Orange Bitters

Upgrade Your Boulevardier Cocktail With This High-Proof Trick

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Welcome to Episode 78 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we are crafting “The Darker Boulevardier,” a brooding, spirit-forward riff on the classic Boulevardier cocktail. If you love a classic Negroni or a traditional Boulevardier but want something with more depth, complexity, and a savory backbone, this recipe is for you.

Instead of the bright, sweet citrus snap of traditional Campari, this recipe features the high-proof intensity of Cynar 70. This amaro brings an assertive, velvety, and deeply savory artichoke-and-herbal bitterness to the glass. To stand up to that heavy modifier, we are anchoring the build with 2 full ounces of the Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year bourbon. With its famous high-rye mash bill, this 114-proof powerhouse brings a sharp punch of black pepper, cinnamon, baking spices, and a classic Jim Beam nuttiness that remains the absolute star of the glass.

We round out the sharp edges with the rich cocoa-and-berry sweetness of Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth and bind the structure together with Orange Bitters. The result is a bold, viscous, and unapologetically complex aperitivo-style cocktail that opens up beautifully as the clear ice melts.

Are you a fan of using Cynar in whiskey cocktails? Let me know your thoughts on this spec in the comments below!

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🥃 THE RECIPE: THE DARKER BOULEVARDIER

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 0.75 oz Cocchi di Torino Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

📖 INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir thoroughly for 30 to 45 seconds to achieve an ice-cold chill and proper dilution.
  3. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over a single large, clear ice cube.
  4. Express a fresh orange peel over the top to release the bright essential oils, and drop it in as the garnish.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#BourbonCocktails #Boulevardier #OldGrandDad114 #Cynar70 #CocktailRecipe #ThirstyThursday #YourBourbonJourney #WhiskeyCocktails #AmaroCocktails #NegroniRiff #HomeBartender #SweetVermouth #CraftCocktails #BourbonEnthusiast #ClassicCocktailRiff

Better Than An Old Fashioned? Try The Patriarch Gold Cocktail!

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Welcome to Episode 75 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails! In tonight’s episode of Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca walks you through how to craft “The Patriarch Gold”—a sophisticated, spirit-forward Father’s Day classic built for true whiskey lovers.

If you love a classic Old Fashioned, a Toronto, or a Monte Carlo, this elegant and robust variant is the perfect upgrade. We are anchoring this heavy-hitting build with a massive 2 oz pour of Knob Creek Single Barrel 120 Proof bourbon. Known for its rich notes of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and deep oak, this high-proof expression provides the perfect structural backbone.

To bring balance, texture, and a beautiful herbal complexity, we split the modifiers between the iconic Amaro Nonino and a touch of rich, velvety bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. Tied together with savory molasses bitters and bright orange bitters, this cocktail delivers a long, warming finish with lingering notes of leather, toasted nuts, and soft baking spices. It’s strong, steady, and classic—perfect for celebrating Father’s Day.

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📜 THE RECIPE & INSTRUCTIONS

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon (120 Proof)
  • 0.75 oz Amaro Nonino
  • 0.25 oz Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup
  • 2 dashes Molasses Cocktail Bitters
  • 1 dash Orange Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel

Instructions:

  1. Combine the Knob Creek 120, Amaro Nonino, barrel-aged maple syrup, and both styles of bitters into a mixing glass.
  2. Fill the mixing glass with solid ice.
  3. Stir thoroughly for 30 to 45 seconds to achieve an ice-cold chill and proper dilution.
  4. Strain cleanly into a chilled rocks glass over a single large, clear ice core.
  5. Express a fresh orange peel over the top to release the bright citrus oils, drop it in as a garnish, and enjoy!

🎓 Want to earn a FREE Whiskey Certificate? Start your bourbon education journey with Whiskey University today! Take your first steps here: https://www.whiskeyuniv.com/first-steps

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. 

#BourbonCocktail #KnobCreek #AmaroNonino #FathersDayCocktail #YourBourbonJourney #CraftCocktails #WhiskeyLovers #ThirstyThursdayCocktails #HomeBartender #OldFashionedVariant #SpiritForward #CocktailRecipes #BourbonBar #Mixology #FathersDayDrinks

Bourbon & Lime Magic: Demerara Derby Recipe

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 29

The Demerara Derby: Your New Favorite Bourbon & Lime Cocktail! 🐎🍋

Get ready to discover a hidden gem in the world of bourbon cocktails! In this video, we’re shaking up the incredibly refreshing Demerara Derby—a vibrant and surprisingly delightful mix of bourbon, fresh lime juice, rich demerara syrup, and aromatic orange bitters.

Forget what you thought you knew about bourbon and citrus. The Demerara Derby brings lime to the forefront, offering a brighter, sharper counterpoint to bourbon’s warmth than lemon ever could. The demerara syrup adds a beautiful depth, while the orange bitters tie all those fantastic citrus notes together for a perfectly balanced sip.

Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just starting your cocktail journey, this easy-to-make drink is a must-try. It’s elegant, unique, and guaranteed to impress your friends (or just yourself!).

Ready to elevate your happy hour?

