Everyone knows the classic bourbon cocktails, for example, the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. However, it’s good to frequently delve into the realm of lesser-known bourbon concoctions that may captivate your taste buds. Thus, you should explore these three intriguing options, experiment with mixing them on your own, and ponder whether it’s the opportune moment to breathe new life into these 3 lesser-known cocktails.
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The Brown Derby Cocktail
The first of these 3 lesser-known cocktails is the Brown Derby. Hailing from the glamorous Hollywood era of the 1930s, the Brown Derby stands as a timeless classic cocktail. The famous derby hat-shaped Brown Derby restaurant chain in Los Angeles gives this cocktail its name. This cocktail is a simple yet flavorful combination of bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. Here’s how you can make a Brown Derby cocktail:
The Brown Derby
1
cocktail5
minutesIngredients
2 ounces 2 Bourbon
1 ounce 1 Fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 ounce 1/2 Honey syrup (1:1 ratio of honey and water)
Grapefruit twist (for garnish)
Directions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
- Shake the ingredients well to chill the mixture.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Equipment
Boston ShakerBuy From A Bar Above
Bell JiggerBuy From A Bar Above
Hawthorne StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Cocktail PicksBuy From A Bar Above
Notes
- The choice of bourbon can influence the overall flavor of the cocktail. You can experiment with different bourbons to find your preferred taste.
- Honey syrup is made by combining equal parts honey and water. Heat the mixture until the honey dissolves, then let it cool before using.
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The Brown Derby cocktail gets its balanced sweetness from the honey syrup, citrusy brightness from the grapefruit juice, and the rich depth of bourbon. It is refreshing and sophisticated, and has stood the test of time. Enjoy!
The Kentucky Corpse Reviver
The next of these 3 lesser-known cocktails is the Kentucky Corpse Reviver. It is a variation of the classic Corpse Reviver cocktail, with a bourbon twist. The Corpse Reviver category of cocktails traditionally aims to revitalize the spirits and bring them back to life. The Kentucky Corpse Reviver adds the warmth and complexity of bourbon to the mix. Here’s how you can make a Kentucky Corpse Reviver:
The Kentucky Corpse Reviver
1
cocktail5
minutesIngredients
1 ounce 1 Bourbon
1 ounce 1 Lillet Blanc
1 ounce 1 Cointreau
1 ounce 1 Fresh lemon juice
Absinthe rinse
Lemon twist (for garnish)
Directions
- Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe. Swirl the absinthe around the glass to coat the interior, then discard any excess.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice.
- Shake the ingredients well with ice to chill the mixture.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared, absinthe-rinsed glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Equipment
- Boston ShakerBuy From A Bar Above
- Bell JiggerBuy From A Bar Above
Julep StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Notes
- Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine that adds a subtle sweetness and herbal complexity to the drink.
- The absinthe rinse provides a hint of anise flavor and aromatics without overpowering the cocktail.
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The delightful and sophisticated Kentucky Corpse Reviver cocktail balances the sweetness of Cointreau, the herbal notes from Lillet Blanc, and the citrusy brightness of fresh lemon juice. Adding bourbon brings depth and richness, and thus, interest, to the overall flavor profile. As with any cocktail, you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy responsibly!
The Seelbach Cocktail
Our final entry in these 3 lesser-known cocktails is The Seelbach Cocktail. It is a classic cocktail with a history dating back to the early 20th century. It is a combination of bourbon, orange liqueur, and bitters, topped with sparkling wine. The Seelbach is a sophisticated and effervescent drink. Here’s how you can make a Seelbach Cocktail:
The Seelbach Cocktail
1
cocktail5
minutesIngredients
1 ounce 1 Bourbon
1/2 ounce 1/2 Cointreau
7 dashes 7 Angostura bitters
7 dashes 7 Peychaud’s bitters
Sparkling wine
Orange twist (for garnish)
Directions
- In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, Cointreau, Angostura bitters, and Peychaud’s bitters with ice.
- Stir the ingredients well to chill the mixture.
- Strain the mixture into a flute glass.
- Top the cocktail with sparkling wine.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Equipment
Mixing GlassBuy From A Bar Above
Bar SpoonBuy From A Bar Above- Hawthorne StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Notes
- The choice of bourbon can influence the overall flavor of the cocktail. You can experiment with different bourbons to find the one you prefer.
- The combination of Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters provides depth and complexity to the drink.
- The sparkling wine adds a festive and effervescent element to the cocktail
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The famous Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky gives this drink its name. The recipe was reportedly discovered in the hotel’s pre-Prohibition archives, an gained popularity as the hotel started serving it again in the late 20th century. The cocktail’s unique combination of ingredients makes it a delightful and bubbly choice for those who enjoy bourbon-based drinks with a sparkling twist. Enjoy responsibly!
These 3 lesser-known cocktails offer a twist on the more common bourbon drinks and can introduce you to new and interesting flavors.
