Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Getting "Jack Wild": Exploring the Versatility of Jack Daniels

With summer behind us, our staff contemplated some subjects to share with our reading audience.  It occurred to us to explore the versatility of one of America's highly flavored spirits, namely, Jack Daniels Whiskey.  Jack Daniels is one of the country's most popular liquors.  It is a sour mash Tennessee Whiskey, which is often filtered through maple charcoal before aging in oak barrels.  This versatile spirit is widely used as much in cooking, as it is in preparing drinks.

Since Jack Daniels' deep, oaky flavor profiles enhance both food and beverage flavors, we encourage you to explore and take liberties with this dynamic cocktail component.  We researched, in an effort to bring you some recipes to try.  We found hundreds of them, using common cocktail building components, and some surprising ones.  We found the recipes to be daring, and bold, and the majority of them were similarly named, in a Not Safe for Work (NSFW) way.  Therefore, in the true spirit of the boldness of Jack Daniels, we encourage you to experiment with your favorite flavors to come up with your own unique recipes.  Try your hand with:
  • Citrus juices
  • Vegetable juices
  • Herbs
  • Soft Drinks
  • Other Hard Liquors
  • Schnapps (any flavor)
  • Flavored or unflavored mineral water
  • Fresh lemonade
  • Wine
  • Beer

As a matter of fact, simply presenting Jack over ice will make an excellent beverage for an impromptu gathering.  Likewise, as you entertain, Jack Daniels with its golden brown color, will look great in almost any type of glass. Our team conducted an online search for Jack Daniels inspired barware, and found as many variations for presentation as we found recipes.  All the more reason to let your imagination fly as you present your beverages to your guests.  For example, serve casually in canning jars, for that "antique, down home" feel.  For upscale dining or entertaining, any standard rock glass or Collins glass will help this liquor and its components catch the light and look stylish as a result.

Again, we encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone to see what the smooth finish of this liquor will do in varied cocktails.  Have fun, get wild with Jack!  But if you need to seek the skills of a professional, keep in mind that you can always look to a mixolgist, like SMS Mixology, for something unique, and services to keep you in the mix with your guests, and not just mixing drinks.  Enjoy responsibly, and remember to entertain with the spirits of style!


Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!