Category: Cocktails

All about Drinks and Beverages. Making Creating and drinking

Pinewood supper club sign
Dec 17

Hidden Gem Pinewood Supper Club in the North Woods

Introduction Howdy, Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  This past weekend I had the pleasure of enjoying a Saturday night dinner in the north woods.  I was able to go to the Pinewood Supper Club in Mosinee, WI.  This supper club is the Wisconsin River and the Mosinee Flowage.  This is a supper club where you drive around in the north woods for thirty minutes and then boom here is your supper club. On this particular Saturday night, the parking lot was packed, and the external lots were even full.  This was even during a bit of rain / snow fall.  As you walk into the building it is a building that is old but kept up nicely.  A single glass door goes into an entry way.  Here you will see the specials for the night at Pinewood Supper Club and something I have not seen in a long time, a self-serving coat room.  Large enough to house all the guests at a very busy packed restaurant.  Cocktails at Pinewood As you walk into the bar area at Pinewood Supper Club you will see a long straight bar with about 25 or so seats.  As we walked in the bar was full and we were able to get two seats at the very end of the bar with a little curve.  Small area for the bartender to get to but, they were seats.  The cocktail menu has featured cocktails, Featured Mocktails, a list of Martini’s and the beer menu.  The featured cocktail I went with was the Shanky’s Whip Old Fashioned.  I was able to try Shanky’s a bit ago and really enjoyed it.  This Old Fashioned was a bit sweet so only had one of them.  I also tried the Blackberry Old Fashioned that used Crown Blackberry whiskey.  As I have stated a few times that Crown Blackberry is horrible and this old-fashioned was horrible as well. To Check in you go to the little window where all of the waiters and waitresses take the checks to be run by a single person.  Again, they were busy and had plenty of large groups to slow things down.  We had a 7 PM reservation and I believe we sat down about 7:30 so it was not horrible but late.  As we sat down our waitress was there to greet us and inform us of the specials and ask if we needed anything.  Waitress gave a us a few moments to review the menu and brought us a relish tray as well as fresh baked bread.  This is always a great experience at a Wisconsin Supper Club. Pinewood Dinner Decided to go with a French onion soup and a King Cut Prime rib medium rare.  This came with a side dish, and I went with a baked potato.  Added a side of the mushrooms with the prime rib.  I didn’t get a picture of the soup but, the French onion soup came with a square about 4×4 inches of a pastry dough that was slightly undercooked but, very tasty.  You were able to rip pieces off and dip into the soup which was very good.  The onions were cooked well and the broth had great flavor.  Extremely hot so you had to give it a moment or two to cool down to eat. The prime rib came out and oh my was this a large cut of beef.  Nice and red and warm to hot all the way through the cut.  Not too fatty and the seasoning was extremely good.  Easy to cut with the steak knife provided which is a great sign of a good steak.  Not tough at all and melts in your mouth.  After the relish tray, bread, onion soup and various cocktails I was unable to finish the prime rib and potato.  Yeah, I know I need to clean my plate as I am listening to my parents in my head. Didn’t go with any dessert and headed out for the night.  The bill was respectable for all the food and cocktails we had during dinner. Conclusion Pinewood Supper Club is a must-go to if you are in the area.  Next time I am up I will ensure to hit this Supper Club again and try a few others around the area to make a good comparison.  This place is out in the woods and country, which is great.  Now I don’t mind a supper club in the city these types of supper clubs just hit differently.  Hope you enjoy the supper club and if you have leave a message on your thoughts and experiences. Thanks Junior

