Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:6g
Alcohol:14%
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 7, 2024
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 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.
The backbone of our concoction, 2 oz of Woodford Reserve brings rich, full-bodied notes of vanilla and oak. Too little, you're in cocktail kindergarten; too much, and you're stealing the spotlight. No bourbon? Try a rye whiskey for a spicier twist.
Sweetness in a bottle, this 0.5 oz of simple syrup is like the mediator, ensuring peace between the strong bourbon and the sharp bitters. Skip it, and your drink's as harsh as reality. A hint of maple syrup could substitute if you're feeling Canadian.
Two dashes of this potent potion add depth and complexity—like adding high definition to your drink. Leave it out, and you've got a flat character begging for personality. Want a change? Orange bitters can add a citrusy zing.
The flashy garnish isn't just for looks. It's the essential oils that make your Woodford Reserve cocktail pop with citrus top notes—imagine a symphony without violins. Lemon peel could step in, but it sings a different tune.
This is the cherry on top, quite literally, adding a burst of sweetness and color contrast. Disappear the cherry, and you lose that iconic last bite. A slice of fresh peach could also drop in for a summery take.
The unsung heroes, 4-5 ice cubes chill our saga, calming the spirits for a smoother sip. No ice, and you've got a warm, undiluted tale better suited for straight whiskey lovers. Alternatively, a single large cube could make for a slower melt and less dilution.
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
Explore all drinks starting with W here
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupPlace 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).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
While it's traditional to serve the Woodford Reserve cocktail in a rocks glass, other acceptable options include an old-fashioned glass or a tumbler. Each of these types of glassware has a sturdy base to hold the cocktail and the ice cubes while also allowing the drinker to appreciate the color and aroma of the bourbon.
Yes, it does. Larger ice cubes melt more slowly, thus chilling the drink without diluting the bourbon quickly. It also gives a pleasant look to the cocktail.
Woodford Reserve stands out due to its high rye content, giving it a spicier and more robust flavor compared to other bourbons. It's also known for its rich and full-bodied taste with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak.
For the best flavor and freshness, it's recommended to prepare each Woodford Reserve cocktail individually. However, the base of bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters can be mixed in bulk ahead of time and chilled. The garnish should be added right before serving.
Yes, you can. While the maraschino cherry is traditional, you may also use other fruits like a slice of orange or lemon, or even a cocktail olive. They will give different flavors and add a personal touch to the cocktail.
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.
The Fox River cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of bitterness from the bitters, and a smooth, velvety texture. The whiskey provides a strong, warming backbone, while the vermouth adds a touch of herbal complexity.
The Kentucky B cocktail has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of spice. The bourbon provides a strong, oaky base, while the other ingredients add complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
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 Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
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.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Cognac Old Fashioned has a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet taste with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The cognac provides a warm, full-bodied flavor, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, velvety texture. The mezcal provides an earthy, smoky backbone, while the agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the Angostura bitters bring a subtle bitterness to balance the flavors.
The Oaxaca cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink with a smoky, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a hint of spice and a lingering warmth.
The Rusty Nail is a smooth, sweet, and slightly spicy cocktail with a strong, warming whiskey backbone. The honey and herbal notes from the Drambuie complement the smoky, peaty flavors of the Scotch.
The New York Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a smooth whiskey base, tangy lemon, and a hint of red wine.
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and citrusy cocktail. It has a strong whiskey flavor, balanced by the tartness of lemon and the cooling effect of fresh mint.
