Kentucky Kiss Cocktail – Bourbon Valentine Cocktail

If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both romantic and packed with flavor, the Kentucky Kiss Cocktail is the perfect choice for Valentine’s Day. This bourbon-based drink combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the tang of lemon, and the rich depth of bourbon to create a sophisticated yet approachable drink. A splash of maple syrup adds a touch of warmth and sweetness, while a dash of club soda gives the cocktail a refreshing effervescence. Whether you’re planning a cozy evening with your partner or hosting a Valentine’s Day celebration with friends, the Kentucky Kiss Cocktail is sure to impress with its bold flavors and romantic flair.

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

1. Perfect for Bourbon Lovers

The Kentucky Kiss is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys the rich, smoky flavor of bourbon. It allows the bourbon to shine while balancing it with fresh and sweet ingredients.

2. Refreshing and Light

Thanks to the lemon juice and splash of club soda, this cocktail offers a refreshing, crisp taste, making it a great option for a Valentine’s Day toast.

3. Sweet and Fruity

The combination of fresh strawberries and maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, without being overwhelming. It’s a nice balance to the stronger bourbon flavor.

4. Simple and Elegant

With only a few ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make but still looks elegant. Its pinkish hue and fresh strawberry garnish make it a beautiful drink for any romantic occasion.

5. Versatile for Different Occasions

While it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, the Kentucky Kiss Cocktail is a great year-round option for parties, casual gatherings, or as a special treat for yourself after a long day.

Ingredients

• 2 large fresh strawberries, sliced
• ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
• ½ ounce maple syrup
• 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
• Splash of club soda
• Fresh strawberry, for garnish

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or muddle in a slice of jalapeño for a spicy twist to the sweet and fruity flavor.
• Honey Sweetener: Substitute maple syrup with honey for a slightly different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with bourbon.
• Berry Mix: Use a combination of berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, in place of strawberries for a more complex, tangy flavor.
• No Bourbon Version: For a non-alcoholic option, replace the bourbon with sparkling water or iced tea for a lighter version of the Kentucky Kiss.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Muddle the Strawberries

In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh strawberry slices. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, muddle the strawberries gently to release their juice.

Step 2: Add Lemon Juice, Maple Syrup, and Bourbon

To the muddled strawberries, add the fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and bourbon whiskey. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. A fine mesh strainer works well to ensure no strawberry pulp gets into the drink.

Step 4: Add Club Soda

Top the cocktail with a splash of club soda for some fizz and lightness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim of the glass or drop it into the drink for a beautiful, festive touch. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Cocktail

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and fresh lemon juice are key to making this cocktail taste vibrant and refreshing.
• Shake Well: Make sure to shake the cocktail thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled before serving.
• Chill the Glass: For an even more refreshing experience, chill your glass before serving by filling it with ice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a little more, or if you like it less sweet, reduce the amount.

How to Serve

Serve the Kentucky Kiss Cocktail in a stemmed glass, such as a coupe or martini glass, to add a touch of elegance. It pairs beautifully with light appetizers, cheese platters, or chocolate desserts like fondue or truffles. This cocktail is perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner or as a signature drink at a romantic gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the strawberry-mapping syrup mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just add the bourbon, lemon juice, and ice, then top with club soda.

Freezing

You can freeze the strawberry and maple syrup mixture in an ice cube tray for easy portioning. Simply pop out the cubes and add bourbon and lemon juice when you’re ready for a quick cocktail.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled cocktail, there’s no need to reheat it. Just shake with fresh ice when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits in this cocktail?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for different flavors. Just muddle them as you would with the strawberries.

2. Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Yes! You can omit the bourbon and use sparkling water or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a mocktail version.

3. Can I make a batch of this cocktail ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberry and maple syrup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add the bourbon, lemon juice, ice, and club soda when ready to serve.

4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey, agave syrup, or even simple syrup in place of maple syrup. Each will slightly change the flavor, but they’ll still complement the bourbon.

5. How do I make this cocktail more or less sweet?

You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of maple syrup. Start with the recommended amount and taste-test before serving.

6. Can I use a different type of whiskey?

While bourbon is traditional, you can experiment with other whiskeys like rye whiskey or even a spiced whiskey for a different twist.

7. Can I make this cocktail in a pitcher for a crowd?

Yes, you can scale up the recipe to make a larger batch. Just mix the strawberry, maple syrup, lemon juice, and bourbon in a pitcher, then pour individual servings over ice and top with club soda.

8. What glass should I serve this in?

The Kentucky Kiss Cocktail is best served in a coupe or martini glass for an elegant presentation, but any glass will do if you’re looking for a more casual vibe.

9. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is ideal for the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch.

10. How can I make this cocktail less fizzy?

If you prefer a less fizzy drink, simply reduce the amount of club soda, or skip it altogether for a more concentrated flavor.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Kiss Cocktail is the perfect Valentine’s Day drink, combining the smooth, rich flavor of bourbon with the sweet freshness of strawberries and maple syrup. With its light and refreshing finish, this cocktail is ideal for sipping during a romantic dinner or serving at a festive gathering. Easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, the Kentucky Kiss is sure to win over hearts on Valentine’s Day and beyond!

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