East Tennessee Moonshine Masters Old Forge Distillery Offers Up Some Holiday Treats
And country singer Tara Thompson is a big fan!
Country music singer Tara Thompson is actually the niece of the legendary Loretta Lynn, but Thompson just calls herself “a hillbilly from East Tennessee.” So it’s no surprise that she’s a fan of moonshine, specifically the delicious flavored moonshines from Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge, TN. Thompson is often spotted wearing Old Forge gear at her shows stretching back to when she was a hard-working performer at many of the honky tonks on Nashville’s Lower Broad entertainment district.
A creative songwriter as well as a dynamic performer, Thompson appreciates creativity in her drinks as well, so she is a fan of these holiday cocktails that Old Forge serves at their newly-designed cocktail bar in their homey tasting room in the heart of the historic Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge. The Old Mill is one of the oldest continually operated grist mills in America, and it’s a perfect location for a distillery to make corn liquor fresh from the mill. You can visit Old Forge for free samples of a taste of Tennessee or let their bartenders forge you an artisan cocktail.
They’ve also been kind enough to share some recipes for their popular holiday drinks that you can whip up at home. Rather than just the typical moonshine flavors like sweet tea and apple, Old Forge offers more complex and sophisticated infusions such as ginger and rosemary that work quite well in fine cocktails. Buy a couple jars of ‘shine and make your holiday parties even more jovial with some of these cocktails.
Ginger Berry Blast
2 ounces Old Forge Blackberry Moonshine
1 ½ ounces Old Forge Chocolate Moonshine
Ginger Beer
Pour moonshine into a glass. Top with ginger beer. Recommend serving in a martini or coupe glass.
Rosemary Maple Bourbon Sour
1 ½ ounces Old Forge 10-year-old Bourbon
½ ounce sour mix
1 ounce dark amber maple syrup
1 large sprig of rosemary (plus 1 sprig for garnish)
Pour ingredients into a rocks glass, stir, and garnish with rosemary.
Crème Brulee
2 ounces Old Forge Coffee Moonshine
1 ounce Old Forge Chocolate Moonshine
1 ounce caramel syrup
Shake ingredients and strain into a glass. Best served in a martini glass rimmed with caramel.
French Toast Cider
1 ½ ounce Old Forge French Toast Moonshine
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
Hot mulled cider
Pour moonshine into a mug, add lemon juice and cider. Serve hot in a clear mug with a cinnamon stick and dried apple slice.
Cinnamon Espresso Martini
1 ½ ounces oz Old Forge Cinnamon Cream
½ ounce Old Forge Coffee Moonshine
2 ounces Chilled Espresso
Shake ingredients and strain into a glass. Best when garnished and served in a martini glass.
