At Home Cocktail Inspiration
View the Cocktail Recipes below to inspire the at-home bartender in you. Visit our Whiskey Sanctuary Cocktail Lounge to see what we are mixing up.
Salted Carmel Rye Martini
A Sweet Start to Rye January: The Salted Caramel Rye Martini blends the bold spice of San Luis Valley Rye with creamy caramel richness, a touch of sea salt, and an elegant swirl, making it the perfect indulgence to kick off the new year in style.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Laws San Luis Valley Rye
- 1 oz caramel liqueur
- 1/2 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 oz simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 egg white (for the foam)
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions
Start by preparing a chilled coupe or martini glass, optionally drizzling caramel sauce inside for decoration. In a shaker, combine 2 ounces of Laws San Luis Valley Rye, 1 ounce of caramel liqueur, 1/2 ounce of heavy cream, 1/4 ounce of simple syrup (if desired for added sweetness), 1 egg white, and a pinch of sea salt. Shake the mixture vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to create a rich, foamy texture. Next, add ice to the shaker and shake again until the cocktail is well-chilled. Double strain the mixture into the prepared glass to achieve a smooth, creamy drink with a frothy top. For the finishing touch, drizzle a few drops of caramel sauce onto the foam and use a toothpick to swirl it into an artistic design. Serve immediately.
Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
The Cranberry Cinnamon Whiskey Sour is a festive and warming cocktail that perfectly balances the bold richness of bourbon with the tart brightness of cranberry juice and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Laws Four Grain Bourbon
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened for tartness)
- ½ ounce simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Crushed ice
Directions
Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice, then shake bourbon, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker for 30 seconds; strain into the glass and garnish with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
Smoked Rye Harvest
This cocktail is all about cozy autumn flavors, with the apple cider adding sweetness and the smoked rosemary enhancing the rye’s natural spice. The honey syrup rounds it out for a perfectly balanced seasonal drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz apple cider
- ½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Smoked rosemary sprig for garnish
- Dried orange wheel for garnish
- Ice cubes
Directions
In a shaker, combine rye, apple cider, honey syrup, and bitters, then add ice and shake until chilled; strain into a rocks glass over large ice cubes, smoke a rosemary sprig with a torch or match, place it on top of the glass for aroma, and garnish with a dried orange wheel for a perfect fall touch.
San Luis Soar Paper Plane
Take flights with the perfect balance of bold and refreshing flavors with this modern classic
Ingredients
- 1 oz Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- Lemon peel, for garnish
Directions
Begin by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add one ounce of rye whiskey, one ounce of Aperol, one ounce of Amaro Nonino, and one ounce of fresh lemon juice to the shaker. Shake the mixture vigorously until it is well-chilled. Next, strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. For the finishing touch, garnish the drink with a twist of lemon peel. Enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic!
Buffalo Blackberry Smash
Get ready for game day with this refreshing cocktail featuring Ralphie’s Reserve Bourbon. Perfect for cheering on your favorite team on a warm afternoon or summer evening!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Ralphie’s Reserve Bourbon
- 1/2 oz lemon juice (or two lemon wedges, squeezed)
- 2 or 3 blackberries, muddled (Try strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or raspberries for a fun twist!)
- 6 mint leaves, muddled
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz club soda
Directions
Muddle lemon juice, berries, and mint in a shaker.
Add simple syrup and bourbon.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig or a few extra berries.
Cheers to a perfect game day refreshment!
Bourbon Citrus Cooler
A refreshing and vibrant cocktail that perfectly balances the boldness of bourbon with the tangy zest of fresh citrus
Ingredients
- 2 oz Laws Bourbon
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes of angostrua bitters
- top with club soda
Directions
Fill a shaker with ice and add bourbon, orange juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters to the shaker.
Shake well until the mixture is well-chilled and strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with an orange twist.
The Colorado Buck
Or should we say, the Colorado Buffalo—a refreshing choice ideal for a warm afternoon or summer evening
Ingredients
- 2 oz Laws Bourbon
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz ginger beer
- Orange slice, for garnish
Directions
Add Four Grain Bourbon and lime juice into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale and stir to combine.
Mountain Mint Julep
A traditional julep recipe made with our Colorado-made Four Grain Bourbon
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz Laws Whiskey House Four Grain Bourbon
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 10 Mint Leaves
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin. Muddle mint, then shake with ice. Strain over fresh crushed ice into a julep cup or tall glass. Garnish with mint sprigs and enjoy.
The Deshler
A classic similar to the Manhattan but with citrus, complemented wonderfully by our San Luis Valley Rye.
Ingredients
- 2 oz San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey
- 3⁄4 oz Dubonnet Rouge
- 1⁄4 oz Cointreau
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Directions
Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice. Stir to combine. Strain into glass. Garnish with a orange twist and serve.
Horsefeather
A whiskey-cousin to the Moscow Mule, the San Luis Valley Rye Horsefeather hits the spot on a warm summer day
Ingredients
- 2 oz San Luis Valley straight Rye
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Top with Ginger Beer
- Garnish: Lemon Wheel
- Glassware: Mule Mug (Crushed Ice)
DirectionsIn a mule mug combine all ingredients sans ginger beer. Fill about two thirds of the glass with crushed ice. Using a swizzle stick or barspoon, swizzle to combine. Top with more ice and ginger beer. Garnish and serve.
Scofflaw
A prohibition era-classic that delightfully showcases the botanicals of our San Luis Valley Rye
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 oz San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Dry Vermouth
- 3⁄4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1⁄2 oz Grenadine
- 1 Dash Orange Bitters
- Garnish: Expressed Orange Twist
Directions
Combine ingredients in a shaker tin. Add ice. Shake vigorously to combine. Double strain into a glass. Garnish and serve.
