Our official connection to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail might be recent, but the Shakers processed and distilled herbs and plants on this property more than 100 years ago. The surviving records of the Pleasant Hill Shakers show that during the 19th century, they were purchasing, consuming and making alcoholic beverages—and also selling small quantities. But, that’s an entire post for another day.
To distill a plant, such as rose petals, is to burn off the impurities and keep only the best parts of the plant that could be used medicinally, as an anti-inflammatory, or for culinary purposes. Rose Water is believed to remedy many things, but the Shakers used it the same way that we use vanilla extract. Our friends over at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail came up with this recipe featuring Shaker Rose Water. If you’re looking for a refreshing new cocktail recipe, grab your favorite Kentucky Bourbon and try this out!
ROSE OLD FASHIONED
Ingredients:
2 oz. Kentucky Bourbon, about 100 proof
1 sugar cube
A few dashes of Angostura bitters
1 small bar spoon of rose water (available in The Shops)
1 mint sprig
Instructions:
Muddle cube with bitters.
Stir in rose water and Bourbon.
Serve over ice.
Garnish with mint.
PS. We hear Kentucky Bourbon tastes better in a Shaker Village rocks glass! Visit The Shops at Shaker Village to purchase a souvenir rocks glass or a bottle of rose water!
Grab a cocktail and join us for live music on the Trustees’ Lawn every weekend through October!