Liquid Reese's
Dec 13

Liquid Reese’s: The Exciting Cocktail That Tastes Like Childhood

Howdy Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  We are going to talk about Reese’s candy but, this is not your childhood candy.  This is the adult version with plenty of bourbon to make your mouth water with anticipation.  This is an old-fashioned variant that will be a go to for those days you are craving a chocolate sensation. When you take a sip of this old-fashioned you will get that great peanut butter flavor of the whiskey and then the added sweetness of the bourbon and brown sugar comes through.  If you close your eyes, you will believe you have candy in your mouth.  As you swallow the sip you get that warm Kentucky hug, and your brain goes WAIT this ain’t no candy and begs for more.  Take your time and sip and enjoy this flavor bomb of an old-fashioned Liquid Reese’s Ingredients: Instructions: It is an easy cocktail to make at home with relatively inexpensive ingredients.  No need to use an expensive bourbon in this one but, make sure it is flavorful.  I used Benchmark 8 but the Evan Williams BiB would also be another fantastic choice.  Add more or less brown sugar and chocolate bitters to taste.  This calls for three dashes but, five seemed to be better. I could easily drink this with a big old bowl of chocolate ice cream. If you want or need a cocktail to bring back childhood memories and make it adult this, is it.  Can’t beat a four-ingredient cocktail.  This one is flavorful and enjoyable any time of year.  Grab your glass and let’s get mixing. Junior

Churchill Downs Horse
Dec 02

The Eventful Thrilling Thanksgiving Week

Howdy Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  I have just been on an adventure to Kentucky with my family to hunt some bourbon (it is the season), taste good food, gamble on some horses, and have all-around fun with the family.  Spent a few days in northern Kentucky and the rest of the Thanksgiving week in Louisville.  This was a great week we have had for the last six years. City of Covington City of Louisville We really enjoy the city of Covington and the Mainstrasse area.  There are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit and indulge in the food.  The city is also close to a few distilleries and breweries, so you have plenty of variety if you are tired of one you hit the other.  Another hit is the Green Bay Packer Bar on the street.  They have a group of fans that attend each game, and it is a freaking blast. Louisville is the heart of Bourbon Country.  Bardstown, KY has more breweries, but Louisville is where everything started.  Main street has great food and an abundance of distilleries to visit in one trip.  The tours are not your normal learn about bourbon and you can find a bunch of fun things to do.  Two of my favorites are Doc Crows and Troll Pub Under the Bridge.  Docs for the food and Troll Pub for being an interesting little bar with a big Troll outside of it. Come along and learn about Covington and Louisville and the exciting things you can do in both cities. Junior

Nov 21

Introducing GenX Junior of Junior’s Bourbon Hall

Hello Howdy and welcome to Junior’s bourbon hall which is my home bar.  My name is junior, and I am GenX.  I enjoy what I like and if I don’t like it don’t’ give a damn.  I am also interested in many many things, so I bounce around on what I like to do.  I have been trying to get a YouTube channel going and all I have been doing is making drinks by following a recipe.  This has given me some success but not much and well I probably wouldn’t be watching it either as you don’t really learn anything.  My fault and the last 4 months I have been watching others and trying to understand what they do. What I have learned is every channel I follow teaches you something or gives advice on what they are doing.  Now some of the drink channels are faceless and show just how drinks are made but their camera and video work are amazing.  I might try this but need to be able to teach or entertain. Interests:  I bounce around between all those things and like to discuss and entertain around them.  The “Experts” say you need to Niche down and find a problem and solve the problem.  I think maybe my problem to solve is just to entertain people for 5 min. a day and forget about the world.  I am the NICHE.  I have no clue if this will work, and I will continue learning and growing and maybe bring some of you other GenX with me or teach the other generations a few things. So come along GenX and enjoy everything I enjoy and maybe help me learn or be entertained by things you do.  I understand technology but I also have a problem with the video and recording and making things look great so you will see some raw footage and stuff that you may not see with other channels and accounts. That will be part of the fun. Favorite Things: Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday Best Beers are Stouts and Porters. Oktober Fest is the best beer and should only be brewed and sold End of September and Oktober. The best teams to follow are the Badgers.  Football and Basketball.  On Wisconsin NFL Team, I follow is the Packers.  Da Bears Still Suck Horse Racing my favorite Track is Churchill downs but, Tampa Bay Downs is a close second. Love the Triple Crown First Saturday in May is a big party. Love golf as in playing and watching.  Yes, it can be like paint drying but, those guys are good. The best golf tournament is the MASTERS.  Favorite cocktail One that is made at home.  Besides that, it is the Old Fashioned.  Friday nights in Wisconsin are O.F.F – Old Fashioned Friday. Nothing better than a cigar and a bourbon, beer, or cocktail. Poker is a great way to get together with friends.  One of my favorite games is No Limit Hold ‘em but, I also really enjoy Omaha. Most of you won’t know what Sheepshead is.  This is a German card game mainly played in Wisconsin and parts of Atlanta. My favorite Bourbon is Old Forester 1920 and anything else that is BiB.  (Bottle in Bond) Favorite distillery to visit is Bardstown Bourbon Company. Thank you for reading leave a comment let me know what some of your favorites are. Junior.

