Woodford Reserve Cocktail Recipe

The Woodford Reserve cocktail, also known as the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned, is a classic American cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. It is named after the famous Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky, which is known for producing high-quality bourbon. This cocktail is a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and is often enjoyed during special occasions or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink.

• The Old Fashioned is considered one of the oldest mixed drinks in the history of cocktails
• It gained popularity during the Prohibition era, as the strong flavors of the bourbon helped mask the taste of poor-quality alcohol
• Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon, making this version of the Old Fashioned a top-shelf choice

The Woodford Reserve cocktail is rich, smooth, and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. The flavors of the bourbon are complemented by the sweetness of the sugar and the brightness of the citrus, creating a well-balanced and complex taste profile.

• Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby
• The Woodford Reserve Distillery is a National Historic Landmark
• The Old Fashioned is often considered the 'original' cocktail, as it follows the basic formula of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters

1. In a mixing glass, combine the Woodford Reserve Bourbon, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters
2. Add ice cubes and stir until well chilled
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice
4. Express the orange peel over the cocktail by holding it over the glass and giving it a good twist to release the oils, then drop it into the drink
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry

• Use large ice cubes to slow down the dilution of the cocktail
• Express the orange peel directly over the glass to ensure the oils are captured
• Chill the glass before serving for a better experience

Food Pairings

• Grilled Steaks: The smoky flavors of a good steak complement the oak and vanilla notes of the Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
• Bacon Wrapped Dates: The sweetness of the dates and the savory taste of bacon echo the caramel complexity of the bourbon.
• Dark Chocolate: A piece of rich dark chocolate makes for a decadent pairing, accentuating the profound depth of both the bourbon and the chocolate.

Drink Pairings

• Coffee: A freshly brewed black coffee can cleanse the palate between sips, enhancing the bourbon's character.
• Old Ale: A rich, malty old ale with its own spectrum of dark fruit flavors complements the similar flavor profile of the cocktail.

Cheese Pairings

• Aged Gouda: The caramel notes of aged gouda harmonize with the sweet and spicy profile of the cocktail.
• Blue Cheese: The strong flavors of blue cheese can stand up to the robustness of the bourbon, creating a delicious contrast.

• Bourbon: Any high-quality bourbon can be used in place of Woodford Reserve
• Simple Syrup: Can be replaced with a sugar cube soaked in water
• Angostura Bitters: Other aromatic bitters can be used

Maple Old Fashioned

• Swap simple syrup with maple syrup for a Canadian-inspired twist that provides a rich, autumnal sweetness.

Woodford Spiced

• Add a slice of fresh ginger during the stirring process to infuse a zany kick that'll have your taste buds doing the samba.

Smoked Citrus

• Lightly char the orange peel before expressing it over the drink to add a smoky nuance that’ll make your cocktail smolder with sophistication.