Mix It Up at Your Next Cocktail Party

SHAKE, SERVE, SIP & SURPRISE GUESTS

As much as we love bourbon neat or on the rocks, sometimes, you need to mix things up. With the end of summer quickly approaching, bartender and friend Kyle Higgins helped us throw a not-so-classic cocktail party. He served up a variety of unique, delicious concoctions, each with an unexpected "twist." Try a few of our favorite drink recipes from Kyle, and get inspired to throw your own end-of-summer soirée.

Pappy Van Winkle Maple Syrup Cocktail

Maple Julep

2 oz. Van Winkle Family Reserve 13-year (or Your Favorite Rye Bourbon)
0.50 oz. Pappy Barrel-aged Pure Maple Syrup
Large Fresh Mint Bouquet

Directions: Pour both the maple syrup and rye bourbon into a julep cup. Fill the cup halfway with crushed ice, stir (swizzle), and top with another heaping amount of crushed ice. Garnish with the mint bouquet. Allow the cup to frost completely, then serve.

Easy Fancy Cocktails for Parties

Opal Basil Maple Mojito

2 oz. Bacardi Rum
0.75 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
0.75 oz. Pappy Barrel-aged Pure Maple Syrup
2 Opal Basil Leaves
Sparkling Water

Directions: Measuring with a jigger, combine the rum, lime juice and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker or mixing tin. Shake and pour, using a fine strain, over ice into a collins glass full of ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with opal basil leaves.

Sunset Over Rio

2 oz. Flor de Cane 12-year Rum
0.25 oz. Apple Brandy
0.25 oz. Yellow Chartreuse
0.75 oz. Lime Juice
0.50 oz. Pappy Barrel-aged Pure Maple Syrup

Directions: Shake, and strain into a coupe glass.

Mixing Cocktails and Drinks

Oaxacan Old Fashioned

2 oz. Mala Idea Espadin 12-year or Tobala 14-year Mezcal
1 tsp. Pappy Barrel-aged Pure Maple Syrup
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
2 Dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters

Directions: Combine all drink ingredients into a mixing glass. After the ingredients are in, add the ice and stir. Strain into a double old fashioned glass. Express the oils for an orange peel on top, and then use it as a garnish.