It’s happy hour somewhere and summer Fridays are the perfect excuse to unwind and enjoy a delicious, refreshing cocktail! Saint Liberty Whiskey’s collection celebrates the untold stories of pioneering, Prohibition-era women bootleggers from across the country.

First up, we’re checking out Bertie’s Bear Gulch Bourbon Whiskey, which honors African-American homesteader Bertie “Birdie” Brown, who was famous for her moonshine. Known as “Birdie” to her friends, Brown was a woman of great courage and determination. 

She arrived in what was then the Montana Territory in 1898 from Missouri—a young, single, African-American woman determined to make it on her own. She homesteaded alone along the banks of Brickyard Creek in Fergus County, and built a reputation for offering locals and travelers alike a hot meal and the comforts of home.

Famed for the warm hospitality of her legendary parlor, Brown carved out a niche for herself during Prohibition by brewing what locals called the “best moonshine in the country.” Her entrepreneurial spirit and determination to survive in a rough and wild frontier speaks to the tenacity of women and their willingness to do what it takes to survive and prosper.

BERTIE’S BERRY SMASH

This delicious intermediate level cocktail with sweet and savory notes was created by Lu Brow, one of the most well-known and beloved mixologists in New Orleans, who is also the house mixologist at Brennan's.

Ingredients

2 ounces Bertie’s Bear Gulch whiskey

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon

3/4 ounce Thyme Syrup

4 drops Fee Brother’s orange bitters

2 Strawberries (sliced & muddled)

Strawberry for garnish

Thyme for garnish

Directions:

1. In a cocktail shaker muddle strawberries.

2. Add fresh lemon, thyme syrup, and whiskey, along with ice.

3. Shake well and strain over crushed ice.

4. Garnish with a sliced strawberry and thyme.

5. (Optional) To make thyme simple syrup: Combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup very hot water, and mix well. Place 1/4 cup fresh thyme into mixture. Allow to steep for 30 minutes. Double strain into a clean container. Will keep for three weeks in a cool environment.

SKINNY LIBERTY AMARETTO SOUR

This beginner level cocktail recipe offers a twist on a classic cocktail with less sugar and fat than the indulgent original—yet a little lighter and brighter with refreshing sweetness.

Ingredients

1.5 oz of Bertie’s Bear Gulch Bourbon

1 oz of Amaretto Liqueur

2 oz fresh Lemon Juice

1 oz of Agave Syrup

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice.

2. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.

3. Strain into a Collins glass over ice.

4. Garnish with brandied cherries or spring of rosemary.

BERTIE’S BRAMBLE

This bourbon cocktail features citrus, blackberries and Prosecco for light, bubbly fun. (For the best flavor, use blackberry syrup.)

Ingredients

1.25 oz Saint Liberty Bertie’s Bear Gulch Bourbon

.5 oz fresh Yuzu or lemon juice

.75 Blackberry Syrup

2 oz Prosecco

2 Fresh or Frozen Blackberries for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker except the Prosecco.

2. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds with cubed ice.

3. Strain into flute.

4. Top with Prosecco and garnish with two blackberries.

* For blackberry syrup: Make simple syrup yourself at home or purchase at your local store.
1. Combine sugar and water in a pot and bring to a low boil to make the simple syrup. Simmer for 3-5 minutes. Allow to cool.
2. Muddle blackberries in the bottom of a container. Add simple syrup to container. Allow berries to macerate with the simple syrup for at least four hours. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds for the finished product.

(This recipe is for those over 21 years of age. Enjoy in moderation and drink responsibly.)

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy