Maker’s Mark Bourbon

About Maker’s Mark Bourbon

Maker’s Mark Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that is produced in Loretto, Kentucky by Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc. It is a small-batch bourbon whiskey that is known for its distinctive red wax-sealed bottle and smooth taste.

Maker’s Mark is made from a mash bill of corn, malted barley, and red winter wheat, which gives it a unique flavor profile compared to other bourbons. The wheat content in the mash bill makes the whiskey smoother and less spicy than traditional bourbons that use rye. The whiskey is distilled to a lower proof than many other bourbons and is aged for around six years in charred, new American oak barrels to give it its distinct flavor.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon has a caramel color and a nose of vanilla, caramel, and oak. On the palate, it has a smooth and creamy texture with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice. It has a medium finish with a slight sweetness.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in classic bourbon cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon pairs well with a variety of foods, including:

1. Grilled meats: The smoky and charred flavors of grilled meats, such as steak, pork chops, or ribs, complement the rich and slightly sweet flavors of Maker’s Mark Bourbon.
2. BBQ: The sweet and tangy flavors of barbecue sauce and the charred flavors of grilled or smoked meats pair well with the smooth and slightly sweet taste of Maker’s Mark Bourbon.
3. Dark chocolate: The sweetness of dark chocolate and the caramel and vanilla notes in Maker’s Mark Bourbon create a delicious and decadent pairing.
4. Cheese: Sharp or aged cheeses, such as cheddar, Gouda, or blue cheese, pair well with Maker’s Mark Bourbon. The rich and complex flavors of the cheese complement the smooth and sweet flavors of the bourbon.
5. Caramelized desserts: Maker’s Mark Bourbon pairs well with desserts that feature caramel, such as crème brûlée, caramel flan, or bread pudding. The caramel notes in the dessert enhance the caramel and vanilla notes in the bourbon.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some common ways to enjoy Maker’s Mark Bourbon:

1. Neat: This means serving the bourbon at room temperature in a glass without any mixers or ice. This allows you to fully appreciate the aroma and taste of the bourbon.
2. On the rocks: This means serving the bourbon over ice in a glass. This can help to mellow out the flavors of the bourbon and make it more refreshing.
3. With a splash of water: Adding a splash of water to your bourbon can help to open up the flavors and aromas of the whiskey.
4. In a cocktail: Maker’s Mark Bourbon is a popular ingredient in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. It can also be used in many other cocktails that call for whiskey, such as the Whiskey Sour or Mint Julep.

When serving Maker’s Mark Bourbon, it’s important to use the right glassware. A rocks glass or tumbler is the most common glassware used for serving bourbon, but you can also use a snifter or Glencairn glass to enhance the aroma of the bourbon.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails, as well as used in cooking and baking. Here are some common mixers and ingredients that pair well with Maker’s Mark Bourbon:

1. Ginger ale or beer: Maker’s Mark Bourbon is often mixed with ginger ale or ginger beer for a refreshing and slightly spicy cocktail.
2. Citrus juice: The sweet and slightly tart flavors of citrus juices, such as lemon, lime, or orange juice, pair well with the caramel and vanilla notes of Maker’s Mark Bourbon.
3. Sweet vermouth: Maker’s Mark Bourbon is a popular ingredient in classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Boulevardier, which call for sweet vermouth.
4. Bitters: Bitters are a common ingredient in cocktails that feature Maker’s Mark Bourbon, such as the Old Fashioned and Sazerac.
5. Maple syrup or honey: The sweetness of maple syrup or honey pairs well with the rich and slightly sweet flavors of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, making it a popular ingredient in cocktails and desserts.
6. Chocolate or coffee: Maker’s Mark Bourbon is often used in desserts and cocktails that feature chocolate or coffee, as the flavors complement each other well.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Cocktail Recipes

5 Classic Cocktail Recipes

Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and add a few drops of water.
2. Muddle the sugar and water until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon and bitters to the glass and stir well.
4. Add a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.

Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters to the mixing glass and stir well.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Mint Julep

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice

Instructions:

1. Place the mint leaves in a julep cup or glass and muddle gently.
2. Add the simple syrup and Maker’s Mark Bourbon to the glass and stir well.
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir again.
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker and shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Boulevardier

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• Orange peel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari to the mixing glass and stir well.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

5 Modern Cocktail Recipes

Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz maple syrup
• Egg white
• Applewood chips
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white to the shaker and shake well.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Lightly burn a few applewood chips and place them in the glass for a smoky aroma.

Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned with Spiced Cherry Syrup

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 1/2 oz spiced cherry syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon, spiced cherry syrup, and bitters to the mixing glass and stir well.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

Maker’s Mark Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 4 oz fresh lemonade
• 1/2 oz triple sec
• Lemon wheel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon, fresh lemonade, and triple sec to the glass and stir well.
3. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Maker’s Mark Boulevardier with Fig and Vanilla

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari
• 1/2 oz fig and vanilla syrup
• Orange peel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon, sweet vermouth, Campari, and fig and vanilla syrup to the mixing glass and stir well.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with an orange peel.

Maker’s Mark Peach Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
• 4 oz fresh brewed peach tea
• 1/2 oz honey syrup
• Lemon wheel
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the Maker’s Mark Bourbon, fresh brewed peach tea, and honey syrup to the glass and stir well.
3. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Maker's Mark Bourbon