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: Drinks
The Turf Club Cocktail
Before the Martini became a mid-century icon, late 19th-century New York bartenders were mixing drinks with serious teeth. Enter the Turf Club. Unapologetically spirit-forward and complex, this classic gin cocktail gets a historic upgrade on our bar with a heavy dash of New Orleans-born Herbsaint. Here’s how to mix up a legendary, high-proof classic with an intriguing edge. 🍸🌿🔥
Blackberry Old Fashioned
A bold, summer-ready riff on a classic that replaces standard simple syrup with a homemade, velvet-textured blackberry bourbon gastrique. The gentle acidity of unseasoned rice wine vinegar balances the deep, jammy sweetness of the dark berries, allowing the rich vanilla and charred oak notes of a high-proof bourbon to take center stage for a perfectly unified, sophisticated. 🥃🍇
The Napoleon Cocktail
A bourbon-forward twist on the classic Napoleon cocktail, this version blends bright lemon, fresh raspberries and a touch of Campari for balance. Smooth, vibrant and finished with a silky foam, it’s a modern classic that proves bourbon can shine in elegant, citrus-driven cocktails.
Flying Dutchman Cocktail (with Gin)
Master the Flying Dutchman cocktail. A sophisticated gin drink featuring the herbal complexity of Yellow Chartreuse and Bénédictine. Perfect for fans of herbal spirits.⚓️🍸
The Palmetto Cocktail
A refined, spirit-forward riff on the classic “Rum Manhattan.” This version features 2 oz of aged Dominican rum, providing a robust, oaky foundation that stands up beautifully to the botanical sweetness of premium vermouth. Stirred to silky perfection and brightened with orange bitters, it’s a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate the depth of an aged spirit.
The Final Ward Cocktail
The Final Ward is a sophisticated “rye-forward” riff on the classic Last Word, swapping gin for whiskey and lime for lemon to create a darker, warmer profile. Inspired by the legendary Death & Co bar, this version intentionally breaks the traditional equal-parts rule by bumping the barrel-strength rye to a full ounce. This technical adjustment ensures the spicy spirit holds its own against the heavy-hitting herbal punch of Green Chartreuse and the funky sweetness of Maraschino liqueur.
The Monte Cassino Cocktail
Discover the Monte Cassino, a modern classic that perfectly balances the spice of American rye whiskey with the herbal complexity of Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse. Whether you’re a fan of the Last Word or looking for a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail, this recipe delivers a masterclass in mixology balance. Learn the history, the technique and the secret to a crystal-clear pour.
The Spice Trader Cocktail
Inspired by a cocktail I had at Core 450, this spiced Old Fashioned layers barrel-proof bourbon with cinnamon-ginger simple syrup and chocolate bitters for a bold, warming sip. It’s familiar in structure, but richer, deeper and built for slow sipping.
The Alaska Cocktail
The Alaska Cocktail is proof that some of the best drinks don’t need reinvention, just rediscovery. Elegant, balanced and quietly confident, it’s a perfect example of early cocktail craftsmanship that still feels completely relevant today. 🍸