We’ve been tinkering again — this time with basil straight from the garden. The Basil Directive starts with brandy, Cointreau, and a few dashes of orange bitters, all stirred together with lightly muddled basil. It’s the kind of mix that feels fancy without demanding you wear anything besides slippers.
We love playing around with basil here at Bourbony. The Basilicious Bliss Old Fashioned is a perennial favorite!
The Basilicious Bliss Old Fashioned
View RecipeBasilicious Bliss is the perfect example of how a simple twist can transform a classic cocktail into a masterpiece. The infusion of basil brings a cheerful and refreshing touch to the timeless Bourbon Old Fashioned. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a cocktail enthusiast, this delightful concoction is a must-try.
Once it’s strained over a big ice cube, a slapped mint sprig goes on top. Yes, you literally give it a gentle smack. It’s fun, it wakes up the oils, and you’ll look like you know what you’re doing. The result is a glass that smells like someone upgraded your backyard herb patch with a liquor license.
Flavor-wise, think of a brandy Old Fashioned that wandered into the garden and decided to stay awhile. It’s smooth, fragrant, and just a little bit playful — perfect for slow evenings when you want something that tastes intentional without being serious about it. Raise a glass and consider yourself successfully directed.
Overall Balance
This is an herbal-orange aromatic spirit-forward cocktail — something like a bridge between a Brandy Old Fashioned and a herbalized Sidecar.
- Brandy (2 oz): solid base; gives depth and round fruit.
- Cointreau (0.5 oz): just enough sweetness and orange brightness to round the edges of the brandy.
- Orange bitters (3 dashes): excellent call — heightens the citrus, reinforces the Cointreau, and prevents the drink from veering too sweet.
- Fresh basil + mint: aromatic lift and a touch of green freshness that contrast beautifully with the warm, round flavors of brandy and Cointreau.
In this ratio, the drink should be spirit-forward but balanced — definitely not cloying, and with a lively, perfumed nose from the herbs.
Notes & Fine-Tuning Options
Sweetness: if your brandy is dry (e.g., VS or VSOP cognac), you could optionally add a barspoon (≈⅛ oz) of simple syrup to bring the sweetness closer to a true aperitif balance. If you’re using a sweeter style (like an American or fruit-forward brandy), it’s perfect as-is.
Bitters quantity: 3 dashes of orange bitters works, but if your bitters are particularly potent (like Regans’), 2 dashes might preserve more of the fresh basil’s character.
Herbal integration: keep the basil muddle very gentle, since over-muddling can release bitter chlorophyll.
Flavor Expectation
You’ll get warm orange and brandy on the palate, a subtle green freshness mid-sip, and a bright herbal nose from the mint. It’ll likely read as complex, elegant, and lightly perfumed — a sipping cocktail that feels modern but still classic.
The Basil Directive
1
servings5
minutes5
minutesIngredients
2 ounces 2 Brandy
.5 ounce .5 Cointreau
3 dashes 3 Regan’s Orange Bitters
2-3 2-3 Fresh basil leaves
1 sprig 1 Fresh mint
Directions
- Add basil leaves, Cointreau, and bitters to mixing glass
- Lightly muddle the basil, then add brandy, ice, and stir
- Double strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass
- Slap the mint sprig to release the oils, then add to glass as a garnish.
Equipment
Stainless Bell JiggerBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Boston ShakerBuy From A Bar Above
Extra-Long MuddlerBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Fine Mesh StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Hawthorne StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Julep StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
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