With Summer officially in full swing, I know you’re looking forward to long afternoons by the pool, lazy summer nights around the fire pit, and hosting a kick-butt dinner party (because I know that I am!) If you’re anything like me, you’ve got every little detail nailed down except for the drinks. One might say that the best cocktail I can make is a 2 oz pour of whiskey on a big ol’ ice cube. Just because I’m not skilled in the art of cocktails, doesn’t mean I don’t love a good mixed drink. You won’t catch me throwing a bad dinner party, so I sat down with our bar manager & lead bartender, Elle, to help me create some perfect cocktail pairings.

CRAFT COCKTAIL RECIPES FOR MEAT-FOCUSED DISHES

Burgers are my go-to for any backyard dinner party; whether you’re using classic ground beef or even a veggie substitute, nothing screams “summer” more than a good ol’ fashioned burger. Meat-based dishes work perfectly with summer whiskey cocktails, and I’m a huge fan of using seasonal ingredients to add that extra bit of freshness to a drink. Since summer is the season for peaches, we came up with a delicious & light peach whiskey spritz to balance those heavier flavors from the meat and highlight the smoky char of our Malt Whiskey. Check out the recipe below:

Peach Whiskey Spritz

2 oz O&G Malt Whiskey
0.25 oz Simple syrup
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
2 fresh peach slices
3 fresh cherries
2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Muddle fresh peaches, cherries, simple, and lemon together in a cocktail shaker. Add Malt Whiskey & ice and shake for 30 seconds. Double strain into a chilled Collins glass with ice and top with soda water & Angostura bitters. Garnish with a fresh lemon peel.

PAIRING CRAFT COCKTAIL RECIPES WITH NORTH CAROLINA PRODUCE

So maybe you don’t eat meat, or, maybe it’s just not that kind of dinner party. Looking for something to pair with that salad you spent so long getting just right? Choosing a light, fresh cocktail to kick things off helps ease your guests into a night of drinking & fun. With locality and freshness in mind, we revived one of our old O&G cocktails to pair beautifully with any variety of greens.

O&G Arugula Gimlet

2 oz O&G Genever Inspired Gin

1 loose handful of fresh Arugula (if you can get it local, do it!)
0.75 oz simple syrup
1 oz lime juice
3 dashes ginger bitters

Muddle arugula, gin, simple syrup, & lime juice in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add ice & shake for 30 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a dehydrated lime round.

PAIRING CRAFT COCKTAILS WITH SNACKS

For appetizers & cheese boards, I decided to opt for a whiskey tasting instead of a cocktail course. After all, I’ve got so many great NC Whiskies on my bar cart just waiting to be shared. While I’ve included my tips & tricks for pairing whiskey with snacks here, my biggest recommendation is to go with what you like! Everyone’s palate is different, so break out that whiskey you’ve been waiting to try. Try checking out some local distilleries- with the craft spirit industry booming, there’s bound to be a local distillery in your area. Having some trouble finding one? Ask the friendly folks at your local liquor store for good recommendations!

TRY OUR CRAFT COCKTAIL RECIPES WITH NC WHISKEY OR GIN

Looking for a hand-crafted cocktail recipe that’s got a little more “oomph”? Check out our recipes page for some of our favorite cocktails from previous menus! And as always, reach out to us at info@oakandgrist.com if you’re looking for something specific.

Craft Cocktail Recipes for Your Next Dinner Party