Looking for a new Master's Tradition. Batch up The Magnolia, a bourbon-forward watch-party crowd pleaser crafted with tailgating guru Rod Herrenbruck.
The traditional Azalea cocktail has had a great run. It’s a vibrant, undeniable classic on Masters weekend. But as you gather your favorite golf fans to watch the world’s best navigate the pristine greens of Augusta this weekend, isn't it time to shake things up?
Move over, Azalea—there's a new tradition teeing off.
To help us craft the ultimate watch-party beverage, we called up our friend Rod Herrenbruck, the legendary game-day guru behind Tailgating with Rod. With over 40 years of hosting experience under his belt, Rod knows a thing or two about bringing people together over great food and even better drinks. He might be famous for his legendary football stadium setups, but Rod’s philosophy applies anywhere: gathering with friends and family is what it's all about.
Inspired by the 60 magnificent magnolia trees that canopy the iconic entrance to Augusta National, this is what Rod's drinking while he kicks back and watches some golf this weekend: The Magnolia Cocktail.
Designed specifically to be shared on the back nine or the back deck, The Magnolia is an easy, bourbon-forward mix that will surely add to the revelry of the watch party or your next foresome.
The Gear: Pro-Level Prep for Your Watch Party
The legend of Kansas City Chiefs tailgating scene, Rod knows what it takes to mix for a crowd with our Highball Shaker and our signature Firelight Tumblers. When you're hosting, you want to simplify your prep so you don't miss a single putt.
With this extra-large shaker, you can mix up enough of The Magnolia for you and a few friends in one go. We’ll be serving these up in our Firelight Tumblers, which offer an unbreakable, bar-quality experience you can enjoy anywhere.
Why we love the Firelight Tumblers for this cocktail:
- Perfect Temp: The vacuum insulation means your tumbler won't sweat in your hand as the afternoon heats up.
- Pure Taste: They are crafted from premium stainless steel with an electro-polished interior. This ensures the metal won't taint the flavor of your bourbon.
- Eco-Friendly & Rugged: Completely plastic-free and practically indestructible—perfect for taking outdoors.
The Magnolia Cocktail Recipe
This recipe yields a generous 23 ounces of liquid—the perfect amount to fill two Firelight Tumblers to the brim with a little room for ice. Of course, sharing with 4-6 works too 😉, but Rod likes to role deep.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Bourbon (We love a reliable, high-quality pour like Buffalo Trace)
- 12 oz Lemonade (Freshly squeezed or your favorite premium brand)
- 3 oz Orange Juice (For that perfect citrus balance)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Tumblers: Fill two Firelight Tumblers to the top with fresh ice. Set them aside or head out to the backyard to get comfortable.
- Load the Shaker (No Ice!): Add your 8 oz of bourbon, 12 oz of lemonade, and 3 oz of orange juice directly into your Highball Shaker. Pro-Tip from Rod: We are building this cocktail without ice in the shaker. Why? Because we want to maximize the volume of the cocktail inside the shaker and yield as much of this delicious drink as possible!
- Shake It Up: Secure the lid on your shaker tightly and give it a good, vigorous shake to blend the citrus and the bourbon perfectly.
- Pour and Enjoy: Pour the mixed Magnolia Cocktail directly over the ice in your prepared Firelight Tumblers.
Grab your tumbler, toast to a great weekend of golf, and enjoy the effortless style of a bar-quality drink from the comfort of your favorite lawn chair.
As Rod always says... Tailgate on! (And cheers to making ordinary moments extraordinary.)
