When you dive deep into the realm of mixology, certain classics are bound to stand out, with their rich history and indelible mark on the cocktail culture. One such gem that has been poured, sipped, and celebrated for centuries is the Whiskey Sour. Today, we unravel the tapestry of its past, explore its nuanced flavor profile, and even offer a vegan twist to this beloved concoction.

Cocktail history is replete with hidden gems that have been obscured by time, only to be rediscovered and celebrated by a new generation. One such jewel from the annals of mixology is the ‘Improved Whiskey Cocktail’. As the name suggests, many, including myself, regard this drink as a direct upgrade on the classic Old Fashioned.

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There’s an undeniable allure to the Manhattan. As a cocktail, it’s the embodiment of refined simplicity. Rooted in the 19th-century, it stands out as a testament to the timeless charm of whiskey cocktails. Born in the Manhattan Club of New York City, its creation is often credited to Dr. Iain Marshall for a banquet hosted by Jennie Jerome, the mother of Sir Winston Churchill. However, like many vintage cocktails, its true origins remain a mystery.

After exploring the cloud-filled heights with the Aviation and enjoying the gentle gusts of the Sky Breeze, we continue our journey through the airy realm of flight-themed cocktails with the Paper Plane. This modern classic cocktail showcases complex flavors in a beautifully balanced symphony, reminiscent of a skillfully folded paper plane gliding effortlessly through the air.

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The Protected Bike Lane – it’s not just the name of Ann Arbor’s exciting new downtown traffic development, it’s also the name of a recent custom cocktail creation. A celebratory homage to this game-changing local project, The Protected Bike Lane cocktail mirrors its real-world counterpart in boldness and embodies the spirit of progress and excitement in its unique blend of flavors.

This creation journey was a tribute to the classic Boulevardier and Man o War cocktails, but with a twist to pay respect to our city’s newest road feature. I aimed for a 2-1-1 ratio served neat (because who wants rocks in their bike lane), with the leading role given to a classic American whiskey, and in this case, Maker’s Mark bourbon was the star. I set out to create a cocktail that was both visually appealing and a balanced blend of flavors. But, just like the planning and execution of a real bike lane, there were challenges along the way.