For National Bourbon Heritage Month this September (yes, it's a real event as of last year), we offer two scrumptious ways to celebrate America's native spirit.

The first, a classic bourbon cocktail.

Wild Turkey Bourbon Manhattan (pictured above):

2 parts Wild Turkey 101
1 1/2 parts sweet vermouth
1 dash bitters
Stir well with cracked ice and strain into a Manhattan or chilled martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (or a brandied cherry, as we prefer).

And the second is a new annual event by The Wine House in West L.A.: BourBonQ hosted by the folks at Jim Beam! For $89 you get to have five courses of barbecue goodness cooked up by Upstairs2 Executive Chef Todd Barrie while sipping on a special bourbon cocktail to complement each dish.

The menu as follows:

Passed Hors d'oeuvres: Assorted Grilled Sausages -- Rabbit, Elk, and Duck -- and Pretzel Bread
Cocktail: Knob Creek Whiskey Sour

1st Course: Lobster BLT -- Frisee, Heirloom Tomato, Homemade Mayo on Brioche
Cocktail: Basil Hayden Champagne Cocktail

2nd Course: Brisket of Beef with Georgia Peach Barbecue Sauce, Yukon Gold Potato Pancake
Cocktail: Bakers and Georgia Peach Bourbon with Homemade Lemonade

3rd Course: Barbecue Ribs with Slaw, Spicy Whiskey Barbecue Sauce
Cocktail: Makers Mark Old Fashioned

Dessert: Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake with Stout Creme Anglaise
Cocktail: Bookers Neat

Call (310) 479-3731 ext. 0 to make your reservation for this event, which takes place at 7pm on Tuesday, September 9.

Cheers, America!

Upstairs2 at The Wine House
2311 Cotner Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90064 (map)