On Sunday, June 7th Bourbon lovers gathered at Stache 1920’s Drinking Den & Coffee Bar to sample hand crafted Maker’s™ and Maker’s 46® cocktails. Our friends at Beam Suntory hosted a craft cocktail soirée, taking us on a flavorful journey from Stache to American Social in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, with stops along the way at Tap 42 and The Royal Pig Pub.
Stop #1: Bartender Mike Lehman crafted two creations with Pear and Mango infusions. These summer flavors enhanced the bourbon and produced well balanced and flavorful cocktails. A smokey aroma wafted through the air as my Smoked Pear Black Walnut Old Fashioned was presented. An impressive way to start the night. A bourbon lover, the “oaky” flavor of the Maker’s 46 was enhanced with the muddled pear and walnut bitters. A favorite of the night. Mike’s second cocktail reminded me of a daiquiri, due to his fresh mango puree and lime juice. Smashing! I’ll be back on Stache’s Whisk(e)y Wednesday for more!
Stop #2: We boarded our Maker’s Redline tour bus (with some cool swag) and hopped over to Tap 42’s patio to sample bartender Paige Nast‘s offerings and a bounty of delicious bites. My favorite was her refreshing Maker’s 46 Lavender Lemonade, the tart lemon balanced the “oaky” Maker’s 46. Her classic Old Fashioned was smoked with the perfect hint of orange zest and vanilla to round out the bourbon. I would definitely order these cocktails again, and plan to make my own version of the Lemonade for my July 4th BBQ.
Stop #3: The next stop was Las Olas Boulevard’s The Royal Pig Pub. Bartender Shannon Stiles shook up a delicious Monday Morning cocktail featuring Maker’s 46, cold pressed coffee and chocolate bitters in a frosty Martini glass. Sexy! This is a damn good bourbon-tini. His second, wine based, cocktail featured Maker’s Mark Bourbon blended with Cabernet, orange liqueur, cinnamon and a splash of ginger ale. Shannon and the team at The Royal Pig Pub made this stop my favorite experience of the evening.
We ended the tour at American Social, but our Bartender was MIA. We sipped their old fashioned and a fruity bourbon cocktail, but plan to stop back to try their featured cocktails by Bartender Sam Escobar. This tour was the perfect way to taste Maker’s luscious creations offered by three of the best craft bars in town. Shout out to Mike, Paige and Shannon for your delicious libations and Anthony at Beam Suntory for planning this fab bourbon tour. I dreamed all night about bourbon. Cheers!
Renée Korbel Quinn | Mixology & Lifestyle Editor creating unique content for Eye on South Florida. A Downtown Girl Mixing it up in the South Florida scene. The latest in craft cocktails, craft beers and culinary experiences. Read my BITES column in Go Riverwalk Magazine and socialize with me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Photos for Mixologista by MRA Photography. Remember to Drink Responsibly.
