A Signature Drink

Just like a signature scent, a signature drink is a cool thing. From a make your own margarita bar to a sparkling holiday punch, having a separate station for a particular beverage is a festive add to a party anytime of year.

If you want to serve a signature drink at a get-together (or if you have lots of friends who love bourbons and whiskeys like I do) corral all the ingredients and create a bourbon/whiskey focal point with tools on a pretty tray, away from your main bar. Don’t forget different flavors of bitters, cherries, oranges and vermouth. Having everything gathered in one place makes the whisky bar look more finished and helps with party flow! Obviously, you can do this with any type of liquor—tequila, vodka, scotch, whatever.

And while there are a million riffs on these types of cocktails, here’s one that’s simple and doesn’t rely on adding in other liquors or excessive sugars. My lovely friends from Philly, Sharon and John, have taken to calling it “The Christine”.

1.5 ounces bourbon*
1 ounce club soda
Orange slice
Cherry plus a bit of juice
Cherry bitters (optional)

Muddle the orange slice with a Luxardo cherry (or try the Brandied Cherries from American Spoon Foods.) Add a bit of cherry juice. Put rocks (or a big rock) in glass. Add bourbon and finish with club soda. Add in a splash of cherry bitters if you want. Stir. Enjoy!

This drink is a little sweet and a lot sassy, which describes many people I know and love. Must be why I like it so much and it’s my go-to cocktail! And while it’s perfect when the weather gets cooler, I do drink this even during the summer…the addition of club soda makes it a bit more refreshing.

*Because you are mixing the bourbon with a bit of soda, it’s not necessary to use a super expensive bourbon here. You might also substitute Irish whiskey (my go-to is Jameson) for the bourbon in this drink.

If you’re a purist and drinking bourbon or rye neat or on the rocks, go for a good one. 

 

LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO WASH ZILLIONS OF GLASSES
Speaking of cocktails and parties, here’s one great party trick I wish I started doing a loooong time ago: rent glasses from your local party supply place. Not only will you not have to worry if someone breaks one or two accidentally (the replacement cost is super cheap compared to replacing your own glasses), but most places just let you return them back in their case…unwashed! No more waking up to a kitchen filled with dirty glasses. It’s the ultimate time saver.