A well stocked bar makes for one happy Louisvillian.
While you may have the usual drink making tools on hand, these 8 local products + ingredients will elevate your cocktail making game next time you reach for the jigger and shaker.
🥃 Spirits + mixers
Where to get it: Anywhere on this map
How to use it: This Kentucky-based alcohol free spirits line includes a whiskey, gin + tequila you can use to create booze free classics — like a margarita or martini — or blaze your trail and mix up something new.
Where to get it: Most grocery stores + gas stations, online
How to use it: Since before the repeal of Prohibition, Kentuckians have been mixing this Kentucky made ginger ale with bourbon, but if you get a wild hair, try one of these recipes featuring the soda.
Where to get it: Copper & Kings Distillery, 1121 E. Washington St.
How to use it: These copper pot distilled liqueurs come in four flavors — orange curacao, café, chocolat, and pomegranate — and can be used in place of any liqueur in a recipe. We’re fans of using the café liqueur in an espresso martini.
🥃 Syrups, bitters + more
Where to get it: The Beer Syrup Company, online
How to use it: Use these syrups made from local craft beer to create other cocktail ingredients like grenadine or use them in place of a sweetener in your favorite drink recipe.
Where to get it: Bourbon Barrel Foods, online
How to use it: Choose one of three flavors — cherry tobacco, smoked cinnamon, or floral and citrus — to add a subtle kick to a cocktail or just add some to soda water for a tasty boost.
Where to get it: These stores, online
How to use it: Mix up a refreshing and healthy drink with these superfood cocktail mixers created by two Louisvillans. Bonus: each one can easily be made into a mocktail.
🥃 Barware
Where to get it: Bourbon Barrel Foods, online
How to use it: Add a smoky touch to your Old Fashioned or Manhattan with various types of woods to impress your friends or just yourself.
Where to get it: Kentucky Derby Museum, online
How to use it: Travel through Derby history as you sip a classic Mint Julep or use it like a Tom Collins glass for highballs.
Now that your bar is stocked, let’s kick back for some easy sippin’. Click here for a recipe for a spicy basil paloma made with NKD LDY tequila.
