This was a fun experiment. I started with the classic Fancy Free, which frankly is my go-to cocktail when I don’t feel like spending a lot of time mixing. Some bourbon, some maraschino, two dashes of orange bitters, a dash of Angostura, mix in the glass, and go.
Most cocktails tell you everything they have to say with the very first sip. The Second Bloom is different. This one gets better with age, so to speak.
I started with the Fancy Free, but replaced the traditional maraschino with limoncello to see what would happen. At first, the lemon is surprisingly restrained — almost hiding behind the bourbon and bitters. But after a few minutes in the glass, something interesting happens. The limoncello slowly opens up, the citrus becomes brighter, and the entire drink feels more integrated.
Some cocktails, like some people, don’t peak immediately. Some simply need a little patience before they show you what they’re capable of.
The Second Bloom
1
servings5
minutes10
minutesA bourbon-forward riff on the Fancy Free featuring limoncello, orange bitters, and cardamom bitters that becomes brighter after a few minutes in the glass.
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Ingredients
2 oz 2 Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
1/2 oz 1/2 Lazzaroni Limoncello
2 dashes 2 Orange Bitters
2 dashes 2 Cardamom Bitters (or Angostura if that’s what you have on hand)
Expressed lemon peel
Directions
- Stir with ice, strain over a large cube
- Express the lemon peel and drop in glass
- This is important—let it sit for 3–5 minutes before your first sip.
Equipment
Classic Mixing GlassBuy From A Bar Above
Long Bar SpoonBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Bell JiggerBuy From A Bar Above
Stainless Julep StrainerBuy From A Bar Above
Silicone Bar MatBuy From A Bar Above
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