Mar 15

Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned

Today, we’re diving into a modern twist on a classic—the Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned.  Welcome to Junior’s Bourbon Hall, where we explore the art of mixology and the joy of fine spirits. The Old Fashioned is a cocktail steeped in history, traditionally made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus rind. It’s a drink that harks back to the early days of American cocktail culture, embodying simplicity, and elegance in a glass. But as with all classics, there’s always room for innovation. Enter the Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned—a bold fusion of rich coffee and smooth bourbon that promises to delight your palate. Ingredients: Instructions: The result is a cocktail that marries the warmth of bourbon with the deep tones of espresso, balanced by the sweetness of the syrup and the complexity of the bitters. It’s an invigorating drink that’s perfect for after dinner or as a sophisticated nightcap. So next time you’re looking to elevate your cocktail experience, give the Bourbon Espresso Old Fashioned a try. It’s sure to become a new favorite among your classic cocktail recipes.

Mar 12

Melon Splash: Refreshing Twist on Bourbon

St. Patrick’s Day is a great time do try a new cocktail, and the Melon Splash: Refreshing Twist on Bourbon is a refreshing choice that combines the sweetness of Midori with the rich flavor of bourbon. This is not your standard Irish whiskey St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail here. We use bourbon for a twist. Here’s how to make this delightful drink that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Ingredients: Instructions: Tasting Notes: The Melon Splash: Refreshing Twist on Bourbon is a delightful blend of flavors. The Midori provides a sweet melon base, while the bourbon adds a smoky complexity that elevates the cocktail. The lemon-lime soda introduces a bubbly brightness, and the lime garnish gives a zesty kick that ties everything together beautifully. Conclusion: Whether you’re at a St. Patrick’s Day Party, lounging by the pool or hosting a summer gathering, the Melon Splash is a cocktail that offers a unique twist on traditional bourbon drinks. It’s easy preparation and delicious taste make it an ideal choice for both cocktail aficionados and newcomers alike. So, pour yourself a Melon Splash, kick back, and enjoy the sweet taste of the Melon Splash: Refreshing twins on Bourbon! 🍈🍀

Feb 23

Old-Fashioned Friday – Sassafras Old-Fashioned

Introduction: Howdy and welcome to Junior’s Bourbon Hall and we are going to discuss the Old-Fashioned Friday – Sassafras Old-Fashioned. On Old Fashioned Friday’s love to have a great old-fashioned with a wonderful fish fry. This cocktail matches a Dark Rye / Double Rye with sassafras syrup and angostura bitters.  Basically, this cocktail could be named a Root Beer Old Fashioned as well.  Let’s dive in. What is sassafras syrup you ask?  Well, it is made from the root bark of the sassafras tree.  The syrup itself gives off a great earthy flavor and what I like to call the Christmas spice of cardamom, molasses, and start anis.  Great flavors that go with Rye whiskey and give you a bit of spice.  And gives you a great root beer flavor. The sassafras syrup gives this old-fashioned sweetness that a good old-fashioned need to become a great cocktail. It also gives off the aroma of the molasses and cardamom or a good root beer flavor. Here is the Recipe for the Sassafras Old-Fashioned: Ingredients: Instructions: Video on how to make the Sassafras Old-Fashioned. Conclusion: The Old-Fashioned Friday – Sassafras Old-Fashioned is a sweet and spicy cocktail that tastes like a root beer soda.  You can control the sweetness by using a higher proof rye or a bit less syrup.  This would be a great after dinner cocktail or a way to end your night.

Oct 09

Top 5 Cocktails

Howdy, and welcome to Junior’s Bourbon Hall.  Here to help you learn how to make great cocktails at home.  In the last few days, I have been seeing more and more posts about people’s favorite cocktails for the fall or just to make at home.  This got me to thinking about what my list of top 5 cocktails would be I enjoy making at home to enjoy with friends or just sitting around watching the game. Top 5 Cocktails: Whiskey Sour This cocktail is simple and easy to make.  This cocktail calls for three essential ingredients: Bourbon, Sour Mix, and Egg Whites.  You can use whatever sour mix you like, but I will give you the recipe that I use below.  Add your bourbon, sour mix, and egg white to a tin filled with ice.  Now, you will learn how much sour mix to use as you make this drink more and more.  You want enough to mix the drink and fill your old-fashioned glass to the top. Shake the drink for 8 – 10 seconds.  Some people say you should dry shake first, but I have always combined everything, and the drink comes out with a nice froth on top of it when you pour it over fresh ice in an old-fashioned glass.  Garnish with a luxardo cherry. This is a refreshing drink with a bit of pucker punch from the sour mix.  I use a good 100-proof bourbon for this drink, but you can use any whiskey that you enjoy. Old Fashioned This is the top of my list of cocktails I enjoy and make for others.  It is a little bit of work to make a really good old-fashioned, but, so worth the work.  This cocktail I am making here is a Wisconsin twist on the classic old-fashioned.  I enjoy the classic old-fashioned with a good steak or fancy dinner, but, the Wisconsin old-fashioned is great on a Friday with your fish fry.  Why I have dubbed it OFF…  Old Fashioned Fridays. You start making this drink in your old-fashioned glass. Place the Luxardo Cherry, Orange Slice, sugar cube, bitters, and a splash of mix in your glass.  Muddle everything together, then add your ice and your bourbon, then top off with a bit more mix. Garnish with two Luxardo cherries, and enjoy. The mix can be sweet (7-up), sour (Sour Mix or Squirt), or Club Soda.  I enjoy sweet the best, and then the second best is the sour with my sour mix.  This way of making the old-fashioned is rarely found outside of Wisconsin.  It does not have a strong alcohol taste; you can have a few of them with your fish fry and be happy. Jalapeno Margarita The Jalapeno Margarita is a great way to enjoy a margarita for those who like a little spicy kick.  To create this cocktail, you will have to do a bit of preparation to make it perfect.  For the preparation, take a mason jar filled with your favorite tequila, cut up one or two jalapenos, and add to the jar for 24-48 hours.  This can be done ahead of time and even in a full bottle of tequila if you would like. Place the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup in a tin with ice.  Shake for a good 10 seconds and then strain over ice in an old-fashioned glass.  Garnish with a lime wedge, and throw a couple of jalapeno slices into the drink.  I don’t salt the glass but feel free if you would like to. This drink has plenty of kick depending on the jalapenos and is one of my go-to during a taco Tuesday at home. The Godfather Cocktail This is a super simple cocktail that needs to be shaken, but if you want to, you can also stir this drink in the glass and stir it well.  You may not get as much dilution from the ice as shaking does, but it is quick and easy to stir the cocktail.  This drink became very popular in the 1970s when cocktails were strong and sweet.  It is also believed to be named after the movie The Godfather, which premiered in 1972.  I use a 2:1 ratio of bourbon to amaretto for this cocktail, but you can choose to lessen the amaretto to bring the sweetness down. Like a 2:.5 ratio or even a 3:1 ratio. Place the bourbon and amaretto into a tin filled with your ice.  Shake for about 8 seconds, then strain over a large cube in an old-fashioned glass.  It is a simple two-ingredient drink that is a bit sweet but very enjoyable and lets the spirit take center stage of the cocktail.  Mix this one up and enjoy Kentucky Colonel This last drink everyone may not have the Benedictine, but it is a great simple two-ingredient drink.  I enjoyed this one during the day of The Kentucky Derby.  This cocktail is mainly bourbon, so you will want to be able to enjoy our bourbon, which I do very much. Fill a mixing glass with ice and add your bourbon and Benedictine.  Stir in a glass for about 10 seconds.  Take a cocktail glass that has been chilled and strain the cocktail into the glass. No garnish for this one. Benedictine is an herbal liqueur that brings a sweeter note to the cocktail.  There are a lot of fall-type flavors in the Benedictine. This is a sipper type of drink enjoy. Thank you for reading, and I hope you find my top 5 cocktails worthwhile and tasty and something you may add to your favorite cocktails to make at home. Junior

