Sponsored by TINCUP® Whiskey.
Welcome to a world where the clink of ice in a glass heralds not just a drink, but a journey through the seasons. As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, our cocktails often take a turn from light and zesty to warm and spiced. Here, we share some ways to bring the magic of the outdoors, inside during the chillier months with TINCUP Whiskey. From the smoky whispers of summer campfires to the cozy embrace of winter evenings, these cocktails are more than just a blend of ingredients – they're a toast to the memories and moods of each season.
Bitters and Spice and Everything Nice
Exploring new bitters flavors can be a fun way to reinvent a classic cocktail. By adding a hint of smoke or a sprinkle of cinnamon, you can transform a light, breezy drink into an autumnal delight. And a splash of cardamom or celery bitters can turn your favorite spirit into something uniquely herbaceous or vegetal.
I always find myself longing for campfires and BBQs during the cooler months. While snowy gatherings around a firepit do indeed have their charm, I often prefer cozy indoor get-togethers in winter. The cocktail below captures the essence of those fireside moments. A blend of TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon with a smoky hint transports you back to warm days grilling at camp, while cherry bark vanilla bitters evoke memories of lakeside soda sips. The addition of Amaro introduces rich autumnal notes of cocoa and cherries, creating a fantastic Manhattan variation that's perfect for recalling those longer days.
The Ember
1 oz TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon
1 dash cherry bark vanilla bitters
1 oz Fast Penny Spirits Amaricano
1 dash smoked bitters
Directions: Shake all ingredients together and strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
Get Into Infusions
Infusing your favorite spirits with fresh herbs, spices, teas, and fruits is an effortless way to impress guests. Just choose your spirit, add your selected ingredients, and let it sit in a cool place for a day or two. If you're short on time, muddling works wonders too. Unsure where to start? Soak a bag of Earl Grey tea in a few ounces of TINCUP 10 Year Bourbon overnight, or muddle some cardamom pods with TINCUP American Whiskey, and then double strain before adding to a drink. These infused flavors add a playful twist to beloved spirits, bringing a unique touch to classic recipes.
Mountain sunsets hold a special place in my heart, especially during the shorter days. Memories of sagebrush scents during the evening alpenglow show help keep me warm and remind me of long days on the trail. The next drink, using TINCUP Rye is inspired by those magical sundown moments.
Sagebrush Serenade
2 oz TINCUP Rye
1 oz lemon juice
0.75 oz Cherry Heering
0.25 oz simple syrup
2 fresh sage leaves
Directions: Muddle the sage lightly in your shaker before adding the other ingredients. Shake and strain into a glass with a couple of cubes of ice. Garnish with a couple of sage leaves.
Sour Hour
In my view, the sour is one of the most adaptable cocktails, always capturing the vibrancy of warmer months. Its simplicity makes it perfect for making at camp or out in the backcountry, and the tart and sweet combination evokes memories of poolside popsicles. Sours are especially versatile since you can switch syrup flavors for seasonal variations. Try vanilla or cinnamon syrup for a fall twist, or passionfruit or strawberry for refreshing renditions.
The cocktail below offers a unique spin on the classic whiskey sour, with allspice dram and smoked cinnamon bitters adding a festive touch. For those who wish to capture the essence of balmy days and enjoy it year-round, this version is a delightful choice, appealing to a wide audience.
Snowdrift Sour
2 oz TINCUP American Whiskey
0.75 oz lemon juice
0.25 oz simple syrup
0.25 oz Allspice Dram
2 dashes smoked cinnamon bitters
Directions: Shake all ingredients together and strain into a chilled coupe.
As we wrap up this flavorful journey, remember that the art of cocktail making is not just in the mixing, but in the memories and experiences we stir into each glass. Whether it’s the ember-like glow of a winter TINCUP whiskey or the refreshing tang of a vibrant sour, each drink is a celebration of the seasons. So, as you experiment with these recipes, think of each sip as an homage to the changing world outside your window. Here’s to many memorable moments, one cocktail at a time!
©2023 TINCUP Whiskey, Denver, Colorado. Please drink TINCUP® American Whiskey responsibly.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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