Whiskey is an incredible beverage. It can have notes of citrus, hints of dried fruit, it can be smoky, it can be spicy — it can be anything you want it to be. Given the spirit’s undeniable glory, it should come as no surprise that World Whiskey Day is a thing, and that thing just happens to be this Saturday.
And since whiskey makes an appearance in virtually every episode of AMC’s hit show Mad Men, it makes perfect sense that World Whiskey Day would share a weekend with the show’s final episode (Sunday, 10PM ET on AMC).
Many of us at The Manual are enamored with Mad Men. The style, the drinks, the smart dialogue, and high-minded themes have fascinated us for seven seasons. We’re sad to see it go, but we’re excited for what will surely be an excellent finale.
Related: Here’s How To Make Your Own Cinnamon-Infused Whiskey
Will Don leave the pressures of the East behind him for good? Will he salvage some kind of redemption from his years of boozing and womanizing? Well, whatever happens, you’ll probably want a glass of whiskey in your hand as you watch it unfold.
Another thing about whiskey is it’s the perfect drink for both mourning and celebrating. The folks at Jack Daniels, the legendary American whiskey distillers, have created four beer and whiskey cocktails to help us mourn the end of Mad Men and celebrate the beginning of summer.
1. Fiery Buck
- 1 1/2 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire
- 3/4 oz Fresh Citrus Mix
- 3 oz Ginger Beer
Directions: Shake Tennessee Fire with citrus mix. Stain over ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a cherry.
2. Firewater
- 1 1/2 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire
- 1 oz White Peach Puree
- Irish Style Red Ale
Directions: Shake Tennessee Fire with puree. Strain over ice in a pint glass and top with ale. Garnish with a peach or orange slice.
3. Blvd. of Broken Dreams
- 1 oz Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
Directions: Combine all 3 ingredients in an old fashioned glass. Stir and garnish with a lemon twist.
4. Don the Beachcomber
- 1 1/2 oz Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
- 1 oz Pineapple syrup
- 1/2 oz Fresh Orange
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime
- Sea Salt
Directions: Shake all but salt and strain over ice in a salt-rimmed old fashioned glass. Garnish with orange twist.
