The Friday Cocktail: Bourbon Bramble
I’ve been convinced for a few years that bourbon was not for me. “It tastes so manly and stings on the way down” was my common complaint. While it certainly warms you up on a cold winter night, I’ve always passed on it. Enter the Bourbon Bramble from Saveur. A (of Certain Ladies) sent me the recipe a few weeks ago and since I had everything on hand, and I trust her taste, I figured I’d give it a try. This is not a manly bourbon drink. I can’t think of anything more feminine, fancy, or delicate than St. Germain, and I don’t know many men who go crazy for Creme de Cassis. I love both.
A and I agreed that the original recipe was super sweet and kind of syrupy and would benefit from a float of sparkling water to thin it out. The recipe yields a small (but very strong, you’ve been warned) drink so depending on the glass you use, your float of sparkling water can be as big or small as you like. It tastes like a sweet flowery punch and is dangerously easy to drink. The recipe instructs you to serve it in a rocks glass or a coupe, and I like that you have options here. I’m assuming gentlemen prefer rocks glasses, and obviously ladies love coupes. I think this could make a fun party drink because the color is festive and anything sparkling is good for a party. It would also make a nice cozy-night-in drink. Your choice.
Bourbon Bramble
Makes one cocktail
Ingredients:
1 ounce elderflower liqueur
1 ounce bourbon
1/2 ounce creme de cassis
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least a minute. Strain into a rocks glass or coupe. Top off with sparkling water.
Cheers!
K
