Okay, so the other day I was looking to shake things up a bit – literally. I’m talking cocktails, people! Summer’s in full swing, and I wanted something refreshing, but with a kick. Whiskey seemed like the perfect base. So, I started digging around for “summertime whiskey cocktails.”
The Experiment Begins
First, I gathered my supplies. Obviously, you need whiskey. I went with a decent bourbon I had on hand – nothing too fancy, but not bottom-shelf either. You’ll also want some basic bar tools: a shaker, a jigger (for measuring), a strainer, and some nice glasses.
Then, I did some research online. I found a whole bunch of recipes, some simple, some looking way too complicated. I narrowed it down to a few that seemed manageable and sounded tasty.
The Contenders
- Whiskey Smash: This one seemed super easy. Just muddle some lemon wedges and mint, add whiskey, simple syrup, and shake it up.
- Kentucky Mule: A twist on the classic Moscow Mule. Whiskey instead of vodka, plus ginger beer and lime.
- Peach Whiskey Sour: This sounded amazing for summer. Whiskey, peach puree or liqueur, lemon juice, and a bit of simple syrup.
Mixing and Tasting
I started with the Whiskey Smash. I muddled the lemon and mint – really smashed them up to release all those flavors. Then I added the whiskey, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker. Gave it a good, hard shake until the shaker was nice and frosty. Strained it into a glass filled with ice, and garnished with a mint sprig. Boom! It was delicious – refreshing, tart, and the mint really popped.
Next up, the Kentucky Mule. This one was even easier. I filled a copper mug (because, aesthetics!) with ice, added the whiskey and lime juice, and topped it off with ginger beer. Stirred it gently, and garnished with a lime wedge. Super simple, and that ginger beer gives it a nice spicy kick.
Finally, the Peach Whiskey Sour. I didn’t have any peach puree, so I used some peach schnapps I found in the back of the liquor cabinet. (Don’t judge!) I combined the whiskey, schnapps, lemon juice, and simple syrup in the shaker with ice. Shook it up, and strained it into a chilled glass. It was good, but maybe a little too sweet for my taste. Next time, I’ll try to find some real peach puree.
The Verdict
All three cocktails were winners in their own way. The Whiskey Smash was probably my favorite – classic and refreshing. The Kentucky Mule was a close second, perfect for when you want something with a bit more zing. And the Peach Whiskey Sour, while a bit sweet, was still a tasty summer treat. I will try to made it perfect next time!
I’d say this little cocktail experiment was a success! I learned some new recipes, had some fun, and discovered some new favorite drinks. Now It’s time to have a drink!
