Jerry Thomas , 1830-85, is widely known as “The Father of American Mixology”

Author Charles Dickens was very impressed with his visit to Cincinnati with Edmund Dexter.  He wrote, “Cincinnati is a beautiful city, cheerful, thriving, and animated.  I have not often seen a place that commends itself so favorably and pleasantly to a stranger at the first glance as this does.”

Doug & Joe’s favorite way to drink Dexter is neat or over ice.  

However, having Dexter in a cocktail is awesome.  The recipes below include Dexter Three Wood, but you can use any of the Limited Edition Small Batch Dexter Whiskeys – Wheat or Rye.  Cheers!

1862 Old Fashioned         

Jerry Thomas 1862

   2 oz  Dexter Bourbon to Taste – Three Wood or Wheat

  13 drops of 1862 Bitters or dash of other Bitters

   1 tsp. Simple Syrup

Combine all ingredients in a glass, stir for 10 revolutions.  Add ice to a glass. Strain  cocktail over the fresh ice.

Garnish with a lemon peel.

Note: A modern twist to this recipe is to use 1/2 tsp. of Simple Syrup.

Dexter Manhattan

The Manhattan is a classic cocktail from the 1800s.  Our Dexter version is brighter, fresher, and perfect for a summer evening by the fire.

   2 oz Dexter Bourbon to Taste – Small Batch Rye or Three Wood

   1/2 oz Dry Vermouth (Dolin)

   1/2 oz Grand Marnier

   13 drops 1862 Bitters or 1 dash Angostura

Add ice and shake for 13 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass.

Garnish with Maraschino Cherry.

Prince of Wales Cocktail

In 1860, the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII) visited Edmund Dexter at his home in Cincinnati.  During his visit, he is thought to have created his signature cocktail.

     2 oz Dexter Three Wood Bourbon

     1 tsp. Simple Syrup

     1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

     1 tsp. Pineapple Juice

     1/2 tsp. Maraschino liquor

     Champagne to top (or 7-Up/Sprite)

     Lemon Twist to garnish

Add ingredients into a shaker and shake for 12 seconds.  Serve in a chilled coup glass or in an old fashioned glass with fresh ice.

Charles Dickens Bourbon Smash

In 1842, Charles Dickens visited Edmund Dexter at his home in Cincinnati.  While there, he enjoyed a cocktail that he loved so much he sent it to fellow writer, Washington Irving.  The drink is a cross between a mint julep and a sour.

     2 oz Dexter Three Wood

     1/2 oz Orange Juice

     1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

     5 Mint Leaves

     1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Add ingredients into a shaker and shake for 12 seconds.  Serve in a chilled coup glass or in an old fashioned glass with fresh ice.

Mint Julep

Jerry Thomas 1862

   2 oz  Dexter Three Wood

   1/2 oz Simple Syrup

   5 sprigs Mint

   Optional Splash of Soda Water

Muddle Bourbon, syrup & mint in a shaker.  Next, add ice and shake for 12 seconds.  Pack a julep cup with fresh shaved ice.  Strain cocktail over the fresh ice.

Garnish with mint.

Note:  You can modify this to make a Pineapple or Strawberry Julep.  When you muddle the Bourbon, syrup and mint, add your fruit choice.  Follow the instructions and garnish with the fruit.

Whiskey Daisy

Jerry Thomas 1862

   2 oz  Dexter Three Wood 

   1/2 oz Pineapple Juice

   1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

   1/2 oz Orgeat (Almond Syrup)

   1/2 oz Simple Syrup

   1 tsp Rose’s Grenadine

Combine ingredients and shake.  Then strain into an old fashioned glass with fresh ice.  Garnish with a lemon peel.