Before sugary mixers dominated the bar, early 20th-century bartenders relied on herbed liqueurs to build complex drinks. Enter the Kentucky Colonel. A brilliant, spirit-forward cousin to the Old Fashioned, this classic cocktail swaps standard sugar for French Bénédictine to give high-proof bourbon a rich, herbal upgrade. Here’s how to stir up a legendary 1914 classic right at home.🥃✨
Tag: Aromatic Bitters
Blue Ridge Manhattan Cocktail (Blueberry & Black Pepper)
This cocktail balances the richness of barrel-proof bourbon with the tart brightness of fresh blueberries and a subtle kick of black peppercorn syrup. Bitters tie it all together, creating a drink that is both familiar and refreshingly original, a true taste of the Blue Ridge.
Vesper Martini Cocktail
The Vesper Martini, a cocktail from James Bond’s Casino Royale, is traditionally made with Gordon’s gin, vodka, Kina Lillet, and garnished with lemon peel. However, modern versions often use substitutes like Lillet Blanc with aromatic bitters due to the discontinuation of Kina Lillet. The cocktail is usually shaken over ice to dilute the strong liquor content, which includes 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc.