Start the summer off right with Wild Turkey American Honey (+recipe) [classic article]

So, you love bourbon, but you’re hankering for a new flavor and the classic mixed drinks won’t do (Manhattan, Bourbon and Coke, etc.). Or, you’re bar funds are stretched and you like the idea of something that great in cocktails or on its own as an after-dinner drink. Here’s Wild Turkey American Honey to the rescue! I was happy to be hosted to experience it.

It’s golden honey in color, presented in a fun-looking bottle with a turkey on it. It’s lighter weight than many sweet liqueurs (not syrupy like Grand Marnier, for instance), so it’s more versatile. I noticed a distinct brown sugar and candied orange peel nose, with sweet honey/candied orange peel/vanilla style bourbon flavors. There’s a slight bit of spice from the alcohol, but not burning. It’s very smooth!

This is what they say about it:

Made with real honey, American Honey is a Wild Turkey-based liqueur that gives an exceptionally smooth and sweet flavor experience. It is softer on the palette than our straight bourbons, though still packs a punch as its citrus and caramel notes warm you from the inside.

The Bourbon flavor is obvious, but dialed down, allowing the smooth honey texture and aroma to come to the fore. After swallowing the 71-proof product, you can expect an extremely long finish, as if your mouth were coated with bourbon infused honey.

American Honey is perfect for mixing and enjoyed in a wide range of exciting cocktails or tailor-made shots.

Here’s a recipe incorporating American Honey, the original honey-infused Bourbon created by legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell in 1976, the American Honey Lemonade is an easy-to-make upgraded classic that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients:

2 parts American Honey

1 part Fresh Lemon Juice

1 part Simple Syrup

Directions:

Combine ingredients in pitcher, stir and add ice. Garnish with lemon wheels.