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The 5 Best Buffalo Trace Cocktails

December 24, 2023 Andrew Leave a comment

Buffalo Trace bourbon is a beloved spirit in the cocktail world, known for its exceptional quality and rich flavors. Made by one of the oldest distilleries in America, Buffalo Trace Distillery, this bourbon has gained a reputation for its smoothness and versatility. In this article, we will explore the endless possibilities that Buffalo Trace offers when it comes to crafting delicious cocktails.

The key takeaway from this article is discovering the best cocktails you can make with Buffalo Trace bourbon. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting to experiment with cocktails, Buffalo Trace is a spirit that will elevate your drink creations to new heights.

Before we dive into the cocktail recipes, don’t forget to check out our special recipes for the Perfect Old Fashioned and Manhattan Cocktail. These classic drinks are taken to another level with the use of Buffalo Trace bourbon as the base spirit. So grab your shaker and let’s explore the world of Buffalo Trace bourbon cocktails.

The Versatility of Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Classic Cocktails with a Twist

Put a spin on beloved classics by incorporating the rich flavors of Buffalo Trace bourbon in unique ways.

When it comes to classic cocktails, few can compete with the timeless allure of an Old Fashioned. The marriage of Buffalo Trace bourbon with the traditional ingredients of sugar, bitters, and an orange twist elevates this cocktail to new heights. The robust and complex profile of Buffalo Trace adds depth and character, making it an ideal choice for reinventing this beloved libation.

To create a Perfect Old Fashioned with a twist using Buffalo Trace as the base spirit, consider:

Infusing your simple syrup with warming spices like cinnamon or star anise. This infusion imparts an extra layer of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the bourbon’s rich notes.
Experimenting with unique bitters such as chocolate or cherry to complement the bourbon’s profile.
Garnishing with unexpected elements like charred citrus peels or gourmet maraschino cherries to add visual appeal and an extra dimension to the drinking experience.

By embracing the versatility of Buffalo Trace bourbon, you can breathe new life into classic cocktails while paying homage to their timeless appeal.

The 5 Best Cocktails to Make With Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Buffalo Trace bourbon is known for its versatility in cocktails, and it opens up a world of possibilities for creative and unique concoctions. The well-balanced nature of Buffalo Trace’s flavor profile makes it a suitable choice for a wide range of cocktails, allowing the bourbon to shine while complementing other ingredients. Here are some ideas to inspire your mixology adventures:

1. Buffalo Trace Sour

Put a twist on the classic whiskey sour by using Buffalo Trace as the base spirit. The smoothness of the bourbon pairs perfectly with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. Shake it up with ice, strain, and garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.

2. Bourbon Smash

Muddle fresh mint leaves, lemon wedges, and a dash of simple syrup in a glass. Add Buffalo Trace bourbon and crushed ice, then give it a good stir. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm summer evenings. (See Also: Cranberry Bourbon Smash)

3. Smoky Maple Manhattan

Take your Manhattan to the next level by incorporating the smoky notes of maple syrup. Combine Buffalo Trace bourbon, sweet vermouth, a splash of bitters, and a drizzle of maple syrup in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

4. Bourbon Basil Smash

In a shaker, muddle fresh basil leaves with simple syrup and lime juice. Add Buffalo Trace bourbon and ice, then shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled glass and garnish with a sprig of basil for an herbaceous twist on a classic smash cocktail.

5. Buffalo Trace Boulevardier

Swap out the traditional rye whiskey in a Boulevardier cocktail for Buffalo Trace bourbon. Combine equal parts bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist for a bittersweet delight.

Remember, when crafting creative and unique cocktails, it’s essential to use high-quality spirits like Buffalo Trace. The depth and complexity of this bourbon will enhance the overall taste experience and elevate your cocktail game to new heights. Cheers to exploring the endless possibilities of Buffalo Trace bourbon in your mixology adventures!

Seasonal and Festive Cocktails

Buffalo Trace bourbon’s versatility in cocktails allows for the creation of unique and flavorful bourbon cocktails that capture the essence of each season, from refreshing summer drinks to cozy winter libations.

Flavor Profile of Buffalo Trace Bourbon

The well-balanced nature of Buffalo Trace bourbon makes it a suitable choice for a wide range of cocktails. Its notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice complement a variety of seasonal ingredients, allowing for the perfect base to create diverse and innovative seasonal bourbon cocktails.

Importance of High-Quality Spirits

Highlight the importance of using high-quality spirits like Buffalo Trace to enhance the overall taste experience in a cocktail. The richness and depth of flavor in Buffalo Trace bourbon elevate seasonal and festive cocktail recipes, providing a premium drinking experience.

