Bourbon in spring, is that a thing? Well for many it might sound foreign, but for the population of Louisville {and my husband haha}, bourbon is a liquor that’s suitable for year-round consumption. And folks, I’m here to tell you – I couldn’t agree more!
My Story With Bourbon
If you would have asked me a year ago {heck, 6 months ago} if I liked bourbon, the answer would be no. But not an educated no. More of an ‘eh – it’s a strong, manly drink’, no. I’m eye rolling at myself right now. Let’s be honest, we all know I’m a self-proclaimed wine lover, but hey – I don’t discriminate!
True story – back in December, I was with my #BloggersDoTravel gals during another one of their Charleston visits. It was a cold, rainy and downright gross day outside, so we opted to visit one of my favorite cozy restaurant bars in town – Harold’s Cabin. As I’m grazing over the menu {granted, one I’m super familiar with and don’t actually need to look at to order}, I was feeling adventurous. Knowing the bartending staff well, I asked one of the gals to whip up some type of rendition of a Whiskey Chai. It felt right for the day, you know? The result = my first love spell with Whiskey. I ordered a second of that very same drink, and even created my own take on the cocktail at our NYE party for friends! Funny how your tastes change as you get older, and at least for me, the more open you are to new things.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Louisville, KY with Coopers’ Craft and Brown-Forman to see their Cooperage + Headquarters. I really fell in love with the brand: their team, the craftsmanship behind what they do, the complexity their bourbon gives a cocktail – everything. I truly walked away from the trip having learned something. Along with a deeper appreciation for a beverage I had once restricted myself from.
Bourbon + Ginger Cocktail
Since I would 100% say my bourbon/whiskey palette is still new and developing {which is ok!}, I very much appreciate the smoothness of Coopers’ Craft bourbon. It blends seamlessly with mixers without completely losing its’ flavor. I’m a sucker for a ginger infused anything, so naturally wanted to take a stab at a Bourbon + Ginger Cocktail. Kept it super simple with 3 main ingredients:
- 1 oz. Coopers’ Craft Bourbon
- 1 oz Ginger Beer
- 1 oz Club Soda
- OPTIONAL garnish with lemon slice + rosemary {love this touch for spring!}
While bourbon might not come to mind for a spring sip on the porch, I challenge you to try it! The lightness of the ginger beer + rosemary might surprise you.
This content is intended for people of legal drinking age. Coopers’ Craft 21+
Honor the Craft. Drink Responsibly.
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 41.1-50% ABV, Brown-Forman Beverages, Louisville, KY.
photos by Julie Livingston Photography
