Bourbon lovers across the country will raise a glass this September in honor of “National Bourbon Heritage Month,” a month-long celebration of America’s native spirit.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) reports that consumer interest in the category has soared in recent years. In 2019, more than 26 million 9-liter cases of American Whiskey were sold in the United States, generating nearly $4 billion in revenue for distillers.
American Whiskey has held an important economic, cultural, and social function in the history of the United States, dating back 400 years ago when English colonist George Thorpe distilled the first batch of corn whiskey in Virginia. Founding Father George Washington continued the tradition of distilling in Virginia and ran the largest whiskey distillery in the early years of the nation.
While America’s distilling heritage predates the start of the nation, Bourbon was first recognized as a distinctive product on the United States in 1964 by an act of Congress. Under federal law, Bourbon must be made in the United States; consist of at least 51% corn; and be aged in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years.
In 2007, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution officially declaring September as “National Bourbon Heritage Month,” celebrating the uniquely American history of the spirit. Since then, Bourbon enthusiasts have come together to appreciate the craftsmanship, history, contributions, and achievements made within the Bourbon industry.
Mixing up a cocktail at home is an excellent way to toast National Bourbon Heritage Month. As always DISCUS urges adult consumers to celebrate responsibly. Below are some modern takes on classic Bourbon cocktail recipes from bartenders and mixologists hailing from coast to coast:
Violet is Less Than Impressed
Courtesy of James Stevenson and Natalie Migliarini from their newly released book Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home.
1.5 oz Bourbon
1 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Blueberry Syrup
1 Egg White
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake hard for approximately 30 seconds to chill and combine ingredients. Strain out ice and shake again for approximately 30 seconds to further emulsify ingredients. Double strain into a red wine glass. Garnish with a lemon slice and edible flower.
Peanut Butter Old Fashioned
Courtesy of Brendan Bartley, Head Bartender & Beverage Director, Bathtub Gin
1.5 oz Peanut butter Bourbon and Poppy Seed Fat-washed Bourbon
0.25 oz Salted Maple Sweetener
0.16 oz Chocolate Bitters
Build ingredients over ice, stir until chilled and diluted. strain over large cube of ice in a rocks glass.
Badlands
Courtesy of Shannon Mustipher, author of Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails
1 oz Bourbon
0.25 oz Jagermeister
0.25 oz Creme de Cacao
2 Dashes Aromatic Bitters
Combine all in a rocks glass, add a large rock and stir to chill. Garnish with an orange twist and serve.
Additional local recipes and images available upon request.
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Media Contact: Maggie Quinn, (267) 979-2135