We partnered with Woodford Reserve to bring an entire virtual cocktail class to life featuring Straight Bourbon and Rye cocktails. Woodford Reserve Brand Ambassador Johnny Costello joined us as we chatted about the process + flavours of American whiskey classics.

Recipes for cocktails follow (scroll down)!

We were so excited to have Johnny Costello join us on Friday night to talk everything Bourbon and Rye, specifically, Woodford Reserve and their Straight Bourbon and Ryes.

KENTUCKY ISLAND BREEZE

The incredibly long finish and complex tobacco notes of WR’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon is perfect paired with an undertone of yeasty maple wine and tropical nose of the Paw Paw. Instead of lemon, apple cider vinegar lends a subtle edge to this velvety cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon

• 1 oz Maple Moon Winery’s Maple Dessert Wine

• 1/4 cup Paw Paw flesh (we made a video on what Paw Paws are and how to process them. You can see that here and giggle at my old video!)

• 2 tsp. simple syrup

• 3 mL apple cider vinegar

Add all ingredients into a shaker and dry shake, vigorously, for 12 seconds. Add ice, and shake for 12 seconds more. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled glass.

RHUBARB, ROSE, & RYE

I love the spicy undercurrent of a good rye, but wanted to incorporate the tart and astringent flavours of rhubarb, and the floral aromatics of rose. The blend is gorgeous, making something soft and rich at the same time!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Rye

• 1 oz Rhubarb Simple Syrup*

• 6 drops Nielsen Massey Rose Water

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and vigorously shake for 12 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass.

*To make Rhubarb Simple Syrup,