Before the hate mail comes pouring in (“Hey – weren’t you the guy who hated all of these holidays?”), I can admit when I’m wrong. Not saying I was BUT sometimes you just need a good excuse for a drink. If the powers that be give you National Whiskey Sour Day, why fight it?
Full disclosure – I’m don’t spend a lot of time making cocktails. Drinking them is another story, but typically when I’m looking to enjoy my whiskey, I’m just pouring it neat. But when the mood strikes, I do take pride in a well made cocktail. Today, I opted to try a new recipe in celebration of National Whiskey Sour Day:
Gentleman Jack Sour
1 1/2 oz. Gentleman Jack
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Dash of bitters
Their instructions ask to half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds, and strain into a chilled rocks glass that is half-filled with ice. I deviated slightly by only putting a few cubes in my shaker (more like 1/4 full). The result? Refreshing and delicious! The sweet and smooth character of Gentleman Jack doesn’t try to dominate the sour components like a spicier, higher proof bourbon might (which is NOT to say that would be a bad thing if that’s what you’re looking for; drink what you like the way you like it!)
We would like to thank Flowers Communications Group and Gentleman Jack for sending us materials to review.