For as long as I’ve enjoyed cocktails, I’ve known about Four Roses Bourbon. Long before descriptions like single barrels and small batches were part of my vocabulary, I associated certain brands with a higher level of class. Whether it’s Veuve Cliquot and Champagne, or Four Roses and Bourbon, menus that include the term have always seemed to catch my eye. 

When we make cocktails at home I tend to use the basics. Sunday evening, to close out a great weekend, I played around a little with Four Roses Small Batch. While I tend to reserve these bottles for Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and other classics, this weekend we turned our home into a high-level speakeasy and used some nicer spirits. 

Here are 3 bourbon cocktails you should make right now:

I love the idea of having a home library. A room that includes bookshelves, a record player, fire place, and a comfortable chair for me to sip my bourbon. As we work on building this space, a cocktail was clearly needed. After listening to Doctor My Eyes on the radio, the line “I’ve Been Waiting to Awaken From These Dreams” stuck with me. I started thinking about a coffee related drink, but also a slow sipper. My tribute to Jackson Browne, whose hair is perfect, should be accompanied with a good record or book. Here’s the recipe: 

2 oz Four Roses Small Batch
.5 oz Coffee Liqueur 
.25 oz (Simple Syrup)
2 large dashes of orange bitters
Flamed orange garnish over a large ice cube

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The next two drinks aren’t that far off of one another with one being slightly more early fall and the other being latter. At this point, neither have names. 

The “earlier” fall beverage:

1.5 oz Four Roses Small Batch
.5 oz Triple Sec
.5 oz PX Sherry
.5 oz Amaro Averna
.5 oz Lemon
Cardamon Bitters
Egg white
Garnish with cloves and all spice sprinkled on top
(Remember to dry shake, before shaking with ice)

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I’m not trying to push beyond Thanksgiving, but there’s no reason to not start thinking about the holidays. Movies, shopping, music, and yes, cocktails. Here’s the first drink of the holidays in our private home bar:

1.5 oz Four Roses Small Batch
.5 oz Triple Sec
.5 oz PX Sherry
.5 Cocchi Rosa
.5 oz Lemon
Cranberry Bitters
Egg White
Garnish with blend of cloves, all spice, and cinnamon, and a smoked piece of rosemary

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While the remainder of this specific bottle will mostly be reserved for some classic cocktails, there are still a couple Thanksgiving drinks I’ll be using it with.

More importantly: anyone have a good name for the 2nd and 3rd cocktail??  

Cheers!!!

***The Four Roses Small Batch was sent to us to try in some recipes. We have been using this specific brand of bourbon long before receiving this bottle, and are happy to vouch for the quality this lends to our cocktails***