Three Classic Cocktails

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Event capacity: 75

Suggested donation supporting the university’s COVID-19 response and student financial aid: $35

Always wanted to be one of “those people” who can mix up cocktails at the drop of a hat? Learn how to make three classic cocktails that are always in season with Paul Coughlin (C’86, Parent’18, ‘19, ’22), Founder of Taconic Distillery. Coughlin will show you how to make a classic Old Fashioned (featuring bourbon), a Manhattan (featuring rye whiskey), and a Negroni (featuring gin). With these cocktails in your arsenal, you’ll be prepared to dazzle your guests (and yourself) the next time happy hour strikes!

What you’ll need

For the Old Fashioned:
Taconic Distillery Dutchess Private Reserve Bourbon
Bitters
Luxardo cherries
Maple syrup
Orange peel

For the Manhattan:
Taconic Distillery Founder’s Rye
Sweet vermouth
Regular vermouth
Bitters
Luxardo cherry

For the Negroni:
Stubbornly Different Gin
Campari or Aperol
Sweet vermouth
Maple syrup

Host bio

Paul Coughlin (C’86, Parent’18,’19,’22) is the founder and driving force behind Taconic Distillery. An avid outdoorsman and bourbon aficionado, he and his wife, Carol Ann, were eager to create a new and meaningful business venture, and in 2010, the Coughlin family purchased what is now known as Rolling Hills Farm in Stanfordville, New York. The farm’s corn fields and natural spring water became the inspiration for Taconic Distillery’s entrance to Dutchess County’s local agribusiness market. Taconic is now the #1 New York State bourbon and rye. Coughlin is a loyal Hoya, and as an undergrad, he played lacrosse and club ice hockey. All three of Paul and Carol Ann’s daughters are Hoyas: Kathryn (C’18), Christina (C’19), and Grace (C’22).

About Taconic Distillery

Taconic Distillery, established in 2013, is a purveyor of fine craft spirits located in the Hudson Valley of New York. We handcraft our award-winning bourbon and rye whiskies in small batches using the finest ingredients, including grains grown in New York and natural spring water from our farm. Inspired by hunting and fishing, Taconic embraces a passion for the outdoors and that passion is imprinted on all our spirits. All of our spirits are brilliant for simple sipping. They also make excellent traditional and signature cocktails. We are proud members of the American Distilling Institute, the American Craft Spirits Association, and the New York Distillers Guild.