Calories:~200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~15g
Alcohol:~25%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
The Kentucky Dream is a cocktail that celebrates the rich heritage of bourbon, a spirit synonymous with the American South. Its creation is inspired by the lush landscapes of Kentucky and the traditional craftsmanship of bourbon distilleries.
This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted drink with a story, especially bourbon enthusiasts and adventurers of taste.
The Kentucky Dream offers a harmonious blend of sweet and fruity notes with the deep, oaky undertones of bourbon. The vanilla lends a creamy sweetness, while the apricot brandy adds a touch of tartness, creating a complex yet balanced flavor profile. It's a strong cocktail with a smooth finish that lingers on the palate.
Bourbon is the heart of the drink, and at 2 oz, it ensures the cocktail has a strong base without overwhelming. Reducing it would make a lighter cocktail but might lose some complexity. Removing it altogether is like taking the Kentucky out of the dream! If bourbon is too strong for you, consider a milder whiskey, but expect a less full-bodied flavor.
The 0.5 oz of vanilla extract offers a sweet, aromatic touch without overpowering the fruitiness. Too much vanilla could make the cocktail taste like dessert, while too little might not be noticeable. If you run out of vanilla, try a bit of vanilla syrup. It's sweeter, so reduce the amount a tad or brace for a sweeter dream.
With 0.5 oz, the apricot brandy adds a pleasant fruit note and a hint of tartness. Ditch it, and you'll miss that stone-fruit whisper in the harmonious chorus. If apricot's not your jam, peach brandy could substitute; it's a bit sweeter, though, so your dream might become a summer fling.
Apple juice at 1 oz brings freshness and binds the other flavors together. More juice makes a fruitier, less potent drink; less makes the bourbon more prominent. No juice feels like apple picking and not finding any apples—quite disappointing. Apple cider could be a seasonal twist, delivering a richer, spicier flavor.
Two dashes of aromatic bitters are like the spice cabinet of the cocktail world, giving depth and complexity to the drink. Overdoing it, however, could make the cocktail too bitter, masking the other flavors. Without bitters, you'll have a flat dream, lacking character. Orange bitters could add a citrusy spin if you're feeling adventurous.
Ice cubes serve to chill and dilute the cocktail as needed. They're the unspoken heroes that keep everything cool and balanced. No ice? Prepare for a strong and room-temp experience. You could use one large ice cube instead for slower dilution, allowing you to savor the dream a bit longer.
Kentucky Dream Cocktail Preparation:
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This twist brings a tannic depth to the Kentucky Dream, accentuating the bourbon's complexity. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, perfect for those looking to add a tart edge to their dream.
The Autumn Dream is like wrapping yourself in a sweater on a brisk fall day. The apple cider and cinnamon cozy up with the bourbon, creating a cocktail that's as comforting as it is delicious.
The Southern Sunset sweeps you away to a balmy Georgia evening with its peachy twist. The grenadine offers a subtle floral sweetness, painting your dream in shades of a sunset romance.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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You can use a tablespoon as a rough guide - one tablespoon is about half an ounce. Alternatively, measuring shot glasses often have ounce or milliliter measurements.
A rocks glass, also known as an old-fashioned glass, is ideal for serving the Kentucky Dream to enhance the sipping experience.
Yes, you can scale up the recipe to accommodate your guest list. Mix all the ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl and serve over ice in individual glasses.
Use a long-handled bar spoon and stir briskly in a circular motion for about 15 to 20 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail without making it too watery.
While the Kentucky Dream can be enjoyed year-round, it's particularly well-suited to fall and winter due to its warming bourbon base and rich flavors.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
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The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
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The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
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The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
The French 95 has a smooth, rich taste with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup and a touch of tartness from the lemon juice. The bourbon adds warmth and depth, while the champagne brings a light, effervescent finish.
Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, and rich drink with a velvety texture. It has a subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. The drink is mildly boozy, with a smooth and gentle finish.
