Roadmap Recipe Book
Every Drink is a Destination...
Get ready to embark on an extraordinary mixology journey! Bourbon & Brushes proudly presents the highly anticipated Roadmap Recipe Book, officially launching in June 2025. This isn't just a recipe collection; it's your passport to a flavor tour across 12 iconic US cities and states!
Inside, you'll discover 12 different, custom-crafted Smoked Old Fashions, each a unique tribute to its location, meticulously designed to match bourbons, regional flavors, and even authentic wood chips found in those areas. From the apple wood chips used for the "Big Apple", the Cajun Cut straight Louisiana Bourbon in the New Orleans' "Voodoo Fire", to Bacon Bark for Memphis' "The Bacon Blues" and Bluegrass wood chips with Marker’s Mark for Kentucky's "The Lucky Burn", this book reveals the secrets to creating spectacular smoked cocktails.
Master the art of the Smoked Old Fashioned and bring the taste of America's diverse cultures right into your glass with The Roadmap Recipe Book, arriving soon!
* July 1st 2025 * Vol. 1
* Sept. 1st 2025 * Vol. 2
* Oct. 1st 2025 * The Holiday Smoke Special
Sip the states with us...
Vol. #1: 12 Custom Smoked Old Fashions. 12 Distinct Destinations.
Our Roadmap Recipe Book is a cross-country cocktail journey that takes you city by city, state by state, telling rich stories through custom smoked Old Fashioned recipes. Each drink features a locally distilled bourbon, a handcrafted syrup infused with native flavors, and a smoky finish using wood chips from regional trees.
Every drink is a destination. Here's a sample of what’s on the menu:
Old Faithful
A Tribute to Family, Honor, and a Classic Bourbon
We begin our journey with a drink that holds deep personal meaning—the “Old Faithful.” This Smoked Old Fashioned is crafted with Old Crow Bourbon from Suntory Global Spirits, a brand that gained popularity during World War II and was a favorite of Bourbon & Brushes founder Rick Vaske’s grandfather, a U.S. Navy mechanic who served aboard a warship during that time. Known lovingly as “Old Faithful,” his steady presence, craftsmanship, and service inspired the values at the heart of our project.
This drink pays tribute to that generation—a time when cocktails were simple, strong, and made with pride. The Old Fashioned is built traditionally: a sugar cube, bitters, and bourbon, stirred with purpose and smoked with oak wood chips for a subtle, earthy finish. It’s not just a cocktail—it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and raise a glass to those who paved the way.
The “Old Faithful” is more than a drink. It’s a reminder that the best recipes start with tradition, and the most meaningful flavors are tied to memory. Here’s to the legacy, the journey, and the glass in your hand.
The Voodoo Fire
Step onto the gaslit cobblestones of the French Quarter and prepare for a taste of the Bayou with the "Voodoo Fire" Smoked Old Fashioned. This custom cocktail from the Roadmap Recipe Book is designed to transport you to the vibrant, mysterious heart of New Orleans, offering a flavor tour that's truly out of this world.
Venture down a metaphorical Bourbon Street as you explore this intriguing blend. At its core, this rendition features Smokehead Sherry Cask Blast single malt scotch whiskey. A touch of bitters adds depth.
The true spirit of New Orleans, steeped in Creole tradition, is intended to come alive with a simple syrup using cayenne, tomatoes, celery, and paprika designed to evoke the flavors of the city. Adding to the heat and character is a dash of Cajun Cousins Hot Sauce, a proud partner noted as part of the "FIRE" in the "Voodoo Fire".
But the Mardi Gras-Party Gras of flavor continues! The rim of the glass is seasoned with Andy Roos original Voodoo Seasoning, creating an aromatic prelude to each sip.
When it comes to depth, we smoke this one with Oak wood chips, his smoky layer adds an intriguing aroma and depth, enhancing the complex flavors.
Finally, the drink is topped off with a Seasoned Crawfish, a unique and striking visual that cements its connection to the Louisiana culinary landscape.
The "Voodoo Fire" Smoked Old Fashioned is crafted to ignite your senses and transport you to the heart of New Orleans, offering a uniquely crafted taste. Fire up your taste buds with the Magic of Voodoo Fire!
The Swamp Bite
Escape the ordinary and wade into the intriguing depths of the Florida swamplands, where the air is thick with mystery and gators keep watch, with The Swamp Bite! This custom Smoked Old Fashioned is your passport to the vibrant energy and distinct flavors of Florida, delivering a true taste of "The Sunshine State".
We've crafted this drink to capture that authentic Florida spirit. At its core is Florida Straight Bourbon from the St. Augustine Distillery. This bourbon is carefully handcrafted and aged a minimum of three years in their small batch distillery. It's made from a unique mash bill featuring 60% Florida corn, 22% barley, and 18% Florida wheat, with grains ground on-site and the spirit distilled in a pot still. The sources describe this classic Florida bourbon with a complex flavor profile, including notes of toffee, cinnamon marshmallow, leather, stone fruit, vanilla, dark cocoa, hints of tobacco, caramel, brazil nut, chocolate, and baking spices, finishing sweet, smooth, and creamy. It's noted as being great in an Old Fashioned.