Seasonal Bourbon Cocktails

Explore recipes that incorporate seasonal fruits, herbs, and spices to create refreshing summer bourbon cocktails. Examples include the Peach Bourbon Sour or Watermelon Whiskey Slush, which showcase the bright and vibrant flavors of summer. (Read our extensive list of summer bourbon cocktails here)

Festive Cocktail Recipes

Delve into cozy winter libations such as the Wintery Bourbon Hot Chocolate or the Maple Bourbon Toddy, which embrace the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. These cocktails evoke nostalgic sensations and are perfect for festive gatherings.

By leveraging the unique qualities of Buffalo Trace bourbon, bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts can craft an array of seasonal and festive cocktails that celebrate the flavors and spirit of each season.

Bourbon Dose Take

The versatility and popularity of Buffalo Trace bourbon make it a preferred choice among bartenders and enthusiasts alike when it comes to crafting exceptional cocktails.
This iconic bourbon adds depth, complexity, and a touch of sophistication to any drink.
Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails with a twist or prefer to explore creative and unique recipes, Buffalo Trace offers endless possibilities for cocktail enthusiasts.
Don’t miss the chance to try the Perfect Old Fashioned and Manhattan Cocktail, two classic drinks that are elevated with the use of Buffalo Trace.
So why wait? Start shaking up your own Buffalo Trace masterpieces today and unlock the full potential of this beloved bourbon.

Bourbon Knowledge

The Best Buffalo Trace Cocktails

December 12, 2023 Andrew Leave a comment

Buffalo Trace is one of the most sought-after and delicious bourbons of the 2020’s. It has delicious flavors that come straight from Buffalo Trace’s famous Mashbill No. 1. What cocktails should you be making with your Buffalo Trace bourbon? Here’s a list of the best drinks that will enhance the flavor of your bottle of Buffalo Trace.

In this guide, we’ll embark on a journey through the art of mixing with Buffalo Trace, revealing the perfect partners that elevate your bourbon experience. From timeless classics to innovative concoctions, here’s your extensive roadmap to what mixes splendidly with Buffalo Trace.

List of the Best Buffalo Trace Cocktails:

Classic Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned
Let’s commence with a timeless classic. The Old Fashioned, with its simplicity and depth of flavor, provides an ideal canvas for Buffalo Trace. Muddle sugar, bitters, and an orange peel, add Buffalo Trace, and garnish with a cherry. The result? A harmonious marriage of tradition and modernity.
Buffalo Trace Manhattan
For those who appreciate the sophistication of a Manhattan, Buffalo Trace brings a distinct depth. Combine Buffalo Trace, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. Stir over ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a cherry. It’s a Manhattan with a bold twist.
Buffalo Trace Sour
The tartness of a Sour complements Buffalo Trace beautifully. Mix Buffalo Trace, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white for a frothy finish. The play of sweet, sour, and bourbon warmth is a symphony for your taste buds.
Buffalo Trace Mint Julep
Transport yourself to the Kentucky Derby with a refreshing Mint Julep. Muddle fresh mint leaves and simple syrup, add crushed ice and Buffalo Trace, and garnish with a mint sprig. It’s a cool breeze on a summer day, encapsulated in a glass.
Buffalo Trace Ginger Highball
For a light and effervescent option, pair Buffalo Trace with ginger ale over ice. The spicy kick of ginger enhances the bourbon’s sweetness, creating a delightful highball that dances on your palate.
Buffalo Trace Blackberry Smash
Muddle fresh blackberries with a touch of sugar, add Buffalo Trace, and finish with a splash of club soda. This fruity delight is not just a drink; it’s a burst of summer in every sip.
Buffalo Trace Apple Cider Punch
Embrace the fall season with an Apple Cider Punch. Mix Buffalo Trace with apple cider, a hint of cinnamon, and a splash of ginger beer. Serve over ice, and you have autumn in a glass, capturing the essence of the season.
Buffalo Trace Coffee Infusion
For a pick-me-up with a twist, try a Buffalo Trace coffee infusion. Cold brew coffee pairs harmoniously with Buffalo Trace’s caramel notes, creating a sophisticated and invigorating concoction.
Buffalo Trace Maple Bourbon Smash
Maple syrup and Buffalo Trace are a match made in heaven. Shake Buffalo Trace, maple syrup, and lemon juice with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a wintery feel.
Buffalo Trace Chocolate Bourbon Bliss
Indulge your sweet tooth with a Chocolate Bourbon Bliss. Mix Buffalo Trace with chocolate liqueur and a splash of cream. Serve it over ice for a dessert-like treat that is decadent and delightful.