Sep 30

Cocktails Tied to Sporting Events

Everyone has their favorite cocktails that they go to for any sporting event that they attend or watch on TV.  Here are some cocktails tied to sporting events for you to try.  Personally, at an early afternoon football game, I am going to the Bloody Mary Extra Spicy or the Screwdriver to start the day for the game.  Heading to a tailgate, there will be a bottle of canned beer and maybe a shooter or two to get the party started.  Now, what are some of the cocktails of famous sporting events?  Taking a look at 8 of the Most Iconic Cocktails Tied to Sporting Events | VinePair we will discuss four of these drinks in detail. Azalea Cocktail Quote: Widely considered to be the world’s most prestigious golf tournament, the Masters takes place each April in Augusta, Ga. On the course, a blanket of blooming flowers decorates the grass surrounding the 13th hole and inspires the tournament’s unofficial cocktail: the Azalea Cocktail. Consisting of vodka, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine, the Azalea takes on a bright pink color, similar to that of the blooms surrounding the green. While I have not personally crafted one of these cocktails, I have now learned of this, and next spring while I am getting ready to watch the Greatest Major The Masters, I will ensure I have the ingredients and prepare one or two before the event starts.  To get this drink to look similar to the plants around the 13th green, you will have to use just the right amount of grenadine.  Too much will be too dark and too little will be too light and could throw off the flavor as grenadine can be a bit sweet.  Looking forward to trying this cocktail Recipe: Mint Julep  This drink is tied to the best two minutes in sports, The Kentucky Derby. Quote: The Mint Julep has been practically synonymous with the Kentucky Derby since becoming the horse race’s official cocktail nearly 100 years ago. Traditionally made with Kentucky bourbon as its base, the Mint Julep combines the spirit with muddled mint and a splash of simple syrup for a lively summer sip. Classically distributed in a silver cup meant to mimic the winning trophy, the cocktail has been served at Churchill Downs since the 1930s, and today, nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are sold during Derby Weekend each May. I have hosted a Derby party for the last six years and have made plenty of this cocktail.  Use Woodford Reserve bourbon for this drink.  Slap the mint and then add it to the bottom of the glass.  Fill it with crushed ice or ice cubes.  Then add the simple syrup and bourbon and stir the drink in the glass.  Top it with more mint and no straw so you get the smell of the mint with each sip of the drink.  I have also used a shortcut to place the mint into the simple syrup as you are making the syrup to get that nice minty flavor and not have to slap the mint for each julep.  You can prepare this drink beforehand and serve as your guests arrive for your party.  Give it a whirl and enjoy. Recipe: The Lily Cocktail This is the drink of the Kentucky Oaks which is the biggest filly horse race.  This will most definitely be on my next derby party drink list. Quote:While the Kentucky Derby is obviously the mainstay at Churchill Downs the first weekend in May, many may not know that a separate horse race actually takes place the day before: the Kentucky Oaks. Held on the Friday before the Derby, the winner of the Kentucky Oaks race receives prize money and a garland of lilies, hence the event’s official drink: the Lily Cocktail. Created by the event’s official vodka sponsor, Grey Goose, the cocktail takes inspiration from the Cosmopolitan with its mixture of Grey Goose, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The color of the cocktail is meant to pay homage to the winner’s lily bouquet and honor the race’s association with breast cancer awareness. Recipe: The Belmont Jewel Finally, the last drink to discuss is.  Staying with the horse racing theme, this is the cocktail of the final race in the triple crown of horse racing.  Made with Woodford Reserve again you will only need one bottle of bourbon to make a couple of different cocktails. Quote:Since the first two races in the Triple Crown boast their official cocktails, it’s only fitting that the Belmont Stakes, the final race in the series, receives its drink as well. Created in 2015, the Belmont Jewel — named for the race’s status as the final jewel in the Crown — is made using Woodford Reserve, the official bourbon of Belmont Park. The cocktail combines the bourbon with lemonade and pomegranate juice and serves as an easy concoction to serve in large quantities, which is exactly what the drink’s creators had in mind. This is a very simple cocktail to make and is made in the glass, so you don’t need a shaker or any other items for this.  This cocktail is very light and refreshing for everyone to enjoy. Recipe: Conclusion While plenty of other Cocktails Tied to Sporting Events, the above are some of my favorites that I have enjoyed.  What are some of your favorite cocktails to go with sporting events?  Or other events that you enjoy? Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it. Junior’s Bourbon Hall

