Woodford Spire Cocktail
You know I love a cocktail that is simple and sophisticated. More importantly, I love one that is fail-proof. I do not always have time to hunt for unique ingredients, which is why the Woodford Spire sits right next to my classic mint julep and my bourbon peach tea smash on my short list of bourbon drinks.
My bourbon journey started in Louisville. I spent a weekend at Bourbon & Beyond, had brunch at Porch Bar & Restaurant, and came home with a new appreciation for it. For years, I was strictly a champagne and vodka drinker, so my friends are still surprised.
The Woodford Spire is made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice, finished with a lemon twist. Given that I usually have all three in my pantry, it is the drink I reach for when I host a Kentucky Derby party. On the other hand, it is just as good on an ordinary summer evening with a pitcher of raspberry lemonade on the table for anyone skipping the bourbon.
What Is a Woodford Spire?
In essence, it is a bourbon lemonade with a splash of cranberry, served over crushed ice and finished with a lemon twist.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Woodford Reserve bourbon (1 1/2 ounces). The backbone of the drink.
- Lemonade (2 ounces). Brings the sweetness and the citrus, so no simple syrup is needed.
- Cranberry juice (1 ounce). Adds tartness and the blush color.
- Crushed ice. Chills the drink quickly and gives it the julep-style look.
- Lemon twist. The garnish, and a fresh citrus aroma on top.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
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Mint Julep Cups
The silver cups in my photos. Metal frosts over crushed ice, so the drink stays cold to the last sip.
Double Old Fashioned Glasses
For the guest who wants a glass instead of a cup. The heavy base holds plenty of crushed ice.
Double Jigger
Measures the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice so every glass tastes the same.
Bar Spoons
Long enough to reach the bottom of a julep cup and stir through crushed ice.
Channel Knife
Cuts a long, thin strip of lemon peel for the twist in one pull.
Ice Mallet & Lewis Bag
The easy way to make crushed ice at home. The canvas bag soaks up the melt, so the ice goes in dry.
Glass Serving Pitcher
For the batch of eight. Mix it without ice and keep it in the refrigerator until guests arrive.
Marble Serving Board
Stays cool under frosty cups and gives a round of drinks a pretty place to land.
Linen Cocktail Napkins
Julep cups sweat. A cloth napkin under each one saves your table and your guests’ hands.
Citrus Juicer
For the host who makes lemonade from scratch. It presses a lemon half in one squeeze.
Ice Bucket
Keeps crushed ice ready at the bar, so you can build each drink as guests arrive.
Wooden Serving Tray
Keeps the bottle, cups and garnishes together and carries the whole bar out to the porch.
How To Make a Woodford Spire
Step 1: Fill the Glass
Fill a rocks glass or julep cup with crushed ice.
Step 2: Pour
Add the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice.
Step 3: Stir and Garnish
Stir, then finish with a lemon twist.
To Batch for 8
Combine 12 ounces bourbon, 16 ounces lemonade and 8 ounces cranberry juice in a pitcher. Pour over crushed ice in each glass rather than adding ice to the pitcher, so it does not dilute.
Woodford Spire Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Woodford Reserve bourbon
- 2 ounces lemonade
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- crushed ice
- lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass or julep cup with crushed ice.
- Add the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice.
- Stir, then garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar ā three cocktails worth shaking up next.
Raspberry Bourbon Sangria
A fruit-forward sangria built for slow sipping and easy entertaining.
Pour a Glass ā
Cooper’s Craft Imperial Boulevardier
A spirit-forward sipper with bold, warming character.
Pour a Glass ā
Classic Mint Julep
The Derby Day classic: bourbon, fresh mint and crushed ice in a frosty cup.
Pour a Glass āVariations
Make It a Pitcher
Multiply everything by eight: 12 ounces bourbon, 16 ounces lemonade and 8 ounces cranberry juice in a pitcher. Keep it cold without ice until guests arrive.
Make It Sparkling
For a bubbly lemonade drink, try my lemonade prosecco punch.
Keep the Cranberry, Change the Spirit
My cranberry Moscow mule keeps the tart cranberry and swaps the bourbon for vodka.
Stay With Bourbon
The raspberry bourbon sangria is the one to make for a crowd.
When I Love Serving a Woodford Spire
Derby Day
It sits beside the mint julep for guests who want something lighter. Here is what to wear to the Kentucky Derby and my Derby Day hat and dress picks.
A Backyard Cookout
Lemonade and bourbon are made for warm weather.
A Bridal or Baby Shower
The blush color is pretty on a table. Furthermore, the drink is light enough for an afternoon party.
A Front Porch Happy Hour
Three ingredients means no one is stuck behind the bar.
A Bourbon Tasting Night
Serve it as the easy opener before a stronger pour like the Cooperās Craft Imperial Boulevardier.
Any Summer Dinner Party
Equally important, it can be poured in seconds as guests arrive.
What To Serve With a Woodford Spire
A Southern Spread
The lemonade cuts through anything fried, which is why I pour this with my fried chicken board.
A Board for Grazing
With this in mind, the spring charcuterie board or a cheese platter gives guests something salty to nibble between sips.
A Full Drinks Station
Set it next to a martini board so there is a drink for every guest.
A Louisville-Inspired Menu
Ideas from my dinner at Anoosh Bistro and the Woodford Reserve and Baccarat dinner at Le Colonial.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Serve right away. Crushed ice melts quickly, so build each drink just before serving.
- Batching ahead. Mix the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice without ice and keep the pitcher refrigerated until guests arrive.
- Garnish last. Cut lemon twists shortly before serving so they stay fragrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Woodford Spire?
Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice over crushed ice, with a lemon twist.
Do I need a cocktail shaker?
No. The drink is built and stirred in the glass.
Can I use a different bourbon?
You can, although the drink is named for Woodford Reserve.
What glass should I use?
A rocks glass or a silver julep cup, which keeps it frosty.
Can I make it for a crowd?
Yes. See the pitcher note under How To Make.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this is the bourbon cocktail I recommend to anyone who thinks they do not like bourbon. It is light, it is bright, and, without a doubt, it is one of the easiest drinks I make. As always, please drink responsibly.
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