbon. It just depends on my mood. And, I co-founded OM Chocolate Liqueur. So, naturally, I created a chocolate Manhattan called “Brown Eyed Girl” in honor of my own dog, Lula who is also the cover girl for my book.

At home, I make several variations of this drink – sometimes I add some spicy bitters, sometimes I add a little cream which pulls it away from a classic Manhattan, of course. But, the thing I teach in all my cocktail classes is that mixology is FUN so as long as the drink is balanced and tastes great to you, it’s a winner. I also love chocolate covered cherries as a garnish!

 

RT: You also penned a book called Garden to Glass, which was about taking things you can grow in your garden and freshening up your cocktails. Any recommendations on herbs I can put in my garden that are ideal for riffs on classic whiskey cocktails?

NB: Yes, Edible Cocktails: Garden to Glass is very much a home-cook’s guide to bartending. Obviously, mint and bourbon are a match made in heaven as we know from those lovely little Juleps. However, I’m also a fan of sage with rye whiskey. The sage has an earthiness that plays really nicely with the spicy notes of rye whiskey. A little homemade sage syrup in an Old Fashioned is pretty darn interesting!

 

RT: New Mexico is your stomping ground, and the signatures of whiskey-making in the Southwest have become: whiskeys utilizing blue corn; and mesquite-smoking. What are your thoughts on these two trends?

NB: I’m all for experimentation as long as the end result is a quality, well-made spirit. I love smoky flavors – I adore smokey and rubber-tire smelling Scotches, for example. If it smells like a camp-fire, I will love it! And, I think it’s cool to use blue corn as a base for local spirits in New Mexico. It’s a kind of homage to the people who lived here before the European settlers arrived. And, both food and drink is best when it reflects where it comes from, in my opinion. That’s what makes it unique.

 

RT: Speaking of your stomping ground, what bars can you recommend in your New Mexico scene for whiskey fans looking for a noteworthy pour and/or a good whiskey cocktail? With or without dogs.

NB: Rather than singling out any one particular bar, I would just give a general note that this is whiskey country. This is also tequila country. Those two spirits outsell all the others combined. (Vodka aside, of course.) This is the landscape of cowboys, and women who historically have lived every bit as boldly as the men. Whiskey is the drink of dream chasers who aren’t afraid to get up and at ‘em. And, I think that vibe, along with plenty of the brown stuff, is found at pretty much any bar worth its salt here in New Mexico.

Four Roses And OSMO Salt Combines For Salty, Valentine’s Day Treat

Bourbon distiller Four Roses and OSMO Salt, purveyors of premium, chef-selected salt, debuts the latter’s first-ever spirit-infused flavor: OSMO x Four Roses Toasted Vanilla Bourbon Salt. The first-ever co-branded culinary product from Four Roses, the salt was created for cocktail enthusiasts for rimming bourbon drinks and for home chefs for adding a robust yet sweet …

Bourbon distiller Four Roses and OSMO Salt, purveyors of premium, chef-selected salt, debuts the latter’s first-ever spirit-infused flavor: OSMO x Four Roses Toasted Vanilla Bourbon Salt. The first-ever co-branded culinary product from Four Roses, the salt was created for cocktail enthusiasts for rimming bourbon drinks and for home chefs for adding a robust yet sweet touch to meals this Valentine’s Day. OSMO x Four Roses Toasted Vanilla Bourbon Salt is now available for a limited time on OSMO Salt’s website for $18.99. A gift set that includes the salt and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is also available to purchase on ReserveBar.com for $60.99.

To create OSMO x Four Roses Toasted Vanilla Bourbon Salt, clay-based red sea salt was harvested from between Hawaiian lava rocks, and then purified to give it its vibrant red color before allotting the salt time to breathe for optimal full flavor absorption. Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon was then poured over the crystals, which evaporates naturally once a combination of solar light and wind is applied. This process allows the bourbon and the salt to maintain their natural compositions. The result is a full body infused flavor that maintains the integrity of both the natural salt and Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon.

