Ginger beer: Ginger beer is a carbonated beverage that is made from ginger, sugar, and water. It has a strong, spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness. The ginger flavor is often intense and can be described as a combination of ginger spice and ginger root. The sweetness in ginger beer varies depending on the brand, but it is generally not as sweet as traditional soda. The carbonation adds a slight effervescence to the drink, making it a popular mixer in cocktails. Some ginger beers might have a slight hint of citrus, and some other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. When used in cocktails, ginger beer adds a unique, spicy kick to the drink, and can balance out the sweetness of other ingredients. The carbonation also adds a refreshing quality to the drink. When used in a Dark 'n' Stormy or Moscow Mule, the ginger beer helps to complement the flavors of the rum or vodka and lime juice. When used in a Gin-Gin Mule or Penicillin, it helps to balance the flavors of gin and honey.
Bourbon whisky: Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, a barrel-aged distilled liquor made primarily from corn. The name derives from the French Bourbon dynasty, although the precise inspiration is uncertain; contenders include Bourbon County in Kentucky and Bourbon Street in New Orleans, both of which are named after the dynasty. The name "Bourbon" was not applied until the 1850s, and the Kentucky etymology was not advanced until the 1870s. Bourbon has been distilled since the 18th century. Although bourbon may be made anywhere in the United States, it is strongly associated with the American South in general, and with Kentucky in particular. As of 2014, distillers' wholesale market revenue for bourbon sold within the US was about $2.7 billion, and bourbon made up about two thirds of the $1.6 billion of U.S. exports of distilled spirits. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, in 2018 U.S. distillers derived $3.6 billion in revenue from bourbon and Tennessee whiskey (a closely related spirit produced in the state of Tennessee). Bourbon was recognized in 1964 by the United States Congress as a "distinctive product of the United States". Bourbon sold in the United States must be produced in the U.S. from at least 51% corn and stored in a new container of charred oak.