The Happiest Hour {Bourbon & Peach}

Being from the south, I think it might be considered a sin if you don't like bourbon. Why? I'm not quite sure but it seems to be the drink of choice for just about everyone…myself included. Now I'm not talking week nights or even every weekend, but when given the choice on a cool winter's day, I will probably pick bourbon. While I do love a nice glass on the rocks, this bourbon and peach cocktail is my absolute new favorite. It epitomizes all that is southern and is perfect for those who aren't quite as big of bourbon lovers as the rest of us. I recently served it up for Rob's Whiskey and Cigars birthday bash and it was a huge hit. Even the guests who swore that bourbon didn't fit their taste enjoyed a glass! The best part is that with only three ingredients, it couldn't be simpler to mix up a batch for any event. Here's the recipe…enjoy!

:: Ingredients ::
(Makes 1 Cocktail)
1 oz Simple Syrup
4 oz Bourbon
3 oz Peach Nectar

:: Directions ::
Combine ingredients in a glass over ice. Stir and garnish with basil.

Belly Up to the Bar

Admittedly I am terrible at remembering to take pictures at different get togethers, especially when I'm the hostess. I usually get tied up in make sure every little detail is perfect before the guests arrive that the thought of a picture to commemorate the day completely slips my mind. Rob's birthday this year was no different. I was rushing around the house making sure everything was taken care of that I forgot to take pictures of everything except the Whiskey Bar. At least I got the most important part, right? Specialty bars are becoming a huge trend right now and I'm loving the idea of incorporating it into every party. While beer and wine were also available to our guests, Rob's favorite is a nice bourbon on the rocks.

I set up a variety of whiskeys including some bourbons, blended whiskeys and scotches so there was something for everybody's taste. Knowing some of our guests weren't keen on drinking their whiskey straight, I enhanced the bar with ginger ale, coke, diet coke and the signature cocktail of the evening, bourbon and peach.

This idea can also be adapted to your favorite liquor. Try a specialty bar stocked with gin, rum, or vodkas depending upon your tastes. Include a variety of mixers and a signature cocktail to take it over the top!

The Happiest Hour {Bourbon Cocktails}

Coming up this weekend, we are hosting a little gathering at the house in honor of Rob's birthday. Since it's his big day, he's chosen a them very fitting to his personality, bourbon and cigars. It's a great theme and I couldn't have picked a better way for us to celebrate with friends. The one downfall is some guests just aren't fans of bourbon on the rocks, and I can't blame them. So, for those who prefer their bourbon a little more subdued, I plan on setting out some mixers with different recipe cards allowing for each person to mix up their own concoction. While I still haven't decided exactly what we will be shaking up, I have gathered up my five favorite bourbon cocktails in hopes of picking the winning three. The problem now is deciding which ones win….

1. Cider Bourbon Cocktail from Style Within Reach

2. Brooklyn Summer Bourbon Cocktail from Kitchen La Boheme

3. Peachy Keen from Pixelated Crumb

4. Indian Summer Bourbon Cocktail from A Spicy Perspective

5. Cran-Bourbon Cocktail from Cooking Light