Slow Sippers with Bulleit Bourbon

For a few of us, slowing down might involve a cocktail at the end of whatever it is we might be up to that day—bullfighting, making a magazine, a hard day at the lumberyard, etc. Continuing on with the Whalebone x Bulleit recipe series, we asked ambassador Kait Whitenack for a few different slow scenarios that might pair well with a bourbon cocktail. But what doesn’t, really?

How did you find Bulleit and what do you do for the company?

Portrait of Kait Whitenack, Bulleit ambassador, in an orange halftone pattern.

I initially found Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye in my days behind the stick. My classic Old Fashioned recipe was always a split base between those two Bulleit spirits with orange and aromatic bitters and a dash of simple syrup. It’s perfect. I was working in a tequila bar, slinging whiskey Old Fashioned cocktails left and right.

Then a few years later, I saw a position come up in Atlanta to be a cultural ambassador. So … I applied. My whole career was spent in hospitality and I even had to Google what a brand ambassador position would entail if I somehow got lucky enough to get the position. (Hint: It means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.) I can happily say that after four interviews over four months, I’ve now been working on behalf of Bulleit for almost four years. Time flies when you’re doing what you love and sipping some damn fine whiskey.

Give Peach A Chance

I’m from the South and this cocktail is the quintessential slow, afternoon sipper while sitting on the front porch and listening to the cicadas sing. The sparkling water offers a refreshing break from the heat while adding an extra layer of flavor with some of the finest Georgia peaches.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Bulleit Rye
1.5 oz peach shrub
.25 oz lemon juice
4 oz sparkling water
Glass: Collins
Garnish: peach slice (could add mint sprig too for a pop of color)

Mi Sherry Amor

Pairs well after a long shift

I love a Manhattan cocktail. My favorite variation is with our distinguished Bulleit 10 Year Old (offering soft oak notes plus lots of caramel from the aging process) paired with the finesse of a Spanish sherry. It’s the perfect way to decompress and treat yourself to a little something special after a long shift.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Bulleit 10-Year-Old
.50 oz Amontillado sherry
2 dashes of aromatic bitters
Glass: coupe (or rocks glass w/ big cube)
Garnish: orange peel + Luxardo cherry

Shelby County Affogato

Pairs well with dessert

This “cocktail” truly combines all of my favorite things. The spiciness from the bourbon, delicate fruit notes from amaro, chocolate bitters, vanilla ice cream and espresso. What’s not to love? A symphony of flavors for any sweet tooth out there and the ultimate nightcap.