Coopers' Craft and Ale-8 Bourbon Cocktail
A refreshing spring bourbon cocktail made with Kentucky's own Coopers' Craft bourbon and Ale-8-One.
Spring is here and it's time for refreshing cocktails. Coopers' Craft reached out to me to try their bourbon cocktail made with Ale-8-One, and I'm so glad they did! It's like a crisp mix between a mint julep, a Kentucky Mule, and bourbon and ginger ale!
Coopers' Craft is the newest bourbon from Brown-Forman; only the third bourbon in their lineup! It's a low (82.2) proof and is great for mixing. The brand name pays homage to the Brown-Forman cooperage, the only cooperage owned by an American whiskey company, which allows for precision in selecting the woods selected for the barrels.
Of course, Ale-8-One is a Kentucky original as well. The unique ginger ale-type soft drink has been bottled in Winchester since 1926, and is something of a cult classic for Central Kentuckians. It pairs nicely with the soft, baked apple notes in the Cooper's Craft for a fresh, crisp cocktail.
Just mix two parts Coopers' Craft bourbon to four parts Ale-8 and serve over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig for springtime in a cup!
Woodford Reserve & Ale 8 Slush
Delicious frozen punch recipe with a bourbon kick!
Happy National Bourbon Day, y'all!
Here's a recipe for a delicious punch that will let you beat the heat with two of Kentucky's favorite flavors -- Woodford Reserve and Ale-8 -- and a tangy citrus twist. You can serve it in a punch bowl for a party or picnic, or keep in the freezer to scoop out as you like!
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups strong tea
- 2 cups Woodford Reserve
- 3/4 cup sugar or Splenda
- One 6-ounce container frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- Two 6-ounce containers frozen lemon juice concentrate, thawed
- Ale-8-1 or Diet Ale-8
Combine the water, tea, bourbon, sugar, orange and lemon juice concentrate in a large container or bowl, and mix until sugar dissolves.
Pour into two gallon-size freezer bags or large covered plastic container. Freeze overnight. Scoop slush into glasses and top with Ale-8. Garnish with mint sprigs.
Happy National Bourbon Day, and cheers, y'all!
Ale-8 Minty Julep Slush
Sometimes it's just too hot outside for a cocktail.
Well, that may be a little bit of a stretch, but sometimes you want a cool, refreshing drink that isn't boozy. Or something frozen, fun and unexpected for your younger guests or for those who don't imbibe.
This summer, it seems I can't get enough
. Something about the smoothness, the velvety texture, and the gingery finish just works. And, I'm always looking for ways to utilize the bumper crop of mint in my garden. Put the two together, and you have the Minty Julep.
Recently, I was thinking about
all the reasons I love a mint julep
(not just on Derby!), and realized that my summertime obsessions could be put to good use. My spearmint is strong enough to stand up to the bright ginger of the Ale-8, and slushy ice is always a good thing. These are great all summer long, and would be a fantastic alternative to a bourbon drink for your Derby party next spring.
Ale-8 "Minty Julep" Slush
2- 12 oz. bottles Ale-8-One or Diet Ale-8
1 to 2 cups ice
Several sprigs of mint
Pour one bottle of Ale-8 in a saucepan and add two or three sprigs of mint. Bring to a boil until reduced by about half. Strain and let cool completely.
Add a cup or so of ice to a food processor (or one of those fancy margarita machines, if you have one) and blend until slushy.
For a mint julep-style mocktail
: Serve immediately, fill 8oz glasses with ice, pour cooled simple syrup over ice, and garnish with remaining mint sprigs. (You may want to add a little additional Ale-8, to taste.)
For a slushier drink:
Pour syrup and a cup or so of the crushed ice into a freezer bag. Let freeze several hours or overnight.
Of course, if you want to add a little kick, that would be good, too...
I love those purse-sized bottles!