Bourbon is a classic American spirit. One whose caramel color and warm, oaky taste make it perfect for drinking during these cold winter months. And while most people tend to drink bourbon up or on the rocks, it does work well mixed into a variety of cocktails.

One bourbon that blends well with a variety of mixers is Bulleit. Distilled in small batches, using a high level of rye and Augustus Bulleit's 175 year-old recipe, it's then aged for six years in flame-charred white oak barrels. The result is a 90 proof bourbon that's a lot smoother and mellower than it's alcohol content would have you believe.

Bulleit's favorite recipe is "The Ultimate Cocktail", which calls for 1 1/2 ounces of Bulleit Bourbon, 2 ounces of orange juice, juice form 1/2 fresh lime, a splash of grenadine and some ginger ale. To make it they suggest you add the Bulleit to a rocks glass, then throw all the other ingredients in the trash and enjoy.

Here's three other (actual) cocktail recipes that take advantage of this gold medal-winning bourbon to help warm you this winter.

THE SMOKEY MOUNTAIN
1 1/2 oz Bulleit Bourbon
1/2 oz Amaretto
Cranberry juice
1/8 cup Crushed hickory smoked almonds
Lime cordial for garnish

Rim a glass with lime cordial
and crushed almonds. Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon and Amaretto. Top off with cranberry juice.


KENTUCKY CUTTER
1 oz Bulleit Bourbon
1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Mix liquid ingredients together and shake over ice. Strain into chilled martini glass. Add the garnish.


THE LUMBERJACK
1 1/2 oz Bulleit Bourbon
Juice of 1/8 fresh lemon
Hot or chilled apple cider
Cinnamon stick

Fill a tall glass mug with ice. Add the bourbon and lemon juice. Top with
chilled or hot apple cider. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

For more recipes go to www.bulleitbourbon.com