“As a brand built on a story of romance, we believe that the best way to enjoy bourbon is to share it with those you love,” said Brent Elliott, Four Roses Master Distiller. “This salt allows Four Roses to shine through in a way unlike anything we’ve done before. The toasted vanilla flavors perfectly balance out the spice notes of our Small Batch Bourbon, and the brininess of the salt subtly enhances the whiskey’s flavor and smoothness even more.”

Nick DiGiovanni, American chef, MasterChef finalist, internet personality and entertainer, co-founded OSMO salt in 2021 in an effort to elevate at-home cooking, constantly innovating to bring unique flavors to his consumers. With over 9.5M TikTok followers, Nick’s viral recipe videos – which have featured celebrities and notable names – often utilize OSMO Salts for seasoning and adding the perfect finish to dishes and drinks.

“I created OSMO because salt has the unique ability to round out any dish. In this case, our Toasted Vanilla Bourbon Salt adds an unexpected touch and uniquely balances the flavor of whiskey cocktails,” said Nick DiGiovanni. “This Valentine’s Day, we want to show you that you can be your own mixologist or chef and easily create restaurant-quality craft cocktails and meals at home with one simple ingredient.”

Four Roses was built on a love story dating back to 1888 when founder Paul Jones, Jr. became smitten by the beauty of a Southern belle. Upon proposing to her, she said that if her answer were “yes,” she would wear a corsage of roses to the upcoming grand ball. On the night of the ball, she arrived donning a corsage of four red roses, thus giving the Kentucky brand its name and motto, “Made with the same passion since 1888.”

Hosting the Perfect Whisky Party: 9 Fun Ideas

Whiskey has been around for centuries, and it has become a timeless classic that is enjoyed by many. It is a drink of sophistication, and its smooth and rich flavor can bring people together to share stories. From the warm, smoky flavors of bourbon to the lighter, fruity notes of Scotch whisky, whiskey is truly …

(Credit: Matti Blume/Wikimedia Commons — CC by-SA 4.0)

Whiskey has been around for centuries, and it has become a timeless classic that is enjoyed by many. It is a drink of sophistication, and its smooth and rich flavor can bring people together to share stories. From the warm, smoky flavors of bourbon to the lighter, fruity notes of Scotch whisky, whiskey is truly a drink of distinction.

Whether you are a whiskey aficionado or just learning about the spirit, these 9 tips will help you create a memorable experience for everyone.

1.  Food Pairings

Food pairings are one of the best ways to get the most out of your whiskey-tasting experience. Different whiskeys have distinct flavor profiles, and pairing them with specific foods can enhance those flavors and create a truly unforgettable experience.

When pairing food with your whiskey, consider the type of whiskey and the flavors you want to highlight. For example, pair smoky single malt scotch whiskies with dark chocolate or smoked cheeses. Or try peaty Islay whiskies with dishes made from seafood, like oysters, mussels, and salmon.

You can also provide accompanying snacks like nuts, cheese platters, crackers, and dips alongside your chosen whiskies so that everyone can enjoy them together while sipping on their favorite drink.

2.  Host a Tasting

Consider hosting a formal tasting at your whisky party. Fill small glasses with different types of whiskey and have guests identify the characteristics of each based on smell, taste, and finish. You can also assign each guest a particular type of whiskey to bring to the party so that guests can sample several varieties without spending too much money.

To make it even more fun, consider having a blind-tasting where guests have to guess the type or brand of whiskey they are drinking. Better yet, have a prize for the person who guesses correctly!

3.  Have Fun With Cocktails

You can never go wrong with a classic whiskey cocktail. But don’t be afraid to get creative. There are so many recipes for making delicious whiskey cocktails that will help you elevate your whisky party to the next level. Try experimenting with different combinations and flavors to come up with something unique and delicious. You can even ask guests to bring their favorite cocktail ingredients, so everyone has something new to try during the party.

For example, make an Old Fashioned with Angostura bitters, club soda, and muddled orange slices, or try something a bit sweeter like a Whiskey Sour with freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup.

4.  Serve It The Right Way

Knowing the proper way to serve whiskey at your whisky party is crucial. Pour it over ice in short glasses and ensure it has been chilled beforehand. If you are serving several varieties of whiskey, use small glasses with individual spouts so that each guest can sample different types. This will also help prevent any spills or confusion over which type of whiskey is being served.

