Whiskey has a reputation for being a perfect cold-weather liquor. But mixed the right way, whiskey also makes the perfect summertime beachside beverage or pool deck dram. Jim Beam has a variety of bourbon styles to complement the recipes below.
THE WHISKEY SOUR
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and a little simple syrup or sugar. Some people serve it creamy by adding uncooked egg white. When adding egg white, be sure to keep it from touching the outside of the shell when cracking,
To maintain the authenticity of this classic drink, we keep it simple with Jim Beam Kentucky Fire Bourbon Whiskey.
To make a Whiskey Sour, you’ll need:
- 2 parts Jim Beam bourbon
- 3/4 parts lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ part simple syrup
- 1/2 part egg white (optional)
- Angostura bitters to garnish
Add the Jim Beam, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white, if using, to a shaker cup. If you include the egg white, dry-shake (without ice) for 30 seconds to break down the egg protein, and get the white nice and frothy.
Next, add ice to the shaker cup, and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe glass or a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a few drops of bitters, and voila!
THE MINT JULEP
The Mint Julep is as Kentucky as bourbon, racehorses, and fried chicken. It’s sweet, minty, smooth, and refreshing. A staple at the Kentucky Derby, it’s taken off all over the US as a sort of American-style mojito.
Be like one of those fancy people in the stands at Churchill Downs by mixing the deeply rich Jim Beam Double Oak in your mint julep. Jim Beam Double Oak is aged twice in two separate charred oak barrels for an even richer taste.
To make a Mint Julep, you’ll need:
- 2.5 parts Jim Beam Double Oak
- 4 to 5 mint sprigs (leaves only)
- 2 sugar cubes (or 1/2 part simple syrup)
- Mint sprig to garnish
- Crushed ice
Begin by placing your mint leaves and sugar or simple syrup into a cocktail glass. Muddle well to dissolve the sugar and release the oil and aroma of the mint. Add the Jim Beam Double Oak, then add the crushed ice.
Stir well until the glass becomes frosty. Garnish with your mint sprig, then serve.
