New Year’s resolutions can fill us with hope for achieving our goals. Have you ever found yourself only making it through part of January before losing confidence in your ability to reach them? What if your goal was something simple, achievable, and whiskey-related? Here are some whiskey-related resolutions that have helped me year after year.
I always try to reduce the number of bottles with a small amount left after the holiday season. Opened bottles that have been partially enjoyed, especially those with a quarter or less remaining, should be consumed within the next month or so. Having less liquid in a bottle signifies a transition in the distilled spirit experience. Use these lower-fill bottles first when you are choosing something to enjoy, adding to recipes, or experimenting with blending. A Hot Toddy, for instance, is soothing and comforting on cold evenings, making it a perfect way to use up those last pours. The warm honey, lemon, and tea will mask any flavors you might not enjoy in the whiskey.
Some of my favorite ways to use opened bottles include batching cocktails. There are many great recipes for batching cocktails available online. One of my favorite social media accounts to follow for batching cocktails is Cocktail Contessa, known for her bourbon-forward drinks. Use your empty bottles to store these cocktails. Create hang tags that inform your guests about what each bottle contains and store them chilled before your party. Once a bottle is empty, dispose of it responsibly to avoid accumulating more containers that need washing and storing for future gatherings.
As we conclude the holiday season, you might not think much about the richness of eggnog. Combining bourbon, cognac, and rum creates a fantastic way to use up those holiday leftovers. Alton Brown’s Aged Eggnog is a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts. It only requires two weeks to develop, but the longer you let it sit, the better it becomes! Go ahead and make it now for next year. Pour it into bottles that will fit in the back of your refrigerator, label them clearly, and store them in the farthest reaches until next holiday season. Some whiskey lovers even dedicate a small fridge to their aged eggnogs. This can also serve as a thoughtful host gift for future celebrations. You will have the luxury of making it ahead of time rather than rushing to buy something at the last minute. Once you have tasted rich, boozy homemade eggnog, you will not want to go back to store-bought versions.
Did you receive or acquire bottles of whiskey or other distilled spirits this year that you do not plan to enjoy? If a bottle is still unopened, consider passing it along during upcoming Super Bowl parties or other gatherings. Remember the party dishes you leave behind without any intention of claiming them; it is perfectly acceptable to gift or donate bottles to organizations that accept alcohol donations. I promise, someone will open that bottle and enjoy it on your behalf—there is no need to feel guilty about it!
Now, I can already hear comments about what to do with extra decanter sets, more glassware, whiskey stones, and other whiskey-related paraphernalia. Use decanters anytime you entertain, but not necessarily for whiskey! Use them for any beverages to make them accessible and visually appealing. Empty distilled spirits bottles can also serve this purpose; some are quite beautiful and have labels that come off easily. Glassware is also easy to replace. Personally, I use rocks glasses as my everyday water glasses. I am not upset if one breaks, as they are not part of an irreplaceable set. This makes my collection of glassware both attractive and easily replaceable, plus it helps identify whose glass is whose at the table. As for whiskey stones, unfortunately, they are little more than a gimmick. They do not chill your drink effectively or keep it cold, and they scratch the glassware. Perhaps someone has yet to share a creative use for them in the whiskey world!
If you’re looking to expand your flavor profile horizons, I recommend the budget-friendly Ironroot Distillery Assemblage Bourbon (formerly Sleight of Hand). This affordable bottle captures the familiar taste of Kentucky and Indiana bourbons while adding the unique Texas flair to the whiskey scene. The Likarish family has played a significant role in Texas whiskey, earning numerous prestigious awards. Their own bourbon, combined with spirits from two other distilleries, showcases their versatility not only with their own creations but also through collaborations. The Assemblage Bourbon offers flavors of peanut brittle, fresh peaches, basil, candied orange peel, and the floral notes typical of a high-rye bourbon. With a comfortable proof point of 92, it’s perfect for cocktails or sipping neat. A good cocktail to try with this bottle would be the:
Ace Up Your Sleeve
.25 ounces coffee liqueur
2 ounces of Ironroot Distillery Assemblage Bourbon
2 dashes of chocolate bitters
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass. Fill the glass with 2/3 ice. Stir to a count of 20. Strain the contents of the mixing glass over a large-format ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with a piece of dark chocolate.
Whether your New Year’s resolutions are to reduce, reuse, expand, or explore, hopefully these ideas help to springboard you into a wonderful whiskey New Year. May your 2026 be filled with abundant blessings and countless memories shared over whiskey. Have a Happy New Year, Kendall County!
More from the TKG cellar: good intentions are better with good whiskey. For a bottle worth adding to your shelf this year, The Whiskey Rebellion makes a strong case. And if you’re pairing that resolution with a smoke, our review of My Father The Judge makes a fine companion.
