In the last few months, we have been hearing a lot about everyone's favorite Texan, Matthew McConaughey. The Oscar Award-winning actor raised over $8 Million in February for those affected by winter storm Uri, and he sent Twitter into a frenzy when he recently hinted at a future gubernatorial run. In a statement to the Austin American Stateman, he said, "I am considering, as I said I'd be a fool not to, to consider the honor to go into the position of politics, as the governor of Texas," McConaughey said. "But I honestly have to ask myself, 'How can I be most useful?' And maybe that's as a free agent." Although he has made it clear that he is not running yet, he leads at least one gubernatorial poll.
The Texas native and father of three also released Greenlights in the fall of 2020. Filled with stories, wisdom, and of course, quotes that only McConaughey can get away with, the memoir gives insight into the actor's journey. In addition to author and philanthropist, McConaughey is a full-time professor, as well. Part of the University of Texas Moody School of Communications, McConaughey became faculty of the Department of Radio-Television-Film in the fall 2019 term.
One of his longest-standing partnerships, however, is with Wild Turkey. He collaborated with the iconic brand to infuse their expertly crafted small-batch bourbon with his Kentucky and Texas roots. "As a lover of bourbon, I have secretly always wanted to create my own. (Master Distiller) Eddie Russell and I have worked together for about two years to create Longbranch," says McConaughey. He also worked with the brand to create a menu of delicious cocktails that are the perfect antidote for Texas' triple-digit summer heat.
Bitter Sour
1.5 parts Longbranch
0.5 parts Campari
1 part lemon juice
0.5 parts sugar syrup
2 drops orange bitters
Directions: Add ingredients to a shaker. Shake with plenty of ice and strain over new cubed ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a dehydrated orange.
Branch Water
Two parts Longbranch bourbon
Juice of half a lime
Top with sparkling water
Directions: To make this Longbranch Signature cocktail, squeeze half lime into a tall glass filled with ice. Leave the lime in the glass. Add Longbranch and top-off with soda water.
Gold Rush
Two parts Longbranch
.75 part lemon juice
.75 part honey syrup
Directions: Add ingredients to a shaker. Shake with plenty of ice and double strain over new cubed ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with lemon peel.
Longbranch Neat/Rocks
2 parts Longbranch
Directions: Serve this Longbranch Signature cocktail neat or over ice. Preferable with a 2x2 ice cube.
“Together, we made my favorite bourbon on the planet.”