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Best Bourbon Cocktails In Sacramento

Sacramento connoisseurs know that while bourbon is a type of whiskey, not all whiskey is good enough to be bourbon. Regulations even exist to ensure that the bottles are accurately labeled. American bourbon must be 51 percent corn and made in this country with no added flavoring or coloring. Additional rules impact the barrel age and materials, distillation processes and alcohol proof at bottling time. But it is all worth it in the long run, when bourbon lovers can sit back and savor the intoxicating concoctions found at these Sacramento bars and restaurants.
Ella Dining Room
(credit: A. Sargis)

Ella Dining Room And Bar
1131 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-3772
www.elladiningroomandbar.com

Ella is highly regarded for the extensive wine cellar, excellent culinary creations and simple, elegant interior. But it should be equally praised for the creative cocktail menu. The restaurant offers a signature take on the classic Manhattan, made with a special blend of sweet vermouth, bitters and Kentucky bourbon. When stone fruit is in season, a house made puree of smoked peach mixed with bourbon bitters in a unique treat. Fresh peaches are also smashing with bourbon, ginger, mint and lemon. When a "Summer Porch" beckons, relax with this mixture of blackberry iced-tea, bourbon and sparkling water.

Related: Watch Sports For Free: Top 5 Sports Bars In Sacramento

The golden bear
(credit: goldenbear916.com)

The Golden Bear
2326 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 441-2242
goldenbear916.com

Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, the tasty menu earned the frat-like restaurant and bar a spot on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." A favorite drink for bourbon fans is the Cola de Oso. This piquant cocktail includes honey, bourbon, lime, seltzer and bitters, along with Allspice Dram liquor. If you enjoy savoring bourbon straight up or on the rocks, Maker's Mark is discounted during Happy Hour.

kbar
Credit: Google

KBar
1000 K St.
(916) 446-9800
www.paragarys.com

KBar is a hip urban pub that has a good, though limited, food and bar menu. No matter the time of day or night, bourbon fans will enjoy basking with an Afterglow. The smooth and satisfying cocktail is made with orange bitters, cinnamon syrup and bourbon. For those who prefer the taste of whiskey instead of bourbon, KBar makes a Countryline. The drink includes dark, sweet vermouth from Carpano Antica, ginger syrup, bitters and whiskey.

(credit: deveresirishpub.com) (credit: deveresirishpub.com)

De Vere's Irish Pub
1521 L St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 231-9947
deverespub.com

De Vere's offers nearly 50 different bourbons to its patrons, so virtually any desired cocktail can be created. For the true connoisseur, opt for a flight of bourbons to sample. One such flight includes three Kentucky bourbons — Rowan's Creek, Eagle Rare's 10-year old and Noah's Mill,

Grange Restaurant
(credit: grangesacramento.com)

Grange Restaurant & Bar
926 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 492-4450
www.grangesacramento.com

Along with special Grange versions of a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned, the bar offers a unique concoction called Tusk. The cocktail includes 86 proof Evan Williams's bourbon, candied bacon and bacon-flavored vermouth.

Kupros Crafthouse
kupros-11217 21st St
Sacramento, CA
(916) 440-0401
www.kuprosbistro.com

Crafthouse created a special drink named in part for the beloved rose garden at one of the popular parks in Sacramento. The McKinley Rose includes lemon, Four Roses bourbon, club soda and a Canton liqueur made with ginger, cognac, vanilla and orange blossom honey.

Related: Best Wine Stores In Sacramento

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers business, employment, animal rescue, volunteerism and nonprofits. Her work can also be found at Examiner.com.
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