Your first thought for summer sipping probably isn’t a dark bourbon or a single malt scotch. Mix it the right way and your mind will change forever. From a kick of ginger to a squeeze of citrus, we have a few tricks up our sleeve to give whiskey its time in the spotlight this summer.
Whiskey doesn’t have to be sipped around a fire as a seasonal indulgence. Toss your coat in the closet and slip into something a little lighter, because these cocktail recipes are beach ready for your hot summer. Our team at Valley Smoke knows a thing or two about great whiskey and how to serve it. Here are a few of our favorites:
Block Party Bourbon Fishbowl
Nothing says summer like a strong cocktail with heavy notes of citrus and sweet fruit. Grab a group of friends and give this gallon-size cocktail a try on a sizzling day this season.
Ingredients:
5 Shots of Black Tea Bourbon
3 Oz Fresh Strawberry Simple Syrup
1 Oz Clover Honey Simple Syrup
3 Oz Key Lime Juice
5 Dashes of Bitters
Combine all of the ingredients in a fishbowl then stir in plenty of ice and the sliced citrus, strawberries and cherries. Garnish with halved strawberries, lemon slices and a few cherries. This serves four-to-six people, so proceed with caution!
Backwoods Bourbon Punch
This one’s courtesy of the pros behind the bar at Valley Smoke. Have a hankering for something fruity that still packs a punch? We’ve got ‘ya covered.
You need to find a good bourbon for this one — we use Old Forester 1897. Now, the proportions are top-secret but we can break down the components:
Ingredients:
1-2 Shots of Bourbon
Grapefruit Juice
Sweet Vermouth
Aperol
Mix ingredients together and garnish with a slice of orange and a booze-soaked cherry. Voila! You’ve got yourself a top-shelf cocktail recipe. Grab a seat around the Whiskey Bar at Valley Smoke for a taste of the real deal.
Jacksonville Julep
Skip the races and head to the St. Johns River instead. We love sipping this version of the classic Mint Julep on a boat in the middle of the water.
Ingredients:
2 Shots of Bourbon
.5 Oz Coconut Lime Simple Syrup
Sprigs of Mint
Crushed Ice
Muddle five mint leaves and simple syrup in a julep cup (an old fashioned glass will work just fine in a pinch). Fill the glass to the brim with ice and pour in the bourbon. Stir. Garnish with mint and a slice of lime.
Swing into Valley Smoke for Waterfront Sunset Cocktails
The team behind the bar at Valley Smoke really knows their stuff. From the perfect pour of Prosecco to the unrivaled Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (another Valley Smoke bourbon staple), you can’t go wrong with summer sipping on the Intracoastal.
Want to grab dinner while you’re here? Make a reservation to ensure a table with a view. We can’t wait to see you!
Recent Comments