Sep 15

Bourbon Drinks Perfect for Fall

Introduction: Howdy! The warmth and sunshine of summer are coming to an end, and we will discuss bourbon drinks perfect for the fall.  The days and nights are starting to get that chill in the air of fall.  This time of year, you look forward to a cocktail with bold, robust flavors to warm you up while you enjoy the chill of fall.  In the following post, you will find cocktails that do just that. Cocktails: The first cocktail to talk about is the Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider.  This is a perfect fall cocktail as it adds apple cider and cinnamon, which are ingredients you think of when you think of fall.  If you have a local apple cider producer, go with that.  Think of this drink as a warm apple pie. Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 4 oz apple cider 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup Cinnamon stick and apple slice for garnish Instructions Combine bourbon, apple cider, and cinnamon syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a thin apple slice. The second drink will be the Bourbon Maple Sour.  Fresh Maple syrup is produced in the fall, and try to find 100% maple syrup as Mrs. Butterworths is great on pancakes but not so much in this cocktail.  Always use fresh lime juice, as it makes your cocktail much better. Bourbon Maple Sour Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz pure maple syrup Dash of bitters Lemon twist for garnish Instructions: Combine bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist. The final drink on the list is Cranberry Bourbon Fizz.  This drink reminds me of the cranberry sauce I make from scratch for Thanksgiving dinner.  I do have bourbon in the cranberry sauce, and if you have never liked canned cranberry sauce, try making yours from scratch, and you will come around to it. Cranberry Bourbon Fizz Ingredients: 2 oz Bourbon 1 oz cranberry juice 1/2 oz simple syrup 1/2 oz fresh lime juice Soda water Fresh cranberries and lime wheel for garnish Instructions: Combine bourbon, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lime juice with ice in a shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel. Conclusion: The cocktails discussed capture the essence of fall and the changing of the temperature, as well as the leaves changing colors.  Whether sipping a Spiced Bourbon Apple Cider while changing the leaves or enjoying the warmth of a Bourbon Maple Sour by the fireplace, these cocktails will enhance your fall experience.  Enjoy the flavors and Bourbon Drinks Perfect for Fall  cheers to a season of unforgettable memories.