House of Bren: 7 Must-Have Bourbon Cocktails for Boss Babes

If you’re reading this, you probably appreciate life behind a hustling solopreneuer. That is, a woman in charge of everything she does in the way of making her cash flow increase. Short of answered prayers we lift up daily, the magic we conjure up, create and execute comes from our relentless effort and unparalleled commitment to being amazing. The chica who knows and lives by her passions. The woman takes her passion and makes a career our of it. In that career she calls her own shots. She knows to invite an RFP. She knows how to design it. She knows her worth. She negotiates like a bad ass. She gets the account. Her confidence is sexy and commands your attention.

She is a Boss Babe.

And for every boss babe, especially the ones rocking a slick hair-do and timeless shoes, there’s a Bourbon cocktail waiting for her to sip on.

The Boss Babe wasn’t born appreciating Bourbon. Her experiences and earned respect shaking hands with the other big boys and girls led her to understand the sexy in sipping a libation as strong and sophisticated as she is. Much like her growing strength in her career and personal life, her affinity for strong, more profound cocktails entered her repertoire.

For the woman managing life like a boss, here are 7 Key Bourbon drinks you should become familiar with and enjoy with your perfectly manicured hands.

If you happen to be in the D.C.-area, these are some options from some of my fave restaurants and cocktail bars.

They don’t disappoint.

The classic of classics, this simple but very worthy drink will keep you seated at the grown man’s table every time. Try the Manhattan, too, which is very similar and just as famous, only it’s made with Vermouth instead of simple syrup and is garnished with a Marshicano cherry.

A classic will never fail you.

WHERE

Quarter & Glory – a chic cocktail bar serving up some of the best drinks in the city. Ask for an Old Fashion with Mezcal, a brilliant idea my sis Lesa enjoyed with me. You can thank us later. Order their chicken tenders while you’re at it.

A beautiful apple whiskey cocktail designed by one single lady, Samantha Whithall at the Hamilton, this is one glass you want to enjoy first if you’re out for the night of exploring Bourbons. It’s light enough to enjoy two but that’s not to suggest you chug it down like Kewl Aide. The apples used in this Whiskey are marinated in an American white oak barrel to oxidize and ultimately bring out hints of apricots and raisins. The juice from the apples stains the interior of the barrels, resulting in a seductive cognac-colored spirit.

The added touch to this drink is the turbando sugar rim which adds texture to one side. Sip on whichever side you like depending on your need for a silky or rough experience. You’re a Boss Babe… you can handle it either way.

Don’t let the light and airy color of this one fool you. 2 ounces of a good Bourbon Whiskey like Rowan’s Creek will creep up on you fast and with a fury. You don’t want to sip it too fast or too slow. Smaller cubes will water it down quicker than a more sophisticated presentation as in the one below; but do be mindful…Bourbon is definitely there.

This is for the strong-hearted gal. Three ingredients is all it takes to have you ready for the next big idea. What makes this fashionable drink so gorgeous is the rich color offered up by a splash of beautiful Port. In this case, less is more. And more is powerful. Take your sweet time sipping this.

WHERE

The Hamilton is one of my favorite bars in D.C. It’s always crowded and finding a stool can be tricky but if you can squeeze in right at the top of happy hour, go for it. You’ll get a premium seat and more than likely be served with white glove service by Sean. He is by far the best mixologist (not to be confused with bartender) you’ll ever meet. 30+ years shaking it up in the spirits industry renders him the creme de lá creme in making true cocktails. He knows all the bitters. Can discern and articulate flavor and notes in a plethora of spirits, not just Bourbons. He’s very nuanced. A 90-minute tasting with him introduced me to ideas I’d never pondered. And I have a lot of them. If Sean’s not around, you’ll be in great hands with Dan. He makes me a black Manhattan.

But that’s for us only ;).

Check out these three amazing libations as part of their new fall menu, full of exotic cocktails and always a column choice of classics with staying power.

If you’re new to Bourbon, try a Smash. The name can be a bit deceiving. It’s not a neat drink, rather heavy on ice. It’s not as sweet at as something like the District Cider or event the UP Rowan’s Creek, but it fancys with any classic Bourbon mixed drink.

WHERE

Ozzie’s (part of the local Great American Restaurant Group) in Fairfax has a really fun bar staff. Gonzalo is always glad in an Italian sports jersey and will always indulge your palate. If you’re not fully satisfied, he’ll hook you up until it’s right. Their cocktail menu is well-rounded with a two Bourbon options — this and the Blood Orange Bourbon. Try that one for a different take on the Smash. For $10.50, it’s one of the best bargains I’ve enjoyed.

This is by far the second best Bourbon drink I’ve had to date. I’m an Old Fashion and Manhattan kind of babe. But when my brother invited me out to lunch a few months back and suggested I try their Spice Rack, I found myself peddaling my bike just for a glass. This is sheer genius. Copious but not overpowering dashes of herbal bitters makes this a drink for foodies. It’s well balanced and will fool you. At first, it seems it’s too sweet and could use a bit more Bourbon. Don’t ask for more as I once did. The small glass is packed with a powerful punch. By all means sip this one as a snail’s pace. The big cube allows you to take your time.

The spirit isn’t going anywhere.

I love this drink for its simplicity. The aroma of the fresh basil, which is smacked to life has relaxing qualities. This root, presumably named because of the generous amount of ginger, is easily considered an intro to Bourbon until you realize the added Byrrh Apertif makes it a bit bolder than what you’d expect. The color can trick you, but it shouldn’t. I’ve seen plenty of guys sip on this.

WHERE

Check out Barcelona Restaurant and Wine Bar in Reston, Va. Their white marble bar top makes for pretty Insta pics. It’s fully stocked with all of the accoutrements to make pretty cocktails. See specifically Edwin. That brother there knows how to treat a lady.

Go and be a Bourbon expert, you Boss Babe!