To infuse it with the unique tastes of the state, we use a custom simple syrup. Our custom B&B simple syrup uses real Florida Oranges, Real Coconuts, and Cloves!
The true essence of the "State of Mind" comes alive through the smoking process depicted in the image, where Cypress wood chips are used to add an intriguing aromatic layer. This smoky kiss enhances the depth of flavor, like a humid Florida evening.
Finally, we top it off with a refreshing garnish – a Fresh Orange slice, completing the visual and aromatic journey to the Sunshine State. The Swamp Bite is a drink designed to excite your senses and transport you to the heart of Florida. Dive in and experience this uniquely crafted taste of the Sunshine State!
The Georgia Peach
Get ready for a taste of the country with The Georgia Peach! This custom Smoked Old Fashioned invites you out to a sun-drenched Georgia Peach Farm, where the air is sweet and the flavors are true. We've crafted this drink to capture that authentic, juicy peach experience.
At its heart is Jim Beam Peach Bourbon, bringing a smooth, bourbon base infused with bright, sweet peach notes right from the bottle. To intensify that farm-fresh flavor, we've used a Simple Syrup made with succulent Reach Peaches, layering in even more natural peach goodness.
But the real touch of country magic comes from the smoke. We gently smoke this Old Fashioned using Peach Wood Chips. As the smoke swirls, it imparts a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the peach bourbon and syrup, transporting you straight to an orchard campfire under a starry sky.
It's a drink designed not just to be tasted, but to be an experience – a sip of Georgia sunshine in a glass. Dive into The Georgia Peach and discover the simple pleasure of country flavors done right. Maybe you'll even be inspired to whip up this delicious, smoked delight yourself once you've gotten your hands on the Roadmap Recipe Book!
The Big Apple
Get ready to take a bite out of the city that never sleeps with The Big Apple! This is more than just a cocktail; it's your custom drink ticket straight to the vibrant energy and iconic flavors of New York.
We've crafted this drink to capture the true taste of "The Big Apple" experience. At its core is Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The specific bottle featured in the image is a "Special Reserve Single Barrel Limited Edition". According to the sources, Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey is legendary apple wood smoked, carefully handcrafted and aged to perfection in their small batch distillery in Fairport, NY. It is described as smooth tasting with a whisper of sweet apple wood smoke, a distinct character derived from the apple smoke and grains, which Jim Murray noted contains tannins that link with the grains to form a bourbony undertone. This inherent apple wood smoke in the bourbon itself forms a flavorful base for the drink.
The theme of apples is central to this drink, evident in its name and the fresh apples pictured alongside it, complementing the apple wood smoke notes from the bourbon. We’ve also created a simple syrup that goes right along with the stroll down Broadway with apples, cinnamon and all spice berries.
The metropolitan magic is truly unlocked through the smoking process depicted in the image, where wood chips are used to add an intriguing aromatic layer. This smoking process layered on top of the bourbon's natural apple wood smoke creates a complex and inviting aroma and flavor profile.
Island Smoke Signal
Escape the everyday chill and feel the island rhythm pulse through you with The Mango Habanero! This is your vibrant ticket to "The Islands," delivering a true taste of tropical sweetness kissed with Caribbean heat.
We've crafted this drink to transport you straight to a sun-drenched beach. At its heart is Ole Smoky Mango Habanero Whiskey to add "a little sizzle with your sweetness," with creativity at its core. It features the sweet taste of mango flavor complemented by a spicy habanero pepper finish.
To amplify those island flavors, we add a dash of custom-made simple syrup with fresh mangos, habaneros, honey and cloves and muddle up some fresh mangos to mix in.
The taste of the islands is further enhanced by a unique smoky element pairing it with Pear Wood Chips. This smoky layer adds an intriguing aroma and depth that evokes the feeling of an island bonfire at dusk.
Finally, this cocktail gets a bold finish and garnish. The rim of the glass is coated with Tajin Classico Seasoning, a unique blend of 100% natural chili peppers, lime, and sea salt. This spicy, tangy rim perfectly complements the sweet and hot notes within the drink. The garnish includes a Fresh Mango slice twist and fresh habanero, completing the vibrant visual and aromatic experience that speaks of "The Islands."
The Mango Habanero or as we like to call it, The Island Smoke Signal… It’s a crafted drink to ignite your senses and transport you to a Caribbean paradise. Dive in and experience this uniquely crafted taste of The Islands!
The Memphis Bacon Blues
Get ready to hit the high notes and savor the low-and-slow flavors of the South with The Bacon Blues! The next stop on the tour is your ticket straight to the BBQ smoke-filled sounds and taste of Memphis, Tennessee.
