Shoes N Booze: George Dickel Whiskey

Do the Rye Thing...

It finally feels like spring in the New York area, and you know what that means... it's Rosé season! I've been obsessed with rye whiskey lately, and rosé is one of my favorite wines, so I figured mixing them would make a tasty sangria. I was right! The resulting Sang-RYE-a is a simple recipe featuring George Dickel Rye Whiskey that's perfect for home-hosted spring brunches with the girls.

A Shoes N Booze original cocktail with Rose and Rye

I Prefer to let the fruit soak up the rye for an hour or so before adding other ingredients. Then I add the rosé, raw sugar and coconut water.

Here's the complete recipe (4 servings per pitcher):

SangRYE-a

Ingredients
8oz George Dickel Rye
12 oz cocnut water
1 bottle rosé
3/4 a medium peach, diced
1 small nectarine, diced
1/8 medium papaya diced
2 tablespoons raw sugar

Method
Add fruit, sugar and George Dickel Rye to a pitcher. Let sit for an hour or more. Add coconut water and rosé. Stir with bar spoon or wooden mixing spoon. Enjoy!

Those who like their drinks a bit sweeter may want to add more sugar or coconut water to taste. Do you have a favorite spring drink that features rye? If you try this at home, I'd love to know your thoughts and the ways you put your own spin on it in the comments.

**Disclosure: I am working in partnership with thebar.com brand and I am receiving rewards for my participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. Drink is intended for those whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly!

Have A Whiskey Print via BentonParkPrints on Etsy

My friends often say I drink like an old man during fall and winter because I prefer to sip whiskey neat when the temps drop. However, Master of Whiskey, Gina Unverferth sees it differently. As one of the top women in whiskey, she'll quickly tell you that a predilection for the robust flavor or the grain-based spirit is not mutually exclusive of a penchant for wearing heels and lip gloss. There is a reason behind the thought that whiskey sipping is a man's sport, though. "Because of the temperance movement and whiskey being served in brothels, women started getting a bad wrap when associated with whiskey," says Unverferth.

I recently had the opportunity to talk whiskey with Gina while she whipped up a Manitoba, one of her favorite cocktails featuring Crown Royal Maple Finish. (Recipe is at the bottom of this post.) Since Polar Vortex has descended upon us, I figured this is the perfect time to share what I learned.

Gina building a Manitoba

S&B: What originally drew you to whiskey, and what keeps you coming back for more?

GU: I first fell in love with whiskey as a tap dancer, with post show toasts with fellow dancers, musicians, and crew. From there, I started developing my palate and continue to love finding new liquids that I'm in love with.

S&B: Why is whiskey so great for chilly weather sipping?

GU: Whiskey has many warm notes on the nose and palate. From a toasted nuttiness to rich toffee and vanilla to a smokiness – all great flavors on a cold day!

S&B: What type of whiskey is the best to try for a novice- especially a female novice?

GU: I would start with a smooth bourbon as it tends to be sweeter because it is corn based. From there, one can explore whether they want something spicier, smokier, or what flavor profile they are searching for.

S&B: I’m sure Shoes N Booze readers would love a few tips. Based on flavor preference, what would you suggest as a whiskey entry point?

GU: A. Sweet drinks: Old Fashioned

B. Bitter and smooth: Manhattan

C. Something warm: Hot Irish Punch (Hot Toddy)

D. Bright and Fresh: Whiskey Smash

S&B: What are 3 types of whiskey a home bar needs, and what brand do you suggest?

GU: A. Bourbon: Bulleit Bourbon

B. Rye: George Dickel Rye Whiskey

C. Scotch: Oban or Johnnie Walker Platinum