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Go Wild with Whiskey

Alcohol has become a cooking component. When chosen correctly, it not only flavors food but tenderizes stubborn meats. People also carefully pair their beverage choices with their recipes so that they work together. whiskey drinks are no exception.
There are whiskey drinks for every season and every recipe should you choose to use them. Each whiskey has a character. Some are fruity, others sour. Some are sweet, others spicy.
As you explore the world of cocktails and use them as a menu component, get some friends to join you. Have a tasting party. After all, you don’t want to create a concoction that tastes horrible as a side to your recipe.
whiskey vs. Bourbon
You will hear the term Bourbon whiskey, which makes things a little confusing. Bourbon is, in fact, a whiskey, but it’s made of 51% corn grain (or more).
Whiskey is nearly an umbrella term for any alcohol made from fermented grain mash, so bourbon certainly applies. The aging process takes place in wooden containers. Both alcohols are usually around 80 proof.
The prevalent theory about how the name Bourbon came about is that it’s named after Bourbon County, KY. This region claims to fame by saying it was the birthplace of Bourbon.
Let’s examine some classic Whiskey and Bourbon cocktails and how they can be used to accompany meals.

Ingredients

Boulevardier Cocktail

  • This cocktail appeared in the 1920s. If you’ve ever had a Negroni (the Boulevardier just swaps out the gin for whiskey. Serve the Boulevardier with:)
  • Cajun cuisine
  • Creme brulee
  • Dark chocolate
  • Gouda galette
  • Grilled steak
  • Prosciutto
  • Roasted almonds or cashews
  • Smoked ham

Bourbon Sidecar

  • Another 1920s invention (this cocktail is a riff on the classic sour, using brandy for the bourbon. It’s fruity, spicy, and a bit sour. Serve the Bourbon Sidecar with:)
  • Apple strudel
  • Bacon-wrapped shrimp
  • Bolognese gnocchi
  • Citrus tart
  • Cured meat
  • Grilled chicken or pork
  • Peach Bruschetta
  • Salame crostini

Classic Old Fashioned

  • This simple cocktail dates back to the 1800s. It consists of sweetened Bourbon and bitters. Pretty simple (right? Serve the Classic Old Fashioned with:)
  • Bacon wrapped figs
  • Chocolate pie
  • Beef with chili sauce
  • Duck
  • Grilled lamb
  • Pork chops
  • Pomegranate biscuits
  • Pork pot stickers
  • Spicy pecans
  • Spinach terrine

Gold Rush Cocktail

  • While this sounds like it might come from the Old West (it’s actually relatively young. It originated in New York City sometime around 2005. It takes a whiskey sour and uses honey syrup instead of simple syrup. Serve a Gold Rush Cocktail with:)
  • Bacon-wrapped dates
  • Citrus shrimp
  • Honey Panna Cotta
  • Ginger pork skewers
  • Glazed chicken
  • Goat cheese crostini
  • Lemon tart
  • Mild cheese and cured meat tray
  • Party meatballs
  • Pulled pork sliders

Irish Mule

  • This is an ideal choice for the summer months. It’s like a Moscow Mule with a spicy finish. It has three ingredients: Irish whiskey (ginger beer, and lime. Serve the Irish Mule cocktail with:)
  • Bangers with onion gravy
  • Brie
  • Caramel flan
  • Crusty bread with honey butter
  • Fish & chips
  • Key lime pie
  • Mexican dishes
  • Potato pancakes
  • Pretzels with dip
  • Salad with walnut raspberry vinaigrette
  • Seafood grill
  • Shepherd’s pie

Manhattan

  • In the 1870s (a drink appeared at the Manhattan Club in New York City. So, it’s aptly named. Like the Irish Mule, it’s a three-ingredient drink: bitters, vermouth, and bourbon. Serve the Manhattan cocktail with:)
  • Arugula salad
  • Blue cheese or gorgonzola
  • Braised wild mushrooms
  • Fig stuffed with goat cheese
  • Flatbread with dipping oil
  • Lobster
  • Oysters
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Salmon canapes
  • Scallops
  • Slow roasted pork
  • Smoked meat
  • Truffle flavoring

Rusty Nail

  • The Rusty Nail first appeared at a British Industries Fair in 1937. Little was said of it until the 1960s. Do you have Scotch whiskey and Drambuie? You have the makings of a Rusty Nail. Serve the Rusty Nail cocktail with:
  • Blue cheese stuffed dates
  • Crème brûlée
  • Glazed duck
  • Grilled shrimp
  • Lamb chops
  • Lemon curd tarts
  • Olive platter
  • Smoked salmon crostini
  • Split pea soup

Whiskey Highball

  • An early 20th-century drink that’s remained popular because it’s easy to make. Serve Whiskey Cocktails with:
  • Aged cheddar on crackers
  • Barbecued wings with hot sauce
  • Brisket
  • Glazed baby back ribs
  • Grilled asparagus
  • Pulled pork
  • Smoked ribeye steak
  • Spring rolls
  • Sushi
  • Sweet and Sour Chicken
  • Toffee nuts

Whiskey Smash

  • If you like Mint Julep (you may enjoy the Whiskey Smash with a citrus flavor profile. Serve a Whiskey Smash cocktail with:)
  • Burnt ends
  • Hardy steaks
  • Honey ribs on the grill
  • Pineapple ChicWhiskey Smashken
  • Pork belly
  • Pulled pork sliders
  • Roasted game hen

Notes

Remember, you can use whiskey any time as part of your marinades.