September – A Month for Bourbon

Posted by lushlife

Posted: September 18, 2008 - 12:43 pm

The history of bourbon is a little sketchy – just like most people after they've had a few snifters of it. But what's certain is that, for the second year in a row, this month has been chosen to celebrate all things bourbon-tastic about what some call "America's Native Spirit."

Maker's Mark

Bourbon has been around since 1783, when the Samuels family began a tradition involving a secret family recipe that turned into one of the most famous bourbons around even today: Maker's Mark. When you think about it, bourbon's intrinsically American as the brand names Jim Beam, Knob Creek or Wild Turkey.

There are raucous and rambunctious events planned across the nation to celebrate, but the best way (besides flying to Kentucky for a distillery tour) to honor the simple, sour mash-based liquor is to enjoy it the next time you're in need of a drink. I've included some tasty recipes to get the creative (and spirited) juices flowing, but feel free to ask your bartender for their suggestions. Chances are they've got a few up their sleeve. Or, just buy a bottle of Maker's Mark for your home bar – it's pretty much the most fun liquor bottle to open. Ever. The cool red wax just…well, it's like getting a present. A really good, American, alcoholic present. Who could ask for more?

Recipes

The Colleen Bawn

1 1/2 ounce rye whiskey
1 1/2 ounce Yellow Chartreuse
1 1/2 ounce Benedictine
1 egg
1 tsp simple syrup
cinammon for garnish
nutmeg for garnish

Beat the egg and syrup in a mixing glass. Add the other ingredients and ice. Shake vigorously to ensure the egg is properly mixed. Strain into two, well-chilled cocktail glasses. Dust with grated nutmeg and cinnamon.

The Algonquin

1/2 once rye whiskey
3/4 ounce dry vermouth
3/4 ounce pineapple juice

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The Blue Blazer

2 ounce Scotch
1 1/2 ounce boiling water
sugar for sweetening to taste
lemon peel for garnish

Pour the Scotch, water and sugar into a heat-resistant (silver-plated or pewter and tulip-shaped are recommended) mug with a handle. Light the mix on fire. While still ablaze, roll the mix into an identical mug and back again 4 to 5 times. Pour the mix into another heat resistant cup with a lemon peel, then put one of the mugs over top to extinguish the flames.

Fancy Whiskey

2 ounce blended whiskey
1/2 ounce superfine sugar
1/2 ounce triple sec
dash of bitters
lemon twist for garnish

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon twist.

Irish Coffee

2 1/2 ounce strong, hot coffee
1 1/2 ounce Irish whiskey
1 tsp brown sugar
1 ounce whipping cream

Pour the coffee, Irish whiskey and brown sugar into an Irish coffee glass or mug. Stir well. Float the cream on top.

The Manhattan (my personal favorite)

2 ounce rye whiskey
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
maraschino cherry for garnish

Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.

Variations on the Manhattan:

- Dry Manhattan - Use a dash of dry vermouth and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Perfect Manhattan - Equal parts of sweet and dry vermouth. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Brandy Manhattan - Replace whiskey with brandy.
- Scotch Manhattan - Replace whiskey with Scotch.
- Southern Comfort Manhattan - Replace whiskey with Southern Comfort.

See a full list at cocktails.about.com. Salud!

And for those of you who have a hankering for different whiskies, call Simon & Seafort's (274-3502) and ask about an upcoming whiskey tasting, hosted by our bartending blogger himself, Keith Saunders. The tasting, which includes food and several types of whiskey, starts at 4 p.m. on Sept. 27.

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