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Cocktail History
The Harvest Run is a Sips From Scripts original cocktail that was created as an autumn-inspired variation of the Mint Julep in honor of Derby Day. In its 144 years of existence, the “Race for the Roses” had never been postponed before 2020, so we wanted to make a riff on the event’s official drink that reflected the fall date given its historical significance. We started by using the classic’s template of bourbon and mint as a base and added a mix of fall flavors, including apricot brandy, crème de cassis, and homemade blackberry and cinnamon syrups.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. We used Buffalo Trace Distillery Benchmark Bourbon because it has a delicious whiskey spice with notes of caramel, stone fruit, tobacco, oak, and cherries. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Whiskey in place of the whiskey.
Apricot Brandy: This is a liqueur made with apricots, spices, sugar, and brandy. We used Phillips Apricot Brandy because it’s flavorful and affordable. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Escape Mocktails Non-Alcoholic Cognac Alternative and Monin Premium Stone Fruit Syrup in place of the apricot brandy.
Blackberry Syrup: This is a sweetener made with blackberries, white sugar, citric acid, and water. We made ours at home using Alex’s sous vide recipe.
Cinnamon Syrup: This is a sweetener made with cinnamon sticks, white sugar, gum Arabic powder, saline solution, and water. We made ours at home using Alex’s sous vide recipe.
Crème De Cassis: This is a liqueur made with blackcurrants, sugar, and alcohol. We used Maison Ferrand Mathilde Cassis Liqueur because it has a tart, bittersweet flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Monin Premium Blackcurrant Syrup in place of the blackcurrant liqueur.
Mint Leaves: This is an herb. We used Mojito mint leaves.
Mint Sprig: This is an herb. We used Mojito mint.
Cinnamon Stick: This is a spice. We used cinnamon sticks from the bulk section at our local grocery store.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. We used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Tasting Notes
The Harvest Run features aromas of the whiskey’s spice, mint, and cinnamon and the initial taste of bourbon with notes of the stone fruit, berries, and cinnamon on the tongue followed by more spice and refreshing mint on the swallow.
Recipe
Harvest Run
The Harvest Run is a Sips From Scripts original cocktail that was created as an autumn-inspired variation of the Mint Julep in honor of Derby Day. In its 144 years of existence, the “Race for the Roses” had never been postponed before 2020, so we wanted to make a riff on the event’s official drink that reflected the fall date given its historical significance. We started by using the classic’s template of bourbon and mint as a base and added a mix of fall flavors, including apricot brandy, crème de cassis, and homemade blackberry and cinnamon syrups.
Ingredients
Method
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Add blackberry syrup, cinnamon syrup, and mint leaves to a julep tin.
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Muddle gently.
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Pack with crushed ice.
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Add bourbon, apricot brandy, and crème de cassis.
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Stir for 5-10 seconds.
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Top with more crushed ice.
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Garnish with cinnamon stick and mint sprig.
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More Bourbon Cocktails
If you like this bourbon-based cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Weathered Axe: A bourbon cocktail made with lemon juice, Combier L’Original Liqueur d’Orange, Cocchi Americano, ginger syrup, absinthe, and rosemary
Fireside Glow: A bourbon cocktail made with amaretto liqueur, cinnamon syrup, cherry, clove, and cinnamon bitters, chocolate bitters, and a cherry
Mountain Man: A bourbon cocktail made with lemon juice, peach liqueur, ginger syrup, maple syrup, and candied ginger
Oatmeal Stout Old Fashioned: An oatmeal stout and bourbon cocktail made with simple syrup, black walnut bitters, and an orange twist
