Bourbon has held a special place in the hearts of American whiskey lovers for centuries. Known for its smooth, mellow flavor and rich taste, it has been a staple in many bars and homes across the country. And when it comes to bourbon, few distilleries have a history as illustrious as the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Since the 18th century, the Buffalo Trace Distillery has been producing high-quality bourbon, making it one of America's oldest distilleries.
But what sets Buffalo Trace bourbons apart from other bourbons? Well, unlike other bourbons, Buffalo Trace bourbons are low-rye bourbons with a significantly high percentage of corn, giving them a distinct sweet taste. Additionally, they're aged in new oak barrels for up to eight years, resulting in an exquisite flavor and aroma. This quality makes them great for cocktails.
That said, in this blog post, we'll explore some of the best Buffalo Trace bourbon cocktails, from timeless classics to exotic creations. So grab a bottle of Buffalo Trace and a shaker and get ready to mix up some delectable cocktails.
Timeless Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cocktails
Buffalo Trace is a versatile bourbon that's perfect for various tasty cocktails. If you love to imbibe traditional cocktails, here are some classic Buffalo Trace cocktails you're sure to enjoy:
1. Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is an iconic bourbon cocktail that's been around for more than two centuries. So why has it stood the test of time? Well, it's a simple drink made with bourbon, sugar, Angostura bitters, and water that's sure to charm even the most hardcore bourbon purists who prefer their drinks neat.
Ingredients:- 2 ounces Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 3-4 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- 1 teaspoon water
- Orange twist for garnish
Add the sugar, Angostura bitters, and water into a mixing glass and muddle until the sugar dissolves. Then, add Buffalo Trace Bourbon and ice and stir gently until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with an orange peel to elevate the cocktail.
Serving suggestion: While the above recipe uses bourbon, you can substitute Buffalo Trace Bourbon with Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey if you prefer spicier cocktails that pack a punch.
2. Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is another popular cocktail that's been around for ages. It's a refreshing drink that melds bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white, resulting in a cocktail that's tart and sweet. If you don't enjoy overly sweet cocktails, it's a drink that's sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Benchmark Top Floor Bourbon
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
- Lemon wedge or maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker and shake for about 30 seconds until frothy. Add ice and shake again for about 20 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass or a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon wedge or maraschino cherry to give the drink more flair.
Serving suggestion: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice if possible, as it's tastier than prepackaged juice. Also, while the egg white is optional, consider adding it to make a creamier and more full-bodied cocktail.
3. Buffalo Trace Manhattan
People have been enjoying the Manhattan, another iconic cocktail, since the latter 19th century. Originally made from rye whiskey, there have been several various variations of the whiskey, including bourbon variants. If you don't enjoy the spicy and sharp taste of the original Manhattan, try out this alternative with bourbon.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- Orange peel or brandied cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Angostura Bitters into a mixing glass with ice and mix until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel or brandied cherry to add pizzazz to the cocktail.
Serving suggestion: Substitute the sweet vermouth with coffee liqueur like Mr Black Coffee Liqueur to create a Revolver cocktail — a contemporary spin on the original cocktail.
4. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that's synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. But the refreshing cocktail that combines bourbon, simple syrup, mint, and water shouldn't be confined to just a single day. It's an excellent all-year cocktail that's ideal for various occasions.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 ounces Benchmark Full Proof Bourbon
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- ½ ounce water
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Gently muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in a julep cup or cocktail glass. Add the bourbon, then add crushed ice. Stir until the glass frosts. Top with water and garnish with a mint sprig to enhance the flavor of the cocktail.
Serving suggestion: The Mint Julep typically uses plenty of ice, which can lower the proof of the drink. So, it's best prepared with a high-proof bourbon that can maintain its bold flavor despite being diluted.
5. Hot Toddy
Many bourbon cocktails are best enjoyed chilled. But if you want to keep warm on a chilly day, nothing compares to the warmth a delectable Hot Toddy offers. It's a timeless drink made with bourbon, hot water, lemon juice, and honey.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Benchmark Bonded Bourbon
- Hot water to fill a mug
- ¼ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
Combine the bourbon and honey in a mug and stir. Top with hot water and stir again. Garnish with a lemon wheel if desired.
Serving suggestion: If you want to add a touch of warmth to your Hot Toddy, add cloves and a cinnamon stick to give it extra punch.
Modern Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cocktails
While classic cocktails have their charm, modern cocktails offer refreshing twists on classic favorites, allowing cocktail lovers to indulge in novel flavors. If you want to explore new flavor combinations, here are some contemporary Buffalo Trace bourbon cocktails you're sure to enjoy:
1. Paper Plane
The Paper Plane is a modern classic that consists of bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The bourbon provides a mellow flavor, while the Amaro Nonino counterbalances it with bittersweet notes, resulting in a well-rounded cocktail that's certain to enchant your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- ¾ ounce Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- ¾ ounce Aperol like Luxardo Aperitivo
- ¾ ounce Amaro like Luxardo Amaro Abano
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for about 15 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Serving suggestion:
While you can use any bourbon, consider using a high-proof bourbon to give the cocktail more oomph. Also, don't overshake the drink to avoid making it too dilute.
2. New York Sour
A spinoff of the classic Whiskey Sour, the New York Sour elevates the traditional recipe by including red wine. While many purists would consider the addition of red wine unacceptable, it adds depth and visual appeal to the cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
- ½ ounce House of the Dragon Red Wine
Ingredients:
Add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Gently pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to create an alluring layer of red wine that floats at the top.
Serving suggestion: While the egg white gives the drink more texture, you can omit it if you're vegan or allergic to eggs.
3. Amaretto Old Fashioned
The Amaretto Old Fashioned is an enchanting variation on the classic Old Fashioned that incorporates amaretto liqueur, resulting in a mellow and nutty flavor. If you enjoy the timeless Old Fashioned, it's a drink sure to captivate your palate.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- ½ ounce Amaretto Disaronno
- 2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
- Orange peel and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Add the bourbon, amaretto liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass and garnish with an orange peel and cherry to add character to the cocktail.
Conclusion
While many purists may argue that bourbon is best enjoyed neat, it's actually a versatile spirit that's ideal for a wide variety of cocktails due to its mellow and rich flavor. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or new to the world of bourbon cocktails, these Buffalo Trace bourbon cocktails are sure to delight your palate and leave you craving more.
FAQs
Is Buffalo Trace Bourbon a Good Mixer?
Buffalo Trace Bourbon has a well-balanced flavor profile with notes of caramel, nougat, and vanilla that make it perfect for various cocktails.
What Foods Pair Well With Bourbon?
Bourbon pairs well with various foods, including grilled meats like steak or barbecue and salty snacks like crackers. It also goes well with sweet foods like chocolate and delectable desserts.
Should You Add Water to Buffalo Trace Bourbon?
Adding water to bourbon is a matter of preference. However, adding water to Buffalo Trace Bourbon can enhance its flavor by releasing its aromatic compounds and reducing the potency of the whiskey.
Is Buffalo Trace Bourbon Beginner-Friendly?
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is an excellent whiskey for beginners because it has a mellow and approachable flavor. It also lacks the overwhelming spiciness and bitterness of some bourbons, making it ideal for people tasting bourbon for the first time.