Julie Reiner of the Flatiron Lounge Launches New Basil Hayden's Cocktails

by Annie Scott (RSS feed)
Jul 9th 2010 at 9:02AM

Expert mixologist and owner of Manhattan's iconic Flatiron Lounge Julie Reiner wants you to drink bourbon all summer long.

Reiner has created two new cocktails using Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a spirit she has loved since the age of 18 (scandal!). "I started working in a restaurant in Waikiki when I was 18, and I wanted to know what I was serving. I've always thought Basil Hayden's was very mixable. It's spicy, and that flavor comes through in the cocktail."

Basil Hayden's is indeed spicy, and has twice the rye of regular bourbons. Most notably, the body and flavor are significantly lighter than other bourbons or whiskeys, with a kindly alcohol quantity of just 80 proof. Bourbon and whiskey can sound a bit heavy for summertime imbibing, but after trying it for the first time myself on Wednesday, I'd say Basil Hayden's is remarkably refreshing, and I can see why Reiner chose it for Flatiron Lounge's summer menu.

"I knew it was going to be hot," said Reiner, "and most people equate bourbon with winter; a drink to 'warm you up.'" Her latest creations will change your mind:

Kentucky Buck

Basil Hayden's Bourbon
Lemon Juice
Pineapple Juice
Simple Syrup
Ginger Beer
Garnish: Lemon Wheel & Candied Ginger

Sir Hayden's Smash (pictured)

Basil Hayden's Bourbon
Cio Ciaro Amaro
Fresh Lemon Juice
Garnish: Mint Sprig and a Blackberry (not the phone)

Both are fresh and tangy -- not too sweet -- and the lower alcohol content of the bourbon means that drinking a couple outside on a hot afternoon won't ruin your day. "Give me something I can walk down the street after," joked Reiner.

Tags: Basil Hayden, Basil Haydens Bourbon, bourbon, cocktail recipe, cocktail recipes, cocktails, Flatiron Lounge, Julie Reiner, mixologist, mixology