Also, many people don’t realize that using different types of glasses can actually enhance their experience when drinking whiskey. Experiment by serving different drinks in various glassware such as snifters or tumblers, and see what works best for you and your friends’ palates when tasting whiskey neat or on ice cubes/rocks/etc.

5.  Play Games

Create some fun themed games for your guests to play during the party, such as “Whiskey Trivia” or “Name That Whiskey” (where guests guess which type of whiskey is being served). Doing this will heighten the anticipation and make your whisky party even more entertaining.

Additionally, you can also play games like Poker and Blackjack in an online casino. This way, your guests can enjoy the party without having to leave their seats.

6.  Make It Personal

No matter what type of whiskey you are serving, make sure to add a personal touch. Whether it’s adding a special label to the bottles or creating place cards with tasting notes, adding some of your own flair will help make your whisky party more memorable.

7.  Keep Track of Your Tastings

If you are hosting a formal whiskey tasting, keeping track of your tastings is helpful. Make notes about each whisky you sample and what you liked or disliked about it. This will help you remember which types of whiskey you enjoyed the most and come in handy when looking for new whiskies to try in the future.

At the end of the party, you can even create a voting system where guests can vote for their favorite whisky.

8.  Play Music

Music is always an important part of any drinking experience. Select music that fits the mood and theme of the evening’s gathering. Whether a classic rock for a more laid-back feel or jazz for a more sophisticated atmosphere – so that everyone will enjoy it while sipping their favorite drinks.

9.   Offer Variety

Don’t forget to offer variety when selecting whiskies for your party. This means offering both complex and simple expressions so that all tastes are accounted for among your friends. Doing this ensures everyone gets something they will enjoy from start to finish and will leave them wanting more each time they come back over again.

Conclusion

Hosting a whisky party doesn’t have to be complicated- all it takes is some creativity and planning ahead of time. With these 9 fun ideas, you will be sure to have an unforgettable evening filled with great conversations around amazing whiskies.

Iron Smoke Distillery And Fee Brothers Combine For Barrel-Aged Bitters

It is time for a change! Fee Brothers handpicked an upstate New York distillery to provide barrels for its Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters and the first batch is now on the market for distribution. The decision to partner with Iron Smoke Distillery comes after years of Fee Brothers purchasing bourbon barrels from Kentucky-based distilleries. “We are …

It is time for a change! Fee Brothers handpicked an upstate New York distillery to provide barrels for its Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters and the first batch is now on the market for distribution. The decision to partner with Iron Smoke Distillery comes after years of Fee Brothers purchasing bourbon barrels from Kentucky-based distilleries.

“We are in the position where we can be strategic about new projects—like this one with Iron Smoke,” said Jon Spacher, CEO of Fee Brothers. “Iron Smoke is a great company–on the rise–and the founder is the kind of guy we like to do business with. Tommy Brunett is true to his word. He is dedicated to making the finest world-class products possible—and he does!”

Iron Smoke Distillery is a New York State farm distillery located approximately twelve miles from the Fee Brothers headquarters in Rochester, New York. Iron Smoke’s internationally acclaimed bourbon has a “touch of smokey goodness” and has won double gold in the North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition plus has scored a 95.5 in Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible.

“Once we finish aging our bourbon in a barrel, there’s a good deal of whiskey flavor left inside with delicious notes of vanilla and oak, etc.,” said Tommy Brunett, Co-Owner of Iron Smoke Distillery. “That’s what makes our barrels perfect for aging other great elixirs, like Fee Brothers bitters, in addition to beers and wines. We are huge fans of Fee Brothers and we stand on our barrels and salute them for affording us this opportunity to work with them.”

Tommy Brunett started Iron Smoke Distillery in 2011. He came up with the concept for “smoked” bourbon while barbecuing in his backyard. Soon after, he rented an empty factory in Fairport, New York, hired a master distiller, and went to nearby farmers to buy ingredients. Fee Brothers is a fifth-generation, family-owned company which has grown into a world leader in the cocktail bitters industry.

