As the weather heads toward cooler days, so do my drinking habits. When I'm in Toronto I start to lean away from margaritas and bright, cucumber-laden gin and mix in more seasonally-appropriate drinks like red wine and Old Fashioneds. 

Maker's Mark is a good choice where bourbon is concerned. With a smooth sweetness, it's perfect for cocktails. (If I'm drinking it on the rocks, I go for Woodford Reserve.)

DRINK IT RIGHT

There are as many Old Fashioned variations as there are bourbons on the market. Sugar options, soda vs. still, cherries and other garnishes - But I know how I like it.

The Old Fashioned

In an Old Fashioned glass (typically a squat tumbler or rocks glass; often cut crystal or somehow fancy) place a sugar cube. Hit it with 3 or 4 dashes of bitters. Allow the cube to absorb for a second before crushing it down with a muddler. Toss your sliver of orange rind on top and muddle some more, squeezing out the oils. Add 3 ounces of bourbon and a splash of still water. Drop in a fancy ice ball (Check these out! The more surface area, the longer your ice will last. And they're a great conversation starter.) Stir and garnish with a sour cherry. (I soak mine in cognac for a while first.)

The Mint Julep

3oz. bourbon
2 tablespoons mint syrup
Garnish with a mint leaf

Mint Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
Several sprigs of mint.

Boil sugar and water for 5 minutes. Pour over the mint in a bowl, gently crushing the mint with the back of a spoon. Chill, covered, for 8 to 10 hours. Strain, discarding the mint.

Juleps need crushed ice! Fill a glass or julep cup. Add syrup and bourbon and stir gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

(Image from the internet.)

BUILDING A LIQUOR CABINET

Tequila: The Classic Margarita

Gin: Tara O'Brady's Plum Ginger Gimlet