The holiday season, with its festive clink of glasses and toasts to good tidings, embodies the spirit of togetherness. Just as golf is a game best shared, the holidays are a time to gather with those we cherish, the ones that we can raise our glass to time and time again.

Just as Bobby Jones cherished camaraderie on and off the greens, there is no better way to celebrate this joyous time of year than by inviting those we hold dear into our homes. Planning a successful party takes intention and preparation, but having exceptional whiskey on hand, such as The Clover, certainly doesn’t hurt either. Keep reading for our top tips when hosting a perfectly curated and joyous holiday gathering, blending time-honored traditions with the spectacular craftsmanship of The Bobby Jones Whiskey Collection.

Preparation with Precision

Great parties, much like a strategic game of golf, require foresight and meticulous preparation. With the right preparation, you will not only guarantee the comfort of your guests, but you can also minimize day-of hosting responsibilities.

Our first tip for an unforgettable gathering is to prepare your cocktails in advance with our barrel-aging technique.  Batching barrel-aged whiskey cocktails will keep your guest’s glasses brimming with spirit throughout the evening, allowing you to revel in the festivities alongside them rather than playing barkeep all night.

Barrel-aging your cocktails in our 3L or 5L Clover Oak Aging Whiskey Barrels infuses your batch cocktails with a hand-crafted touch, while presenting them in a show-stopping display.

The Clover’s “Calamity Jane” old-fashioned, a nod to Bobby Jones’ beloved putter, makes for a perfect batched cocktail to please the crowd! For those new to the art of barrel aging, our comprehensive guide on how to barrel-age cocktails at home will help you craft your first batch to perfection.

Just as Bobby Jones never underestimated a golf course, never underestimate your party's needs. Nothing will dim a high-spirited party like running out of food or drinks before the party has hit it’s pique. Our second tip is simple yet essential, be over prepared instead of finding yourself underprepared. To ensure your bar is amply stocked for the night, plan to have enough spirits on hand to delight each guest with at least one cocktail every hour of the party’s duration. With The Clover Collection's entire range available for online purchase, stocking up for your soiree with enough premium whiskey to last the evening is effortless. And should you find yourself with extra bottles post-celebration, consider them akin to Bobby Jones’ legacy - timeless treasures you will be delighted to keep.

Setting the Stage

Crafting the perfect party atmosphere is like designing a golf course - it's all about flow and experience. Your guests will naturally tend to congregate around where the refreshments are laid out, so be intentional when considering their set-up location. Position your home bar as the central hub, reminiscent of the clubhouse where Bobby Jones might have shared a post-round dram as was tradition. Keep enough glassware on hand to serve premium spirits without diminishing their quality. Stock it with The Clover’s 3oz tasting glasses and 11oz whiskey glasses, each etched with an infamous quote from Jones, giving each guest their very own conversation piece to share with each other. 

Incorporate an entertaining and interactive element to your home bar by offering guests a whiskey-tasting experience with The Clover Tasting Flight Tray, featuring sample pours of three award-winning single-barrel expressions: The Clover Straight Bourbon, The Clover Rye, and The Clover Tennessee. Guide your guests through a journey of aromas and flavors that mirror the complexity and passion of Bobby Jones' legacy. Go beyond tasting notes and impress your guests with history beyond the bottle, turning each sip into a story about golf’s greatest gentleman and champion. When the tasting is done, your guests will have a new-found appreciation for golf’s golden era, and you’ll know what your guests' exact taste preferences are, making it a breeze to pour to their taste for the rest of the night! 

A Menu of Crowd-Pleasing Classics

As your party progresses, offer a selection of classic whiskey cocktails, each a symbol of timeless elegance and modern flair. Our curated cocktail recipes, like the "Grand Slam" Manhattan, not only delight the palate but also celebrate moments from Jones' illustrious career, blending tradition with the timeless taste of victory. 

Unlock the world of classic cocktails with just a handful of essential ingredients. With only simple syrup, orange bitters, lemon juice, and vermouth, you have the building blocks to make our favorite classic whiskey cocktails. Don’t forget some oranges and cherries to garnish! 

Method: Begin by placing a sugar cube at the bottom of a rocks glass (replace with simple syrup if you don’t have sugar cubes). Apply 2-3 dashes of orange bitters directly onto the sugar cube. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently muddle the sugar cube with the bitters. The goal is to dissolve the sugar into a syrup-like consistency. Pour 2.5 ounces (75 ml) of The Clover Bourbon Whiskey over the muddled sugar and bitters. Add ice cubes to the glass and stir the mixture for about 15-20 seconds. This helps chill the drink and dilute it slightly. Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass by holding it over the cocktail, giving it a twist to release the essence. Drop the peel into the glass for added aroma and finish with a cherry (we would recommend a Luxardo cherry).

Method: Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of The Clover Rye Whiskey and 1 ounce (30 ml) of sweet vermouth into a mixing glass. Add 2-3 dashes of orange bitters to the mix. The bitters will contribute depth and complexity to the cocktail. Gently stir the ingredients in the mixing glass for about 15-20 seconds. Stirring, as opposed to shaking, helps maintain the cocktail's clarity and silky texture. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into a chilled cocktail glass. You can use a julep strainer or a Hawthorne strainer for this. Garnish your Manhattan with a Luxardo cherry. Express the oils from an orange or lemon peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a twist, then drop the peel into the glass.

Method: Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of The Clover Straight Bourbon Whiskey into a shaker filled with ice. Add 3/4 ounce (22.5 ml) of simple syrup to the shaker. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to get 3/4 ounce (22.5 ml), and add it to the shaker. Using fresh lemon juice is key to achieving a bright and vibrant flavor. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This not only blends the ingredients but also froths up the cocktail. Strain the mixture from the shaker into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry or orange wheel.

The Perfect Finale

As echoes of laughter and joy linger in the air, there's no better way to gracefully wind down the evening than with a moment of pure indulgence. Conclude your gathering with a luxurious nightcap, a tradition as timeless as the game of golf itself.

Invite those most important to settle into the cozy nooks of your gathering space for a farewell toast of The Clover served in luxurious leather-wrapped rocks glasses from Clayton and Crume, Elevate the experience further by offering a selection of premium cigars, carefully chosen to complement the whiskey's nuances.

The symphony of swirling aromas, the warmth of the whiskey, and the satisfying draw of a well-paired cigar create a sensory haven, inviting your guests to savor the final moments of the evening in sheer luxury and camaraderie. It's a fitting crescendo to a night filled with festive cheer, and making memories that linger long after the holiday lights dim, echoing the enduring legacy of Bobby Jones and the timeless traditions of which The Clover represents.