“Fee Brothers is all about making the perfect cocktail, so it makes perfect sense for us to partner with a local distillery, with such high accolades, for our whiskey barrel-aged bitters,” said Spacher. “This arrangement serves both businesses well, but really, the true winner is going to be the cocktail drinker.”

To produce the whiskey barrel-aged flavor, Fee Brothers secures empty, white oak barrels which have stored whiskey for three years or more. The batch maker fills the barrels with Old Fashion Aromatic bitters and stores them for approximately 12 months. Slowly, the bitters mature and become Whiskey-Barrel Aged bitters. When ready, the bitters are bottled in 5-ounce containers, wrapped with a distinct label, and sold to distributors.

“For this first batch, Iron Smoke provided 42 barrels. We were able to produce 2,600 cases of bitters which is double what we used to make. We know that this batch will be gone soon, so next year, we plan to get 100 barrels from Iron Smoke. That means we will create 6,000 cases,” remarked Spacher.

The recent cocktail revival has boosted sales of fine bitters, brines, and cordial syrups in domestic and international markets. Fee Brothers, which also produces cocktail mixes and botanical waters, sits in a sweet spot where its reputation for quality products translates into unparalleled demand and unbridled growth. In 2020, the company reported 25% growth in sales. For 2021, it was a 42% increase and year-to-date for 2022, sales are up 47%.

Fee Brothers produces 19 flavors of bitters with the whiskey barrel-aged bitters being one of the most popular. Distributors and importers around the world are claiming their allocations this month and in turn, will provide bitters directly to their customers. The next batch of Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged bitters is already maturing in Iron Smoke barrels but will not be ready for bottling until next year.

Can CBD, THC, and HHC Be Good for Gourmet Cooking and Mixology?

CBD, THC, and HHC for Culinary Purposes: A Healthy Gourmet Addition or a Meal Spoiler? As a rule, products with cannabidiol already appear on the shelves prepared. For instance, there are HHC gummies, CBD crunches, THC sweets, and even infused beverages. Still, there are many culinary opportunities when the gourmet focuses on oils and tinctures. …

CBD, THC, and HHC for Culinary Purposes: A Healthy Gourmet Addition or a Meal Spoiler?

(Credit: Matti Blume/Wikimedia Commons — CC by-SA 4.0)

As a rule, products with cannabidiol already appear on the shelves prepared. For instance, there are HHC gummies, CBD crunches, THC sweets, and even infused beverages. Still, there are many culinary opportunities when the gourmet focuses on oils and tinctures. Practice shows that adding such components to meals is not a rarity anymore! But is it practical to diversify your recipes with CBD oils and tinctures?

CBD Oils and Tinctures: Is There Culinary Versatility?

Such products usually have no tastes and flavors. Therefore, it is not a problem to add them to any dish. The use of CBD in sweet dishes is even relevant since cannabidiol perfectly suppresses the feeling of hunger. So, many health-conscious individuals consume cannabidiol products before training or other activities that require great physical activity and a lot of energy.

Regardless of the purpose of using oils and tinctures, manufacturers always recommend accurately measuring the required amount. The fact is that it is difficult to determine the strength of the effect of cannabidiol on humans. Someone may need just a few drops to achieve the desired result, while others will have to use a whole teaspoon.

So, the main feature of this culinary addition is the effect. As a rule, the effects are:

  • Boosted focus;
  • Reduced anxiety;
  • Anti-inflammatory effect;
  • Analgesic effect;
  • Stimulation of the immune system.

It is worth noting that culinary cannabidiol products are not as popular as, for example, CBD cosmetics. And both those products lose to prepared meals. Still, we can see the culinary potential.

1. CBD Oils for Breakfast

Several drops suffice to make your breakfast contribute to your health. For instance, it is trouble-free to add oils to your:

  • Porridges and cereals. Even if the oil has the slightest aftertaste, some ingredients can mask it. For example, you may add strawberries, honey, and bananas to your oatmeal;
  • Pay attention to berry smoothies if you want to make a vitamin cocktail. You can add oils to them without compromising the taste;
  • For example, you can mix orange and lemon juice with a few drops of oil.

