If you’re like us Michiganders who enjoy the great outdoors—whether hunting, hiking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the state’s vast forests—you know there’s something magical about the woods. For those who love a good drink to unwind after a day in the wild, there’s no better companion than whiskey forest cocktails, especially when you use Fox & Oden Double-Oaked Bourbon Whiskey.
We’re bringing the forest to your glass with whiskey forest cocktails inspired by the great outdoors. Kick back after a few days at deer camp and settle in, these whiskey cocktails will bring you right back to the woods.
Why Use Double-Oaked Whiskey
What really is “double-oaked” bourbon whiskey? The difference from regular bourbon comes from the aging process. Double-oaked whiskey is initially aged in a standard oak barrel, but then it’s transferred into a second new charred barrel. This second aging imparts even more rich, deep flavors like vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak—making it the perfect base for cocktails with a rustic, forest-inspired flair. The woodiness of double-oaked whiskey complements the natural elements of the forest, from the earthy undertones of moss and pine to the subtle smokiness of a crackling campfire.
Smokey Oaky
- 2 oz Fox & Oden Double-Oaked Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla syrup
- 2–3 cinnamon bitters
- Orange peel, garnish
Smoke rinse an old fashioned glass and turn it upside down to keep the smoke. In a mixing glass, stir all ingredients with ice. Flip over the smoke rinsed glass and strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
Deep Beet
- .25 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 oz Beetroot Juice
- 1.5 oz Fox & Oden Double-Oaked Bourbon Whiskey
- Tonic water, to top
- Lemon slice, garnish
Muddle paprika, simple syrup, and beet juice in a shaker and shake vigorously without ice for a few seconds. Add whiskey and ice and shake again until well mixed. Strain into an old fashioned glass with ice. Top with tonic water and garnish with lemon.
The Woodsman
- 2 oz Fox & Oden Double Oaked-Bourbon Whiskey or Fox & Oden Rye Whiskey
- .5 oz sweet vermouth
- .25 oz green chartreuse
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Lemon peel, garnish
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the Fox & Oden Rye Whiskey, sweet vermouth, green chartreuse, and orange bitters. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
See the full recipe from our cocktail guide and instructions here.
Whiskey & Pine
- 1.5 oz Fox & Oden Double-Oaked Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz Campari (infused)
- 1 oz Palo Cortado or Amontillado sherry
- Enough pine needles to fill ⅓ Campari bottle
Remove 3 oz from Campari bottle and replace with pine needles. Shake and let infuse for at least 4 hours. Use a small strainer when adding Campari to the cocktail to catch needles. Add ice to a rocks glass, add the Fox & Oden Double-Oaked Bourbon Whiskey, Campari, and sherry, and give it a stir. Cocktail will develop as it dilutes and changes temperature.
See the full recipe from Bare Bones and instructions here.
Cardamom Maple Whiskey Sour
- 2 oz Fox & Oden Double-Oaked Bourbon Whiskey or Fox & Oden Rye Whiskey
- .75 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- .5 oz Tapped Cardamom Infused Maple Syrup
- .5 oz egg white
- Bittercube Bolivar Bitters, garnish
Add whiskey, lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white to a shaker. Dry-shake for 30 seconds without ice. Add ice and shake again, until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with 3–4 drops of bitters.
See the full recipe from Tapped Maple Syrup and instructions here.
Whether in the woods, or at home, savor one of our whiskey based oaky, forest cocktails. Find our spirits at our tasting rooms or a retailer near you, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest from Fox & Oden.
