The Fancy Free Cocktail is another old school drink from the early 1940s. It is a riff on the Improved Whiskey Cocktail. The more modern version dumps the Canadian Whiskey for bourbon. It also dumps simple syrup and the absinth.

I always lean towards a high proof bourbon as I like a boozy cocktail. As I read more about this drink, I came across this version of the Fancy Free at PunchDrink which specifies Elijah Craig Small Batch or Old Forester Signature. These are two fantastic bourbons at very reasonable prices and readily available. I’m a huge bourbon guy and as I mentioned earlier, I like a barrel proof so I used the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof.

Ingredients for the Fancy Free Cocktail

• 2 ounces bourbon, we used Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
• 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange twist for garnish

How to make a Fancy Free Cocktail

1. Combine bourbon, maraschino liquor and the two bitters to cocktail mixing glass.
2. Stir to combine, about 20 seconds.
3. Strain to a cocktail rocks glass over a large ice cube
4. Garnish with orange twist.
5. Enjoy!

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