2. CBD for Dinner

If you have dinner at home, it will not be difficult to experiment with culinary cannabidiol products. You may add oils to:

  • Soups and stews. The main thing is that the temperature of the dish does not exceed 50 degrees Celsius;
  • Vegetables, both in a raw and cooked form. For example, you can drizzle boiled broccoli with oil or mix it with salads;
  • Pasta and rice. You can add oils to both finished dishes and those that are in the process of cooking;
  • Your main meal can remain untouched. Still, you can meet your CBD need by dropping some oil in the sauce. Sauced (especially off-the-shelves ones) have strong flavors already. So, you are unlikely to feel any extra tastes from the oil if you are against that.

3. CDB for Desserts

Dessert is a perfect place to experiment with cannabidiol. The fact is that such products often contain sweeteners, which cover the specific taste of cannabidiol. You may add oils or tinctures to:

  • Ice cream and yogurts. The main thing is not to heat the products as it will destroy CBD;
  • Fruit salads. You can mix fresh fruits with a little oil or prepare a classic salad like Waldorf salad;
  • Baked goods. For example, you can add cannabidiol to biscuit dough or glaze ready-made cookies with oils. And there are already many ready-make baked desserts with that component;
  • Alcohol-free drinks. Lemonades are the best-loved option. They have enough flavor to make the oil’s aftertaste disperse and give you maximum enjoyment with a 100% distinctive taste.

4. CBD and Beverages

That is the moment where a beverage gourmet can unleash artistic powers! If you wonder if CBD can mix with alcohol, the answer is yes, but only one drop. As a rule, medication plus alcohol is a huge BAN due to high risks and potential health detriments. Nevertheless, CBD gives detox effects and can mitigate negative consequences. Moreover, it sustains adequate blood levels and minimizes brain cell damage if you purchase low-quality whiskey.

Another important note is that CBD may boost alcohol effects. Suppose you want to savor a refreshing Whiskey Smash and plan to add a drop of CBD in the mix. Pour less whiskey, add more mint and lemon for ultimate freshness and use one CBD drop. The same principle works with all other recipes.

Oils and tinctures will also be a nice addition to:

  • Iced tea. Any ice tea recipe will work! And it is the second-best choice for hot days;
  • Ginger punch. Ginger plus natural antioxidants like HHC and THC is a five-star decision for detox;
  • 0% alcohol beer. Gourmet is always after the taste, not after the fun effects. Canceling alcohol-free beer means cutting off many ways to experiment with culinary masterpieces. Moreover, even 0% of beers still have healthy components like vitamins. Plus, let us not neglect that beer’s natural composition is perfect for ladies. So, you can surprise your queen with a CBD-infused 0% beer cocktail if she needs CBD/THC/HHC and wants a tasty refreshment.
  • Hot chocolate. It is a great alternative to dessert with all the benefits of a healthy drink. You may use water and milk as a base for your hot chocolate mix. Then add sweeteners like honey or sugar, spices (nutmeg, cinnamon), and CBD.

5. CBD for Snacks

You may add cannabidiol to almost any product you eat as a snack. For example, you can:

  • Dip fruits and vegetables in oils or tinctures;
  • Use CBD-infused peanut butter or honey instead of regular ones;
  • Add tinctures to your tea or coffee;
  • Make CBD-based sauces for snacks.

CBD is fat-soluble. So, it is better to use oils as a base for snacks. Still, you may experiment with tinctures, especially if you want to avoid extra calories.

Is There a Meal of Beverage where CBD Will Be Odd?

Regarding meals, no. Still, the finest bases for CBD and related components are soups, porridges, and yogurts. The second-best options are salads, baked treats, and macaroni. Almost all beverages, in turn, are great with CBD, THC, and HHC. Still, it might not be healthy to add CBD to:

  • Fizzy drinks. Fanta, Sprite, and all resembling drinks do not contribute to health. Moreover, they do not have much culinary value unless you specialize in drinks.
  • Hot drinks. Like any natural supplement, CBD might lose some benefits because of hot water. So, it is advisable to cool your tea or hot chocolate before you add the drops.
  • CBD is usually for sleep and relaxation. Caffeine might conflict with the components.

