Country LifeTavern
Country LifeTavern
Years ago, my wife asked me to build a bar. She was talking about the basic, modest, physical structure. I didn't feel like we had a great place to put one so it never happened. Fast forward to early 2020, a room became available, and thanks to a "global pandemic", there wasn't much else to do, so I finally built that bar, but it became an entire room! Welcome to Country Life Tavern ... a place for my family and friends to hang out, relax, and have a few drinks.
This simple classic made with rye or bourbon, a sugar cube, and Angostura bitters, delivers every time.
The drink calls for the all-American trio of bitters, rye, and applejack, which are said to be the country's oldest spirits.
The spice of rye, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, stirred, strained, and garnished with a cherry can make you feel like a true class act.
A Rob Roy is simply a classic Manhattan with scotch instead of rye, for those who are so inclined.
Yet another twist on the Manhattan, now swapping Irish whiskey for rye, and orange bitters in place of Angostura.
Scotch tempered with the sweetness of amaretto is a dangerous (and wonderful) pairing.
Boulevardier
Take the beloved Negroni, swap the gin for rye, and you've got yourself a stand-up whiskey cocktail called a Boulevardier.
This New Orleans classic brings together rye whiskey with sugar, bitters, and the unmistakable touch of Absinthe.
Kentucky Mule
The Moscow Mule is an unimpeachable vodka cocktail, but Vodka's not why we're gathered here today, so let's sub in some of Kentucky's finest bourbon.
A classic from 1930's New Orleans. This is a short, slow sipper with rye, Cognac, and sweet vermouth along with two bitters, and Benedictine for even more dimension.
'Rol and Rye
If an Aperol Spritz brashly screams summer, a 'Rol and Rye is the slightly more mellow alternative that doesn't give a damn what season you drink it in.
An easy sipping drink starting with a blended whiskey, and joined with sugar, triple sec, and bitters.
Ginger Whiskey Cocktail
Sometimes, simple is best. This cocktail requires nothing more than whiskey, ginger ale, and a lime for garnish.
This amazing twist on a classic brings Rye alongside coffee liqueur and orange bitters for amazing taste you won't soon forget.
Rusty Nail
This classic and popular cocktail mixes Scotch with Drambuie for an easy and sophisticated sipper. Tetanus shot not required!
This dependable drink is an easy fit for whiskey lovers, as well as those weary of the brown spirit: its lemony lift and slight sweetness make it appealing for citrus lovers, too.
The Margarita, in its tart, tangy simplicity, is probably the most well-known tequila cocktail in the world. Served on the rocks, because we don't believe in frozen drinks here at Country Life Tavern.
Heat up your cocktail repertoire with this spicy jalapeno margarita recipe! Crisp and tart, it’s got just the right kick.
Swap out the vodka in a Bloody Mary for tequila, and you’ve got the Bloody Maria! This simple change makes for a Mexican style spin on the classic.
This is a tequila-based spin on the classic Moscow mule: perhaps even better than the original! It’s crisp, bold, and full of flavor.
The tequila sour is a delightfully refreshing sweet tart drink with a frothy foam topping! It’s a mashup of a 1920’s sour cocktail with a margarita.
Dating back to Mexico City in the 1930s, this cocktail is sure to please with its pairing of Repasado tequila, Crème de cassis, lime & bitters,
The is further proof that coffee goes with almost everything. Coffee and tequila have an exceptional kinship of earth notes and make for a tantalizing pair.
This vibrant cocktail layers the colors of a summer sunrise using tequila, orange and grenadine.
A well-made dry Martini is elegance in a glass. The classic mix of gin and dry vermouth is a classic.
The original Tom Collins calls for gin, lemon, and soda water; essentially, it’s a spritzy lemonade for grownups.
Gin, Campari, and vermouth in a perfect, albeit bitter, punchy package. Can you handle it?
It doesn't get more simple than this classic, made with gin, lime juice and simple syrup.
The Bramble combines the bright, tangy berry flavors of gin and Crème de cassis, with lemon, simple syrup, and plenty of crushed ice.
The Red Snapper cocktail is a Bloody Mary with gin! Swap out the vodka in this classic cocktail and you’ve got an entirely different (and delicious) drink.
Its crisp, botanical flavor is straightforward but at the same time intriguing: a feat using only 2 ingredients! It’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular cocktails.
Starting with the bright crispness of gin, cucumber, and lime, we "up" the flavor with hot sauce and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
For those who don't realize a martini is made with Gin. It’s pretty basic: a shot of chilled vodka mixed with a little dry vermouth.
What's a more classic vodka cocktail than a Moscow mule? This easy cocktail recipe was invented in the 1940’s, but it's totally timeless.
A vodka gimlet is a variation on the classic gin gimlet with a smoother flavor! It’s got just three ingredients: vodka, lime and syrup.
This classic drink is tangy, spicy, and perfectly seasoned, featuring tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire, and lemon.
Enjoy this refreshing, yet super simple cocktail. It goes down easy with a hint of lime!
Also known as a Vodka Cranberry cocktail, this drink is tart and refreshing.
The classic cosmopolitan is a the ultimate girly drink, even if it's perfect for everyone alike. The subtle marriage of dry orange, lime, vodka, and cranberry juice is a joy.
Looking for a fruity vodka cocktail? Enter: the Bay Breeze! It has a vivid color and sweet tart flavor. Featuring the tropical taste of pineapple, it feels carefree and beachy.
This coffee-flavored vodka cocktail is perfect for after dinner drinks or an afternoon pick-me-up.
The White Russian is the definition of a guilty pleasure. It tastes like coffee ice cream. Best to just surrender.
Ginger beer and dark rum, and you’ve got the Dark and Stormy!
This simple mixed drink is similar to a rum and Coke, but the addition of fresh lime juice, which lightens up the mix and cuts through the sweetness of the cola.
The Daiquiri is often abused with fruit and blenders (not at Country Life), but a true Daiquiri made with white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup is a clean and refreshing drink for any occasion.
Popular as early as the 1930s, it's a classic requiring just three ingredients. Essentially, it's a daiquiri sweetened with grenadine rather than simple syrup. P.S. The Supreme Court makes me use Bacardi rum!
Since this isn't a business and we're not open to the public, drinks at the Country Life Tavern are ALWAYS FREE to invited friends and family. Of course, should you wish to contribute so we can remain stocked with your favorites, you can always tip the bartender.