Barrel Espression
An espresso martini for whiskey drinkers
Ingredients
- 2 oz Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Espresso
- 1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1/4 oz Simple Syrup
- Garnish: Three Espresso Beans
- Glassware: Coupe
Directions
Combine ingredients in a shaker tin. Add ice. Vigorously shake to combine. Double strain into a coupe. Garnish and serve.
Here Comes the Sun
San Luis Valley Rye complements the earthy and smoky flavors of this Laws original cocktail
Ingredients
- 2oz San Luis Valley Rye
- 3/4oz Smoked Honey Syrup
- 3/4oz lemon Juice
- 3 sage leaves
- 2 slices ginger
- Muddle ginger and sage with lemon and syrup, add whiskey
DirectionsShake with ice, double strain over fresh ice
Garnish with Candied ginger and sage leaf
*Cocktail could also be smoked after instead of smoking the honey syrup
Laws Gold Rush
Indulge in this classic cocktail, elevated with Laws Honey Cask Finished Bourbon, for the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Laws Honey Cask Finished Bourbon
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3/4 ounce honey syrup
DirectionsAdd the bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled rocks glass over one large ice cube. Garnish.
Old Fashioned
The most popular whiskey cocktail featuring our bold and complex Four Grain Bourbon
Ingredients
- 2 oz Four Grain Straight Bourbon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon water
- Garnish: orange twist
DirectionsAdd the sugar and bitters into a mixing glass, then add the water, and stir until the sugar is nearly dissolved.
Fill the mixing glass with ice, add the bourbon, and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
Express the oil of an orange twist over the glass, then drop into the glass to garnish.
Manhattan
A strong and sophisticated cocktail made with the bold pepper spice of our San Luis Valley Rye
Ingredients
- 2 oz San Luis Valley Straight Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Garnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)
DirectionsAdd the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass.
Garnish with a brandied cherry (or a lemon twist, if preferred).
Cinnamon Hot Toddy
Warm up your winter nights with a Laws Rye Hot Toddy, where the bold and spicy notes of our San Luis Valley Rye blend seamlessly with comforting spices, creating a perfect sip of seasonal coziness
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Laws San Luis Valley Rye
- 1/2 oz Honey Syrup
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
- Top with Hot Water
DirectionsPreheat a glass mug with hot water. Discard water and combine ingredients in the emptied mug. Top with hot water. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lemon wheel. Serve and enjoy.
Whiskey Flip
A delightful blend of festive flavors that promises to elevate your seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Laws San Luis Valley Rye
- 3/4 oz Demerara Syrup
- 1 Whole Egg
- 1 Dash Aromatic Bitters
- Garnish: Grated Nutmeg
DirectionsCombine ingredients in a shaker tin. Add ice. Shake to combine. Double strain into a snifter. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. Serve and enjoy.
Bourbon Smash
Simple, classic, and refreshing, our Four Grain Bourbon Smash is the perfect way to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month
Ingredients
- 2 oz Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- 4-5 Mint Leaves
- Garnish: Mint Sprig & Lemon Wheel
DirectionsCombine ingredients in a shaker tin. Add ice. Quickly and vigorously shake to combine, being sure not to overly bruise the mint. Double strain into a rocks glass over freshly cracked ice. Garnish and serve.
Whiskey Sour
Just the right amount of sweetness, citrus, and bourbon make this a warm weather classic
Ingredients
- 2 oz Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 3⁄4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3⁄4 oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Egg White
- Garnish: Angostura Drizzle
- Glassware: Stemmed Sour
DirectionsCombine ingredients in a shaker tin. Dry shake. Add ice. Shake again. Double strain into a stemmed sour glass. Garnish and serve.
Whiskey Rickey
Similar to the Tequila’s Ranch Water, the Whiskey Rickey is as simple as it is refreshing
Ingredients
- 2 oz Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz lime juice
- 4 oz sparkling water
DirectionsIn a highball combine ingredients sans sparkling water. Fill about two thirds of the glass with crushed ice. Using a swizzle stick or barspoon, swizzle to combine. Top with more ice and sparkling water. Garnish and serve.
Rabbit Season
The perfect cocktail to welcome spring
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Laws San Luis Valley Rye
- 3 oz carrot juice
- 3/4 oz 1:1 honey syrup
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a highball glass. Top with crushed ice. Garnish with carrot greens and enjoy.
Vieux Carré
One of our favorite classics, translating to “old square” in French
Ingredients
- 1 oz Laws San Luis Valley Rye
- 1 oz Cognac
- 1/2 oz Benedictine D. O. M.
- 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Directions
Stir with Ice, strain over a large cube in a rocks glass or up in a coup glass. Express lemon peel to garnish.
Four Grain Hot Apple Cider
Nothing says fall in Colorado like spiced cider and bourbon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Laws Four Grain Bourbon
- 4 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz cinnamon simple syrup
- 1/4 oz Licor 43
- 3 dashes cardamom bitters
Directions
Heat up the apple cider in a container. Combine all the ingredients except the apple cider in a mug. Add the hot apple cider to the glass, stir, and enjoy.
Drink to Fall
ingredients
- 1/2 oz Four Grain Sraight Bourbon
- 1/2 oz pear brandy
- 1/2 oz lemon
- 1/4 oz rosemary simple (see below)
- 2 oz spicy ginger beer
directions
Pour all ingredients except for ginger beer, into a cocktail shaker and shake. Pour into a collins glass, then pour ginger beer on top. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Rosemary simple: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup of water 3-4 sprigs of rosemary. Bring all contents to a boil til sugar is dissolved. Take off heat and let the herbs steep until cool. Store in the fridge.