Buffalo Trace’s versatility shines through in this carefully curated list of mixers. Whether you prefer the classics or crave innovative blends, Buffalo Trace is the perfect companion for your mixology journey. Elevate your bourbon experience and savor the myriad flavors that unfold with each sip. The world of Buffalo Trace mixology is vast, and the adventure is yours to explore. So, here’s to the perfect pairings that make every sip an exquisite experience.

We talk a lot about Buffalo Trace Bourbon on the Bourbon Dose. Catch up on all the latest news here!

Cocktail Recipes

Smoked Cherry Manhattan

November 28, 2023 Andrew Leave a comment

Elevate your holiday celebration with the Smoked Cherry Manhattan, a luxurious twist on the classic cocktail. This recipe introduces the richness of Luxardo cherries and a touch of smokiness, creating a drink that’s both indulgent and festive.

Cherry Manhattan Pro Tips:

Experiment with different wood chips provided in your smoking kit to explore various smoky flavors.
Consider using a torch to caramelize the Luxardo cherries slightly before muddling for an extra layer of flavor.
Make it a ritual by creating the smoky infusion just before serving to wow your guests.

The Smoked Cherry Manhattan is more than a cocktail; it’s a sensory experience. Share this luxurious creation during your holiday festivities and savor the moments of joy and indulgence.

Smoked Cherry Manhattan

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword alcoholic drink, bourbon cocktail, cocktail, manhattan

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 1 serving

Calories 230kcal

Equipment

1 Cocktail Shaker
1 Bourbon cocktail smoking kit

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz sweet vermouth
2-3 dashes angostura bitters
Luxardo cherries
ice cubes

Instructions

Prepare Luxardo Cherries: Luxardo cherries, known for their intense sweetness, are a key element. Use them straight from the jar or, for an extra touch, soak them in bourbon for a few hours.
Muddle Luxardo Cherries: In a mixing glass, muddle a couple of Luxardo cherries to release their flavor. This step intensifies the cherry essence in your Manhattan.
Add Ice and Ingredients: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes. Pour in the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and dashes of aromatic bitters.
Stir and Infuse: Stir the ingredients well with a bar spoon to achieve the perfect blend. Now, here's where the luxury comes in. Use a bourbon cocktail smoking kit to infuse the cocktail with a delightful smokiness. Follow the kit instructions to create a rich smoky environment.
Strain into a Glass: Strain the infused mixture into a chilled martini or whiskey glass. The chill of the glass complements the warmth of the cocktail.
Garnish: Skewer a couple of Luxardo cherries on a cocktail pick. Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink by giving it a twist, then drop it into the glass for a citrusy aroma.
Sip and Savor: Take a moment to relish the opulence of the Smoked Cherry Manhattan. The combination of Luxardo cherries, the richness of bourbon, and the smoky notes creates an unforgettable experience.

Bourbon Knowledge

The Best Bitters Type For A Manhattan Cocktail

October 27, 2023 Andrew Leave a comment

A Manhattan cocktail remains an enduring classic in the vast world of mixed drinks. It is a perfect combination of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s a cocktail that bartenders love, because it demands precision and an appreciation for quality ingredients. At the heart of this precision lies the question: which bitters should you use? This choice can make or break the classic Manhattan taste.

Why Angostura Bitters are the Traditional Choice

For many years, Angostura bitters have been the go-to for Manhattan cocktail enthusiasts. Hailing from Venezuela and named after the town of Angostura (now Ciudad Bolívar), this particular bitters is delicious. It brings a perfect blend of herbs, roots, and other botanicals. Its slightly bitter, mildly herbal, and subtle spicy notes complement the sweetness of the vermouth and the depth of bourbon in a Manhattan. Its consistent flavor profile has cemented its place as a staple in the cocktail world.

What Type of Bitters Should I Use In A Manhattan Cocktail?

While the traditionalist might stick religiously to Angostura, the modern mixologist knows the fun is in the experimentation. Different bitters can bring unique twists, turning the classic Manhattan cocktail into a brand new experience with just a few drops.

