This Saturday, May 20 is World Whiskey Day, which can really be interpreted as an excuse to order your favorite Manhattan or Old Fashioned, but broaden your horizons this weekend and try one of these Valley variations.
Midnight Manhattan
At Blue Grillhouse in Bethlehem, the Midnight Manhattan is a mix of Maker's Mark bourbon, Grand Marnier, white cranberry, sour mix and cherry. Or, try the “New” Fashioned, made with Maker's Mark, sweet vermouth, fresh orange, cherry, soda and bitters.
Too wis-que?
There are so many drinks to choose from at Leaf Restaurant and Cigar Bar in Easton. You may find the Basil Hayden, an aged bourbon whiskey, to your taste, or one of their blended scotch whiskies like the aged Chivas Regal, or a black or blue label Johnnie Walker. And, if whiskey is not your thing, three handcrafted sorbets are available to fill the void. Because sorbet is the whiskey of the dessert world, right? World Sorbet Day, anyone?
The Bell Ringer
The Bell Ringer at Bell Hall in Allentown is a made with Bulleit Bourbon, Bell Hall's house sour mix, and is adorned with cherries and crystallized ginger. It's the perfect company in your belly for the Bell Burger.
Irish Coffee
Coffee with a twist? Yes, please! The Irish Coffee at McCoole's at the Historic Red Lion Inn in Quakertown is a blend of Jameson's Irish whiskey, Irish crème and Crème de Menthe Liqueur. The cocktail is then topped with whipped cream. They also serve espresso, cappuccinos and lattes, if you're looking for a more traditional drink.
BlackBerry Manhattan Transfer
At the Apollo Grill in Bethlehem, the BlackBerry Manhattan Transfer is made with Bulleit Bourbon, blackberry brandy, muddled sweetened blackberries and bitters. It's certainly the berry best way to combine the taste of summer and whiskey.
Raspberry Ricky
The Raspberry Ricky at the Hotel Bethlehem Tap Room is made with Bulleit Bourbon, Chambord and fresh lime. It's a delicious and appropriate cocktail for this holiday, but seating is limited so call ahead for reservations.
Arnold Palmerton
Slopeside Pub and Grill at Blue Mountain Resort offers a Pennsylvanian twist to the classic Arnold Palmer. It's the Arnold Palmerton—get it? This cocktail is made with Bird Dog peach whiskey, unsweetened tea and lemonade. Sit outside to sip and enjoy the view.
Whiskey ‘Round the World
If you're looking for a global selection of whiskey on this World Whiskey Day, look no further than McCarthy's Red Stag Pub and Whiskey Bar in Bethlehem. The American-made Angels Envy, from Louisville, Kentucky, and the rare Glenmorangie Single Malt Whiskey, from Scotland, are just two from their menu. These whiskies will cost a pretty penny, but the Red Stag does offer whiskey tastings once a month for $20 to make every day feel like World Whiskey Day.
Angry Ball
At Copperhead Grille in Center Valley and Allentown, the Angry Ball is made with Fireball Whiskey and Angry Orchard. Or, if you're looking for a happier cocktail, try the Chocolate Manhattan made with Bulleit rye whiskey, maple cinnamon syrup and chocolate bitters.
Fig Maple Old Fashion
At Edge in Bethlehem, the Fig Maple Old Fashion is made with Woodford Reserve muddled figs, maple syrup, black walnut bitters and a bit of orange juice. Or try their featured dueling bourbons: a pomegranate infused Woodford Reserve with muddled chartreuse soaked cherries, brûléed orange and cherry bitters, and a Bulleit bourbon with fresh muddled orange, Amaro-soaked bing cherries and orange bitters.
Roosters Tail
Head to House and Barn for a selection of whiskey concoctions. Have a drink at the Barn and try the Roosters Tail, made with rye whiskey, Amerino cherry and orange muddle, black walnut bitters and orange rind. Then walk to the House for dinner, where you can imbibe in the Maple Manhattan, made with bourbon, Apple Jack, maple syrup, orange essence, dry vermouth and bacon, the Beet Old Fashioned, made with rye whiskey, beet juice, orange, sage syrup and celery bitters, or the Magic Fedora, made with Triple Smoke Whisky, Centennial Hopped Whiskey and Orchard Apricot.
