Over the last few months, I have been on the road with Jack Daniel’s. Let me explain. I was fortunate enough to visit Lynchburg, Tennessee for an exclusive behind-the-scenes-tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery where I learned all about Jack, how the Tennessee whiskey is made, and for an exclusive tasting of their newest edition, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye. Shortly after visiting the distillery, I was invited to the ultra-exclusive and super-private Room No. 7 in Los Angeles, where I had a chance to rub elbows with other fine whiskey lovers and chat with Jack Daniel’s Brand Ambassador, Eric “ET” Tecosky, and Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett. Amid those two significant trips, I’ve sipped Jack Daniel’s from Dallas to Las Vegas and a few cities in between. So yeah, I’ve been on the road with Jack–well, sort of.

Old Room No. 7

I can’t tell you much about Room No. 7 — not because it’s all a blur from drinking too much, but because it’s top secret. Room No. 7 is an exclusive intimate, speakeasy-style bar with well-crafted cocktails–think old Hollywood or a secret celebrity hangout. Close your eyes and visualize that you are listening to live music, sipping whiskey, enjoying the company of legends–whether alive or by memories from photos posted on the walls, and mingling at the bar as you stir up the spirit. Imagine you are sitting in a well-decorated hideaway with all the greats like Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, Marilyn Monroe, Angie Dickinson, Mia Farrow, and Shirley MacLaine. Better yet, think Frank Sinatra. And before you ask, yes, Jack Daniel’s is served all night. That’s Room No. 7.

Bartender, Please…

I recently shared my experience about my trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and talked about the new Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, which is their first new recipe since prohibition. Now, I think it’s time to let you in on how I drink Jack Daniel’s. While there are so many ways to enjoy a Jack Daniel’s cocktail, it is hard to argue that anything other than an invigorating shot of Jack on the Rocks can give a mellow start to a symphony of the palate.

My favorite whiskey will always be Gentleman Jack, but Jack will always be satisfying–no matter how it is served. Below are a few recipes I think any man (or woman) can enjoy. And, (here’s a little secret) some of these recipes are served at the exclusive, Room No. 7!

READ: If You Know Jack, You’ll Know Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye

House of Jack Cocktails

Rye Ball
What you need:
1 1/2 parts Jack Daniel’s® Tennessee Rye
1/2 part Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 part Simple Syrup
2 dash Peychaud’s® Bitters
Soda water

Instructions: Shake (or build in glass and stir) all but soda. Strain into Hi-Ball glass with ice. Top with soda. Garnish with Lemon wheel.

Gentleman’s Manhattan
What you need:
2 parts Gentleman Jack
½ parts sweet vermouth
½ parts dry vermouth
2 dashes of bitters

Instructions: Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cherry or lemon twist.

Vieux Carre
What you need:
¾ parts Jack Daniel’s® Single Barrel Rye
¾ parts cognac
¾ Noilly Prat Rouge® vermouth
¼ tsp. Bénédictine
2 dashes Peychaud’s® Bitters
2 dashes Angostura® Bitters

Instructions: Combine ingredients in a rocks glass. And drink.

Uncle Jack (Old Fashion)
What you need:
2 parts Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
¾ parts simple syrup
orange slice
couple dashes of bitters

Instructions: Put into rocks glass. Muddle orange. Add ice and stir.

Tennessee Sour
What you need:
2 oz Jack Daniel’s® Tennessee Whiskey
1 dash cherry juice
3 oz sweet and sour mix

Instructions: Stir ingredients together in a cocktail glass, garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.

Whether you sip Jack Daniel’s whiskey (Jack’s way) on the rocks with a longtime friend for the love of whiskey, or you try one of the recipes above, one thing is sure, there is no wrong or right way to enjoy fine Tennessee whiskey. Drink it straight, on the rocks, with club soda, with ginger ale, add a bit of water, add fruit, or mix it with your favorite juice, the truth is, “every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.”

Tags Gentleman Jack Jack Daniels Room No. 7 Rye Whiskey Tennessee Rye Whiskey Whiskey