There’s something about the crisp air of autumn that just begs for a drink that warms you from within, don’t you think? (Or maybe it’s just my wild imagination running loose again.
) Anyway, picture this: a glass filled with the sweet, smooth taste of honey mingling with the robust essence of wild turkey, all topped off with just enough zing to make your taste buds do a happy little jig.
The perfect way to unwind after a day of leaf-peeping or just surviving another work week—whichever comes first!
Steps
- Begin by preparing a neat tasting of Wild Turkey American Honey using a Glencairn glass. Note the fragrance, highlighting hints of orange, lemon-lime soda, and floral spice, and savor the short, sweet finish.
- To enjoy it on the rocks, pour the liqueur over ice, allowing the cold to mute the intense sweetness. While the flavor remains syrupy, the dilution creates a more balanced experience.
- For a refreshing highball, mix one part American Honey with three parts club soda over ice. This combination reduces the cloying sweetness while maintaining a pleasant, whiskey-like taste.
- Create an American Sour by combining equal parts Wild Turkey Longbranch and American Honey, with lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a rocks glass, and top with club soda and a lemon slice.
- Explore whiskey blend cocktails by mixing American Honey with Pursuit United Bourbon in a 1:2 ratio. Add ice and an expressed orange peel to highlight the oaky notes of the bourbon complemented by the liqueur’s sweetness.
- Experiment by incorporating Wild Turkey American Honey into your favorite cocktail recipes. Use it as a versatile ingredient similar to Campari or vermouth to enhance drinks like iced tea, ginger ale, or a hot toddy.
Ingredients
- 1 part Wild Turkey Longbranch
- 1 part Wild Turkey American Honey
- 1 part lemon juice
- 1/2 part simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Club soda (for topping off)
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
- 1 part Wild Turkey American Honey
- 2 parts Pursuit United Bourbon
- Large ice cube or sphere
- Orange peel (for expressing and stirring)
FAQ
- What is Wild Turkey American Honey?
- Wild Turkey American Honey is a bourbon-based liqueur that combines Kentucky bourbon with pure American honey. It is a lower-proof blend designed for a diverse audience, providing a sweet and flavorful alternative to straight whiskey.
- How does Wild Turkey American Honey taste when sipped neat?
- When tasted neat, Wild Turkey American Honey is intensely sweet and syrupy, with flavors reminiscent of orange, lemon-lime soda, and floral spice. It has a short, sticky-sweet finish, which may not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer less sweetness in your drinks.
- Can Wild Turkey American Honey be enjoyed on the rocks?
- Yes, Wild Turkey American Honey can be enjoyed on the rocks. The addition of ice helps to dull the intense sweetness and adds a bit of dilution, making it more palatable. However, it may still be too sweet for those accustomed to the taste of straight bourbon whiskey.
- What are some cocktail ideas for using Wild Turkey American Honey?
- Wild Turkey American Honey works well in a variety of cocktails. It can be mixed with club soda for a refreshing highball or used in a whiskey sour to reduce the need for simple syrup. Additionally, blending it with other bourbons or ryes, such as Pursuit United, can create unique and flavorful cocktails.
- Is Wild Turkey American Honey suitable for whiskey enthusiasts?
- While Wild Turkey American Honey is not a straight whiskey, it serves a purpose for cocktail enthusiasts. It can be a versatile ingredient in cocktails, similar to vermouth or bitters, and can be used in creative ways to enhance drinks like iced tea, ginger ale, or a hot toddy.
Tips
- When serving Wild Turkey American Honey neat, be prepared for an intensely sweet experience, reminiscent of raw honey and concentrated orange juice. Consider this option only if you have a strong preference for sweet flavors.
- To balance its syrupy sweetness, try serving American Honey on the rocks. The ice helps to mellow the intense flavors, but it may still remain too sweet for some. Allow the drink to rest for a few minutes to achieve the best dilution.
- For a refreshing highball, mix one part American Honey with three parts club soda over ice. This combination reduces the cloying intensity while maintaining a pleasant sweetness, making it an ideal choice for a casual, anytime cocktail.
- Experiment with blending American Honey with bourbon or rye whiskey to create unique whiskey cocktails. A simple mix of American Honey and Pursuit United Bourbon, with an expressed orange peel, offers a delightful balance of vibrant oak and sweet flavors. Feel free to explore different whiskeys and ratios to find your preferred blend.
Equipment
- Glencairn Glasses – These are often used for tasting whiskey and might not be a common household item.
- Cocktail Shaker – Needed for mixing cocktails like the American Sour.
- Large Ice Cube Tray or Sphere Mold – For creating large ice cubes or spheres used in cocktails.
- Citrus Juicer – Useful for extracting lemon juice for cocktails.
- Strainer – For straining cocktails after shaking.
- Bar Spoon – For stirring cocktails like the American Pursuit.
- Peeler or Zester – For expressing orange peels into cocktails.
- based cocktails.