The Verdict

CBD, THC, and HHC can potentially be materials for cooking! It becomes great for beverages and some foods. There are almost no dishes that will become worse when you add CBD. So, enjoy new recipes, and do not forget to share your findings with the culinary community!

Christmas Special: Drinks That Will Make The Season Extra Festive

It’s finally the time of the year where we all look forward to unwinding after a year’s worth of hard work. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it is a great opportunity to take some time off from the hustle-bustle of life. After all, we have earned it! The last two years have been heavy …

(Credit: Matti Blume/Wikimedia Commons — CC by-SA 4.0)

It’s finally the time of the year where we all look forward to unwinding after a year’s worth of hard work. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it is a great opportunity to take some time off from the hustle-bustle of life. After all, we have earned it! The last two years have been heavy on us all, which is why this year gets to be extra special. Get the gang together and chill the nights away, or host wonderful brunches and dinners at your home! However, none of these events are complete without holiday drinks. If you’re short of ideas, we’ve got four tricks up our sleeves- delicious drinks that everybody needs to try this holiday season. They’re simple to make and taste absolutely delightful; your guests will be left begging for more. Without stalling, let’s get right to our list!

  • The Classic Eggnog: This goes even without sayings- a Christmas is incomplete without the good old-fashioned eggnog. While the process may take you some time, given that the egg whites need careful attention, the end result is a blend of warm flavorful ingredients that almost make you forget the alcohol content. With trusty rum or brandy as the base, vanilla and a dash of nutmeg brings out the comforting, woodsy elements. The whipped cream, milk, and eggs give this drink a silky texture that will chase away winter blues and cocoon you into a ball of nostalgia.

If you find the traditional recipe of eggnog boring and want to switch things up a bit, this recipe does not disappoint. The composition consists of an egg, heavy cream, some Paul Bleu vs. Cognac, allspice dram, and a dash of nutmeg to top things off. We guarantee that the glasses will be refilled aplenty! The drink is warm, spiced with a hint of maple syrup for sweetness; in short, this is perfection in a glass!

  • Whiskey Old Fashioned: While we’re sticking to the traditions, never forget our friend, the classic whiskey old-fashioned. Whether you’re hanging out with family or hosting a chill friends’ house party, this drink goes well with every holiday setting, especially if you plan to roll some wccannabis. With whiskey to keep you warm and sweet tangy citrus to freshen things up, making the perfect old-fashioned is art. We assure you that your party will be a hit with glasses of this drink lined up.
  • The Holiday Special Cocktail: If you’re in the mood to jazz up things a little, this is the perfect drink for you. The base is citrus, so the drink to go with is grapefruit and rose vodka. Topped with a dash of Aperol, lemon juice, and simple syrup, this drink vanishes quickly but hits hard!

Wrapping Up:

While there are hundreds of lovely drinks available to create and taste, we loved these drinks in particular. The ingredients are all easily available and there is no fuss while making them, which means you get more time to relax. Whip up these drinks as per proportions to accompany good food and amazing people; have a wonderful Christmas!

USBG Lux Row Bourbon Battle: One delicious duel

On Tuesday, May 28, nine bartenders from around the region brought their best cocktail game to the Levee at the River House in Louisville to compete in the United States Bartenders’ Guild Lux Row Bourbon Battle–and I was one of… Read More

On Tuesday, May 28, nine bartenders from around the region brought their best cocktail game to the Levee at the River House in Louisville to compete in the United States Bartenders’ Guild Lux Row Bourbon Battle–and I was one of...
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Kentiki Masala

This fun tropical drink created by Jake Smith, mixologist at Wild Flower in St. Louis, Mo., won the United States Bartenders’ Guild Lux Row Bourbon Battle on May 28, 2019, earning Smith a trophy and an all-expense-paid trip to the… Read More

This fun tropical drink created by Jake Smith, mixologist at Wild Flower in St. Louis, Mo., won the United States Bartenders’ Guild Lux Row Bourbon Battle on May 28, 2019, earning Smith a trophy and an all-expense-paid trip to the...
Read More