Sip & Vibe SLC The Art of Bourbon: Luxury Bourbon Mixology Experience

Duration: 90–120 Minutes

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Class Overview

Discover why bourbon has become America’s signature whiskey while learning professional bartending techniques used in today’s best cocktail bars. Throughout this interactive experience, guests will learn the history of bourbon, understand what makes bourbon unique, master proper shaking and stirring techniques, and create four iconic bourbon cocktails from scratch.

By the end of class, each guest will have the confidence to recreate premium bourbon cocktails at home while gaining a deeper appreciation for one of America’s most celebrated spirits.

What You’ll Learn

• The history of bourbon

• What legally makes a whiskey “bourbon”

• The difference between bourbon and whiskey

• Understanding mash bills

• Choosing the right bourbon for cocktails

• Professional bartending tools

• Proper ice selection

• Stirring vs. shaking

• Egg white emulsification

• Smoking cocktails safely

• Espresso cocktail balancing

• Garnishing techniques

• Cocktail presentation

A Brief History of Bourbon

Bourbon is America’s native spirit, with its roots dating back to the late 1700s in Kentucky. Early settlers discovered that aging corn-based whiskey in charred oak barrels transformed the spirit into something smoother, richer, and more complex.

Today, bourbon is protected by U.S. law and must meet strict production standards. To legally be called bourbon, it must:

• Be made in the United States

• Contain at least 51% corn

• Be aged in new charred American oak barrels

• Be distilled to no more than 160 proof

• Enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof

• Be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof

• Contain no added flavors or coloring

Despite its strong association with Kentucky, bourbon can be produced anywhere in the United States as long as it follows these rules.

The charring process caramelizes the inside of the oak barrel, creating the rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, baking spices, and smoke that bourbon is famous for.

Cocktail 1

Smoked Old Fashioned

Cocktail History

Created in the early 1800s, the Old Fashioned is considered one of the world’s original cocktails. Modern bartenders often enhance it with aromatic smoke, adding another layer of complexity without overpowering the bourbon.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon

• ¼ oz Rich Simple Syrup (2:1)

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• Orange Peel

• Large Clear Ice Cube

• Cherry (optional)

• Oak Smoking Chips

Equipment

• Mixing Glass

• Bar Spoon

• Jigger

• Hawthorne Strainer

• Rocks Glass

• Cocktail Smoker or Smoking Cloche

• Torch

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.

2. Add bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters.

3. Stir for 20–30 seconds.

4. Strain over a large ice cube.

5. Express an orange peel over the drink.

6. Smoke the cocktail for 20–30 seconds.

7. Serve immediately.

Cocktail 2

Egg White Whiskey Sour

Cocktail History

Dating back to the mid-1800s, the Whiskey Sour became famous for balancing whiskey with citrus and sweetness. Adding egg white creates the luxurious foam found in many premium cocktail bars.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon

• ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• ¾ oz Simple Syrup

• 1 Egg White

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters (for garnish)

Equipment

• Boston Shaker

• Hawthorne Strainer

• Fine Mesh Strainer

• Coupe Glass

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients without ice.

2. Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

3. Add ice.

4. Shake another 15 seconds.

5. Double strain into a coupe glass.

6. Garnish with bitters

Cocktail 3

Arnold Palmer Mule

Cocktail History

The Arnold Palmer—named after the legendary golfer—is one of America’s most iconic non-alcoholic beverages, combining iced tea and lemonade into a crisp, refreshing drink. This elevated twist pairs those classic flavors with smooth bourbon and spicy ginger beer, creating a cocktail that’s bright, balanced, and perfect for warm-weather entertaining.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon

• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

• 1 oz Freshly Brewed Black Tea (cooled)

• ½ oz Simple Syrup (optional, adjust to taste)

• 3–4 oz Ginger Beer

• Lemon Wheel

• Fresh Mint Sprig (optional)

Equipment

• Jigger

• Bar Spoon

• 12 oz Highball Glass or Copper Mule Mug

• Ice Scoop

Instructions

1. Fill a highball glass or mule mug with fresh ice.

2. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, black tea, and simple syrup.

3. Stir gently to combine.

4. Top with chilled ginger beer.

5. Give the cocktail one gentle stir.

6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a fresh mint sprig.

Cocktail 4

Bourbon Espresso Martini

Cocktail History

Inspired by the modern espresso martini, this bourbon variation replaces vodka with bourbon to create a richer cocktail featuring notes of caramel, chocolate, vanilla, and coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Bourbon

• 1/2 oz Fresh Espresso

  1/4 oz Coffee Liqueur

• ¼ oz Vanilla Simple Syrup

• 2 dashes Chocolate Bitters (optional)

Equipment

• Boston Shaker

• Hawthorne Strainer

• Fine Mesh Strainer

• Coupe Glass

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.

2. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.

3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

4. Garnish with three coffee beans.