There are bourbons you sip by the fire, bourbons you pour at a backyard gathering, and then there are bourbons that seem to arrive with a little sunshine already built into the bottle.

Enter Five Springs Blood Orange Infused Bourbon, a Kentucky-born spirit that proves bourbon doesn’t always have to wear a tuxedo. Sometimes it can loosen its tie, kick off its boots, and head out to the prairie with a splash of citrus flair. According to the brand, this bourbon is infused with natural fruits, botanicals, and other flavors, giving classic whiskey roots a bright, modern twist.

Founder Lisa Derman, a Kentucky native, created Five Springs with a lovely idea in mind: honor bourbon’s long-standing traditions while making it feel fresh, welcoming, and just a little adventurous. It’s bourbon for seasoned whiskey lovers, certainly, but it’s also a friendly handshake for newcomers who may still be figuring out the difference between neat, rocks, and “whatever’s in this pretty glass.”

The Blood Orange expression may be the star of the lineup for anyone who likes a little personality in their pour. It starts with bourbon aged in new American oak barrels, then layers in the rich, slightly tart sweetness of blood orange. The result is smooth, warm bourbon flavor with a lively citrus note that keeps things bright and surprisingly versatile.

And naturally, this calls for a cocktail, from the mixologists at Sips&Sites&Bites.

Manhattan on the Prairie

Think of this as the classic Manhattan after a weekend escape to wide-open skies and golden grasslands.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Five Springs Blood Orange Bourbon
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Orange twist
• Luxardo cherry, if you’re feeling fancy

Directions
Fill a mixing glass with ice, add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, then stir until beautifully chilled. Strain into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with an orange twist and cherry.

The blood orange infusion gives the traditional Manhattan a brighter, fruit-forward edge … less dark leather club chair, more sunset over an open field. It’s sophisticated, yes, but with a playful wink. Inspired by Five Springs’ own Blood Orange Manhattan recipe, this version leans into that prairie-fresh citrus note.

What makes Five Springs especially interesting is that it doesn’t try to replace bourbon tradition … it simply invites it outdoors for a breath of fresh air. It’s the kind of bottle that feels equally at home at a polished cocktail party or beside a crackling firepit with friends swapping stories and reaching for seconds.

In other words, this is bourbon with a little wanderlust.

So whether you’re a longtime whiskey devotee or someone who usually prefers cocktails that don’t “taste too much like whiskey,” Five Springs Blood Orange may be the bottle that happily meets you in the middle.

Cheers to tradition … with a twist.