Well here it is, that time of year again and you’re in the same spot you were last year for Valentines…you got NOTHING! Well don’t panic.Relax…BREATHE, and think BOURBON!

First, if you’re lucky enough to be in Kentucky, or a place that has them…think BOURBON BALLS…If not, you can probably call one of the Distilleries Visitors Centers in Kentucky and there’s still time to get them overnighted to ya. Since I work there, call Evan Williams Bourbon Experience at 502-584-2114, but you can google any visitors experience and get a phone number.

There’s also a lady named “Aunt Happy” that makes damn good ones called “Happy Balls”. Now if that doesn’t scream Valentines this year with the Fifty Shades Of Gray so in vogue I don’t know what does! Go NOW to their site; http://www.gethappyballs.com/ If you don’t get them ordered in time don’t panic, they’ll be delivered next week, you still look like a champ since Bourbon Balls are a gift that keeps Valentines alive all the week after.

You can also use Strawberries, chocolate, or regular and use them in bourbon cocktails:

For a way to a guys heart, I’d suggest an Old Fashioned by the great Dale DeGroff from right here on Liquor.com/Drinkwire

Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail

Ingredients

• 4 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 tsp Sugar (or 2 sugar cubes)
• 1 Orange wheel
• 1 Maraschino cherry
• 1 splash Club soda
• 2 oz Bourbon

Garnish: Fresh orange wheel and cherry

Glass: Old Fashioned

How to make the Bourbon Old Fashioned Cocktail

In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the bitters, sugar, orange wheel, cherry and a splash of soda. Remove the orange rind, add the bourbon and fill with ice. Garnish with a fresh orange wheel and cherry.

With the sweetness of the Old Fashioned Cocktail, and the fruit used, chocolate covered or just regular strawberries can work well with this drink, and it will be a hit with your guy/gal that’s a bourbon fan.

Bourbon Brunch

Another drink that I like to share, and it’s helpful this year since Valentines falls on a Saturday, is a great brunch drink called a Bourbon Brunch, and it’s so simple.You just take a shot of your honey’s favorite bourbon in a champagne flute, and top with Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider.This will also go well with bourbon balls or chocolate covered strawberries.

And speaking of HONEY, don’t forget that honey flavored bourbon/whiskey is a damn welcomed and fitting whiskey for Valentines.Give them a bottle with “BEE MY HONEY” or “BEE MY VALENTINE”, or “WILL YOU BEE MINE”…I mean, c’mon it’s RIGHT THERE…GO FOR IT! Evan Williams, Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, Jack Daniels all make honey products.

Hopefully this helps, and remember this also works great on birthdays and anniversaries too.

Have a great Valentines Weekend, and as always, Stay Bonded!

Bernie Lubbers