We've crafted this drink to capture the soulful essence of Memphis. At its core is Rattlesnake Rosie's Maple Bacon Whiskey, produced by Iron Smoke Distillery. This is Iron Smoke’s very own artisan crafted bourbon whiskey blended with maple syrup and natural flavors. This unique spirit provides a sweet, smoky, and savory foundation for the drink.
To layer in that unmistakable Memphis BBQ flavor, we add a dash of Aromatic Bitters and incorporate a strip of bacon seasoned with Memphis BBQ Seasoning, which we then fire up with the torch before we torch up the smoke!
The true "Smoked filled Sounds" of this cocktail come alive through the smoking process. We smoke this Old Fashioned using Oak wood chips, adding an intriguing aromatic layer that evokes the feeling of a classic BBQ pit. This smoky element perfectly complements the bacon and maple notes.
The Bacon Blues is a drink designed to excite your senses and transport you to the heart of this iconic musical and culinary city. Dive in and experience this uniquely crafted taste of Memphis!
The Lucky Burn
A Smoked Old Fashioned from the Heart of the Bluegrass
Saddle up and head into horse country with The Lucky Burn—a bold and refined Smoked Old Fashioned inspired by the rolling hills, derby days, and down-home charm of Kentucky. This cocktail captures the spirit of the Bluegrass State, where tradition runs as deep as the roots of the mighty oak trees and where a good bourbon is a way of life.
At the core of this Southern-styled sip is Maker’s Mark Bourbon, known for its smooth, signature flavor and iconic red wax seal. Maker’s Mark has long been tied to the Kentucky Derby and The Breeders’ Cup, making it the perfect bottle to represent this proud and storied region.
To give a nod to the Kentucky Derby’s iconic Mint Julep, this Old Fashioned incorporates fresh muddled mint and a mint-infused simple syrup, blending refreshing herbal notes with the warmth of the bourbon.
But the real magic comes with the Maple Wood Smoke, which adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the drink, invoking the feeling of a cozy Southern night after a day at the races. The smoke swirls with the mint and bourbon, creating a layered and comforting profile.
The garnish? A sprig of mint and a sugar-dusted horseshoe-shaped orange peel—because sometimes luck comes in the shape of flavor.
The Lucky Burn isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a celebration of Kentucky pride, tradition, and the timeless romance of Southern bourbon culture. With Bourbon & Brushes, it’s not just “getting lucky in Kentucky”—it’s honoring the legacy with every smoky sip.
Bourbon & Brushes Signature Bitters Collection
Our Bitters
Small-batch. Big impact. Crafted to spark the soul of your cocktail.
At Bourbon & Brushes, we believe every drop in your glass should tell a story. That’s why we’ve created our exclusive line of handcrafted bitters—four unique blends designed to elevate your Old Fashioned, reimagine your favorite spirits, and turn your home bar into a work of liquid art.
Each one is small-batch and built with purpose, using premium ingredients, bold flavor profiles, and just the right amount of attitude. Whether you’re layering smoke over bourbon or simply looking for that final magic touch, these bitters were born to blend, build, and inspire.
Our bitters are more than ingredients—they’re expressions of creativity, tools of transformation, and the secret to unlocking deeper, more dynamic flavor in every pour. Available at our live events and in the online shop, each bottle is a step toward becoming the mixologist your bar deserves.
Stock up. Stir bold. Stay brushed in bourbon.
Diesel Fuel – The Subtle Spark
Not every fire needs to roar. Our Diesel Fuel aromatic bitters is a smooth operator—subtle, steady, and smoldering with classic spice. Think cloves, cinnamon, and a gentle warmth that lingers just long enough. It's the perfect balance for your standard or smoked Old Fashioned. Refined. Reliable. Rich with character.
Jet Fuel – The Bold Ignition
Ready for takeoff? Jet Fuel is our high-octane aromatic bitters made for those who like their cocktails with a punch. Featuring a stronger infusion of warming spices and a more intense flavor profile, this is the one that brings thunder to your bourbon and depth to your dram. Add it to your Smoked Old Fashioned for a flavor detonation you won't forget.
BB-OJ – The Sunshine Twist
Crafted with real Florida oranges, cloves, and a proprietary blend of bright, bold spices, BB-OJ is our vibrant orange bitters that dances on the palate. Zesty, juicy, and slightly exotic, it pairs beautifully with fruit-forward syrups or citrusy smokes. Add it to your cocktail and taste the sunshine in every sip.
Cacao Kick – The Velvet Finish
Made with rich cacao sourced from Belize, our custom chocolate bitters adds a luxurious twist to your drink. Earthy and indulgent with subtle floral undertones, Cacao Kick transforms your bourbon into a silky, sensual experience. It’s the finishing note your Old Fashioned didn’t know it needed—until now.