List of 6 Types of Bitters That Can Be Used in a Manhattan:

Angostura Bitters: This is a the most traditional bitter used for Manhattan cocktails, and by far the most common. Angostura bitters are made with gentian root, which is (of course) bitter. The flavor is extreme herbal, and its acidic tones make it a perfect balance for the smoothness of bourbon.
Peychaud’s Bitters: With roots in New Orleans, Peychaud’s offers a sweeter, lighter profile than Angostura. It has floral notes with a hint of anise and is often associated with the Sazerac cocktail. In a Manhattan, it can introduce a new layer of complexity.
Orange Bitters: If you’re aiming for a fruitier twist, orange bitters like those from Regan’s or Fee Brothers offer a citrusy pop. They perfectly counterbalance the sweetness of the vermouth, and their bright notes can lighten up the drink.
Chocolate Bitters: Bittermens Xocolatl Mole or Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters can introduce a deep, cocoa-rich profile to your Manhattan cocktail. This dark chocolate taste, combined with the warmth of bourbon, is a delightful twist for those with a sweet tooth.
Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters: A product by Bittercube, these bitters merge the fruity notes of cherry with the smooth allure of vanilla. Given the popularity of a cherry garnish in a Manhattan, this choice feels both innovative and somewhat traditional.
Black Walnut Bitters: If you’re looking for a robust, nutty profile in your Manhattan, Fee Brothers’ Black Walnut Bitters might be the answer. They impart a warm, woody character to the drink, making it richer and more autumnal.

Any of these would go well with our list of Manhattan cocktail variations.

While the classic Angostura will always have its revered place in a Manhattan cocktail, there’s a world of bitters out there waiting for exploration. So, next time you reach for that bottle of bourbon and sweet vermouth, consider changing things up a bit with a different type of bitters. The Manhattan is as versatile as it is classic. Your choice of bitters can introduce delightful variations to this beloved drink.

Cocktail Recipes

The Best Traditional Manhattan Cocktail Recipe

October 16, 2023 Andrew Leave a comment

Everyone loves a Manhattan, right? This is an easy recipe for a traditional Manhattan cocktail, made with bourbon and rye. This recipe takes a purely traditional approach, and includes options for variations and ingredient recommendations below.

Everyone loves a Manhattan. The Manhattan is a century-old cocktail that is sophisticated and appropriate for all occasions. Made with rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters, it is a drink that is truly perfect for any occasion. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ingredients you’ll need to make the a Manhattan, as well as some tried-and-true variations.

Cocktail Variations on the Manhattan

While the classic Manhattan recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations that you can try to give the cocktail a unique twist. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Smoky Manhattan: Try using a smoky whiskey, such as a peated Scotch (get an Islay scotch like Ardbeg if you’re feeling especially smoky) or a mezcal, in your Manhattan. This will give the cocktail a smoky, savory flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the vermouth.

Black Manhattan: A black Manhattan is made with Averna, a bitter Italian liqueur, instead of the traditional bitters. This gives the cocktail a darker color and a more complex flavor profile.

Perfectly Peach Manhattan: This is perfect for a summer day. For a sweeter twist on the classic recipe, try using peach-flavored whiskey or adding a splash of peach schnapps to your Manhattan. This will give the cocktail a fruity, refreshing flavor that is perfect for warm weather.

Tips, Tricks, and Ingredient Recommendations

Spirits: As with any strong cocktail, the whisky will be the star of the show in a Manhattan, so it’s important to choose a high-quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking on its own. Traditionally, rye whiskey is used in a Manhattan, but you can also use bourbon if you prefer a sweeter flavor. I typically recommend either a Sazerac Rye or Bulleit’s Rye as my spirit here. If you don’t like the spicy flavor of rye, I recommend a bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare.

Sweet Vermouth: Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with herbs and spices. It adds a sweet, slightly bitter flavor to the cocktail. Look for a high-quality sweet vermouth, such as Carpano Antica or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino. If you don’t have these brands, Martini-Rossi sweet vermouth will work just as well.

Bitters: Angostura bitters are the classic choice for a Manhattan, but you can also experiment with other types of bitters, such as orange bitters or chocolate bitters.

Cherries: Maraschino cherries are a traditional garnish for a Manhattan. Look for high-quality cherries that are free from artificial colors and flavors. I always recommend Luxardo cherries for a drink like this.

Use fresh ice: Fresh ice will help to dilute the whiskey without watering it down too much.

Stir, don’t shake: Unlike some other cocktails, a Manhattan should be stirred, not shaken. This prevents the ice in your cocktail from melting and diluting the flavor of your drink.

Experiment with bitters: While Angostura bitters are the classic choice for a Manhattan, you can also try other types of bitters to give the cocktail a unique flavor. I am particularly keen on orange bitters.

Garnish with a twist: If you’re looking for a twist on the traditional cherry garnish, try using a lemon or orange twist instead.

The Best Traditional Manhattan Cocktail

Discover the perfect Manhattan cocktail recipe for any occasion! This traditional drink, made with bourbon, rye, and bitters, is a century-old classic.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword alcoholic drink, bourbon cocktail, cocktail, manhattan

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings 1 serving

Calories 180kcal