The Commander's Night Off

This cocktail gets its name from a playful nickname we’ve long used for my husband—"The Commander", a title both affectionate and gently teasing for the man who always seems to be at the helm. But even commanders need a night off.

Built around the dignified complexity of Blanton’s Bourbon, The Commander’s Night Off is a warm, grounding cocktail that blends maple syrup sweetness and brown sugar depth into something that feels equal parts comforting and commanding.

It’s the kind of drink that invites a pause, a chuckle, and maybe a story or two—just like he does when he finally kicks back for the evening.

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Picture from AI - Will post my version when done.

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The Cocktail Recipe

• 2 oz Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon

• 1 oz maple syrup

• 3 dashes Old Fashioned bitters

• 2 dashes orange bitters

• Sugared orange wheel

• 1 strip of Bourbon Boozy Jerky

  
  

  In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a sugared orange wheel and a strip of the Bourbon Boozy Jerky for a smoky, commander-approved finish.

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How We Feel About the Cocktail

Named after my husband’s lighthearted nickname, “The Commander,” this cocktail was crafted for those rare moments when the reins are set aside and relaxation takes command. Built on the shoulders of the distinguished Blanton’s Bourbon, The Commander’s Night Off is both a tribute and a treat—a blend of refined flavors, subtle smoke, and just the right amount of sweetness.

The first thing you’ll notice is the nose: maple syrup, brown sugar, and orange peel swirl together, softened by cinnamon spice and rounded out by a deep, bourbon-soaked sweetness. But what sets this apart is the garnish—a piece of bourbon boozy jerky that doesn’t just sit pretty, it infuses the aroma with a satisfying smokiness that hints at what’s to come.

On the palate, this cocktail is light yet layered. The smokiness from the jerky carries through, balanced by brown sugar, bright citrus, and gentle warmth from cinnamon and vanilla. As the sip lingers, a wave of caramel and subtle fruit notes surfaces—comforting but never cloying. It’s the perfect balance of smoky and sweet, with a finish that’s as smooth as an evening spent with your favorite person.

It’s not often a cocktail earns our double gold star rating, but this one did so with effortless charm. The Commander’s Night Off isn’t just a drink—it’s a well-deserved pause, served in a glass and kissed with bourbon.

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