When hosting friends during the winter months, I find that serving bourbon cocktails are a must. 

Growing up in Frankfort, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country, I would often wake to the smells of sour mash wafting over the Kentucky River during the early morning hours. That smell is ingrained in my memory bank and as such, bourbon as an ingredient is at the foundation of my company, In the Curious Kitchen.

Cozy Winter Evening Cocktails

When I think of bourbon cocktails, at the  top of my list is an Old Fashioned, a simple, classic cocktail that is a great introduction into the world of bourbon. It also happens to be my favorite cocktail to enjoy on a cold winter evening. My recipe is made with a sugar cube and a spoonful of Boozy Cherry juice as opposed to simple syrup. I enjoy how the crystals dissolve as you enjoy the cocktail, but truly, my favorite part of the drink is the cherry, hence why I offer Boozy Cherries for sale in my shop. 

PS - Looking to have Old Fashioneds on hand for whenever the occasion arises? Our Freezer Door Old Fashioneds are great to have on hand and ready to serve and are perfect for that impromptu get together! 

If you’re seeking to explore beyond the classic Old Fashioned, I highly recommend a Manhattan, made with sweet vermouth instead of a sugar cube and served neat in a chilled coupe or martini glass. This drink can be garnished with a cherry and an orange peel as well. I think of the Manhattan as the Old Fashioned’s sophisticated cousin; whisky forward with a slight wine flavor and less sweet.

With our record breaking cold temperatures, a Bourbon Hot Toddy is a cozy welcome.  The combination of lemon, orange and honey paired with bourbon will certainly beat the winter blues. Served warm in a mug, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Offerings to Delight A Larger Crew

Whether you’re not into bourbon or are hosting a crowd this winter and need an easy to make, batchable cocktail to serve, look no further than Red Wine Sangria filled with a variety of fruits (sliced apples, oranges, and cherries). Make this ahead of your guests’ arrival and store it in the refrigerator for easy serving when friends arrive. Pair this with a hearty beef bourguignon, green salad and crusty bread with French butter, and you can guarantee everyone will be asking for seconds as you catch up and dream of warmer days ahead.