Primetime soap opera fans across the U.S. (and not just Texas) were no doubt shaken this week The reboot of the classic 1980s series Dallas was cancelled by TNT this week.
While the cancellation of a TV series is no excuse to try out heavy drinking, fans of both the 1980s and 21st Century versions of Dallas might need a drink to settle their jangled nerves and soothe their broken hearts. If only there was the perfect Bourbon to fill the tear stained glasses…Perhaps a bottled spirit that somehow captures the spirit of Texas oil barons living the high life while fighting amongst themselves…Something like J.R. Ewing Bourbon.
Inspired by the smooth villain of the original series, J.R. Ewing Bourbon looks to tap into the spirit of elite Texas living. While I’m sure these cocktails were invented well before the reboot crashed, we’ll use them here to toast a hearty farewell to the Ewing clan.
Related: National Vodka Day: Bully Boy Cocktails
The mixologists at J.R. Ewing offered up a Southfork Manhattan (above), a Ewing Stetson and a Bourbon and Branch. The former is a mix of “Southern charm and cosmopolitan slick, just like J.R. Ewing. Spicy, sweet and bitter notes combine to give this cocktail a multidimensional flavor without sacrificing taste. It is to be enjoyed deliberately.”
Southfork Manhattan
Glass: Rocks or martini glass
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ oz. J.R. Ewing Bourbon Whiskey
- 1/3 oz. Maurin Dry Vermouth
- 1/3 oz. Maurin Red Vermouth aka Sweet Vermouth
- 1 thin slice fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp. powdered sugar
- Dash aromatic bitters
Method: Muddle ginger, powdered sugar and bitters in a cocktail shaker. Add J.R. Ewing Bourbon, vermouth and ice. Shake and strain.
Garnish: Luxardo maraschino cherries.
Ewing Stetson
Glass: Martini or coupe glass
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. J.R. Ewing Bourbon Whiskey
- .5 oz Combier “Pamplemousse Rose” Liqueur
- 1 wedge ruby red grapefruit (for garnish)
- 1 wedge ruby red grapefruit (squeeze and discard)
- 1 oz. clover honey
- 1oz. hot water
(Honey nectar: Combine 1:1 ratio clover honey and hot water. Stir in a temperature-proof container until dissolved.)
Method: Stir all ingredients until glass is very cold, about 1 minute. Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe.
We’re told the Bourbon and Branch was the signature drink of J.R. Ewing. If you’re drinking this, you supposed to be a person of the highest standards.
A J.R. Ewing Bourbon and Branch needs only two ingredients: straight bourbon and branch water. Branch water is free from tastes that would compromise the bourbon. (OK. It’s a Bourbon and water with special water. You’ll get the hang of it.)
Bourbon and Branch
Glass: Rocks glass
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. J.R. Ewing Bourbon Whiskey
- .5 oz. Crazy Water #2 – (all-natural mineral water from Weatherford, Texas)
Method: Pour J.R. Ewing Bourbon over ice and add measured water to preference.