Chef's Blog, Chef's Notes Plus

A Pour of Knowledge: Exploring American Whiskey

There’s something about whiskey that sparks both curiosity and conversation. Maybe it’s the golden hue in the glass, the way it warms on a cold evening, or its long and storied history in America. Whatever the reason, this spirit—spelled “whiskey” here in the U.S.—has earned a place on home bars […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Boulevardier

Makes 1 serving This drink is a cousin of the Negroni, replacing gin with bourbon. You can also add your own fun twist to this cocktail by replacing the Campari with other bitters like Gran Classico, Cynar, Cardamaro, Aperol, Ramazzotti, Averna, Nonino, Suze, or Bruto Americano.

Beverages and Cocktails

Bourbon and Blueberries

Makes 1 serving Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the bourbon, ginger beer, simple syrup, lemon juice, and blueberry purée. Shake until well-chilled, then strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with blueberries.

Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments, Side Dishes

Cranberry-Bourbon Relish

Makes about 4 cups This cranberry relish can be prepared in advance. Store wrapped in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months. It is great with turkey, of course, but it’s also a sweet and tangy accompaniment to roasted pork. Note: This recipe was originally […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Founders’ 1946 Punch

Makes 1 cocktail Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with the rosemary sprig. Honey-Herb and Tea Base Makes about 1 1/2 cups In a saucepan, combine the water, honey, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cook for […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Fruit Cake Highball

Makes 1 cocktail This cider cocktail is inspired by the famous (or infamous) holiday fruit cake, and it is a fun seasonal drink for fruit cake lovers and skeptics alike. Drawing on the essence of the cake–fruit, spice, and dark spirits–this drink is easily customizable using your favorite flavors, like […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Grilled Watermelon and Bourbon Cooler

Makes 1 serving Put a surprising twist on a classic summer treat! Grilling the watermelon not only makes for a beautiful garnish, but adds a depth of flavor. not often found in a simple cocktail. Rhubarb bitters should be pretty easy to find. Check your local liquor store or specialty […]

Beverages and Cocktails

Manhattan

Makes 1 serving Some might say there is no better start to a classic steakhouse dinner than an ice cold Manhattan. Different bourbons or whiskeys will bring their own qualities to the finished drink, so experiment to see what you like best to create your signature cocktail.

Beverages and Cocktails

Old Fashioned

Makes 1 serving To muddle, place the ingredients in the bottom of a mixing glass and, with the muddling stick, smash together the ingredients. Image: Flickr :: Tim Sackton :: license