🔗 Watch now to learn how to craft the perfect Demerara Derby and discover why lime and bourbon are a match made in cocktail heaven!

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • .5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • .5 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters 
  • Large ice cube
  • Garnish: Lime (optional)

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

Your Next Favorite Drink: Monte Whiskey Sour!

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 24 – The Monte Whiskey Sour

Get ready for your new favorite sour! We’re diving deep into the Monte Whiskey Sour, a drink that takes everything you love about a classic whiskey sour and elevates it with incredible depth and aroma.

Our star bourbon, Four Roses OBSF, brings its unique high-rye spice and minty notes to the party, while Amaro Montenegro adds its signature orange, herbal, and subtly bitter charm. Forget plain sugar – we’re using Demerara syrup for a rich, caramel backbone that makes every sip sing.

And the foam? Silky Fee Foam gives you that beautiful, creamy texture without the egg. But the real secret weapon? Aromatic orange bitters for bright zest, and a touch of black walnut bitters for a surprising, earthy richness that will blow your mind. This is balanced, complex, and utterly delicious. 

Ready to master this riff on a whiskey sour? Click play ▶️ now and let’s make some magic!

Items Needed:

  • Four Roses OBSF Bourbon
  • Amaro Montenegro
  • Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Demerara Syrup
  • Orange Bitters
  • Black Walnut Bitters
  • Fee Foam

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more amazing cocktail recipes and tips! 🔔 Let us know in the comments below what cocktail you want us to perfect next! 👇 We love hearing your suggestions!

#whiskeysour  #FourRoses #AmaroMontenegro 

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

Elevate Your Home Bar: Black Manhattan Guide

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Thirsty Thursday Cocktails – Episode 22! Craft Your Own Perfect Black Manhattan

You’re about to dive into the sophisticated world of the Black Manhattan! 🥃 In this video, we’re taking this modern classic to the next level with a hand-picked selection of premium ingredients.

Join me as we craft this rich and complex cocktail featuring the smooth, spicy notes of Four Roses OESK bourbon. We’ll balance that beautifully with the bittersweet depth of Averna Amaro, a dash of classic Angostura bitters, and a bright hint of orange bitters to tie it all together. And of course, no Manhattan is complete without a luscious Luxardo cherry to crown our creation.

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just starting your home bartending journey, I’ll guide you through each step to ensure you can confidently recreate this elegant drink. Get ready to impress your friends and elevate your happy hour!

What you’ll need:

  • Four Roses OESK Bourbon
  • Averna Amaro
  • Angostura Bitters
  • Orange Bitters
  • Luxardo Cherries

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more amazing cocktail recipes and tips! 🔔 Let us know in the comments below what cocktail you want us to perfect next! 👇 We love hearing your suggestions!

#bourboncocktails #manhattancocktail, #blackmanhattancocktail 

Recipe:

  • 2 oz Bourbon – try Four Roses OESK
  • 1 oz Amaro – Averna
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 dash Orange bitters 
  • Garnish – Luxardo cherry 

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

Perfect New York Sour: Master This Stunning Cocktail!

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Craft Your Own Perfect New York Sour! 🍷🍋

Unleash your inner mixologist with our ultimate guide to crafting the New York Sour, a cocktail that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to drink! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey into balance, texture, and captivating aromas.

In this video, we’re not just making a New York Sour, we’re showing you how to make our perfect version, designed to hit all the right notes:

Here’s what makes this recipe your new go-to:

  • Spicy Backbone, Smooth Finish: We’re starting with a high-rye bourbon that brings a beautiful kick, perfectly complemented by the bright burst of fresh lemon juice and the rich depth of demerara syrup. It’s sweetness without being cloying, and spice without being overwhelming.
  • Velvet on Your Tongue: The secret to that luxurious, creamy mouthfeel? Fee Foam! It gives you all the glorious texture of an egg white, but with ultimate ease. Get ready for a silky sip every time.
  • Aromatic Layers You Can Savor: We’re dialing up the complexity with a dynamic duo of Angostura Aromatic Bitters for warm spices and Orange Bitters for zesty brightness. Finish it off with an expressed lemon zest for an immediate burst of fresh citrus aroma.
  • A Feast for the Eyes: Watch as the vibrant dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon) beautifully floats atop the frothy base, creating that iconic, show-stopping layer that defines the New York Sour. It’s a cocktail that earns its “oohs” and “aahs.”
  • Harmonious Sips: The chosen red wine isn’t just for looks; it integrates seamlessly, providing a fruity counterpoint that enhances every other flavor in the glass, making for a truly harmonious and unforgettable experience.

Ready to impress your guests and elevate your home bar? Watch now and learn all the tips and tricks to master this stunning classic!

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more amazing cocktail recipes! Let us know in the comments what cocktail you want us to perfect next! 👇

#bourboncocktails #whiskeysour #NewYorkSour 

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz High-Rye Bourbon
  • 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 0.50 oz Demerara Syrup
  • 3-5 Dashes Fee Foam
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
  • 0.75 oz Dry Red Wine (Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon recommended)
  • Garnish: Lemon Zest

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.