Rebecca Herman Bourbon

Summer Midnight Manhattan | Zero Sweetness, Maximum Flavor

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Welcome to Episode 81 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails on Your Bourbon Journey! 

To close out the month of July, we are crafting the Summer Midnight Manhattan—a sleek, savory, and sophisticated Black Manhattan style cocktail that balances high-proof bourbon muscle with deep herbal complexity and zero cloying sweetness.

In this episode, Rebecca builds this bold cocktail anchored by Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon. The 114 proof and 27% high-rye mash bill provide seasoned oak, baking spice, and a rich, oily viscosity that slices cleanly through the bittersweet vegetal bite of Cynar 70 and the authentic, earthy pepper warmth of Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile. Balanced with silky gum syrup and layered with Turkish Tobacco and Black Walnut bitters, this stirred craft cocktail delivers an unforgettable tasting experience from the first sip to the lingering finish.

If you enjoy craft bourbon cocktails, amaro riffs, and unique Manhattan variations, make sure to Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a Thirsty Thursday release!

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Recipe: The Summer Midnight Manhattan

  • 2.0 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 7-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
  • 0.50 oz Cynar 70 Amaro
  • 0.25 oz Chicago Dogma Amargo De Chile
  • 0.25 oz Gum Syrup
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Turkish Tobacco Bitters
  • 1 dash Fee Brothers Black Walnut Cocktail Bitters
  • Garnish: Expressed Orange Peel
  • Glassware: Chilled Coupe Glass

🚨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. 

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Springtime in a Glass: The Dandelion Crown Bourbon Cocktail

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Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Dandelion Crown! 🥂🌼

Welcome back to Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 69 of Thirsty Thursday Cocktails. Today, we are taking the legendary Kentucky classic—the Seelbach—and transforming it into a floral, effervescent masterpiece called The Dandelion Crown.

For this high-proof riff, we’ve swapped traditional orange liqueur for the graceful sweetness of Elderflower Liqueur and introduced a unique, savory element: Jeptha Creed Dandelion Bitters. This “star of the show” adds an earthy, herbaceous depth that perfectly balances a heavy-hitting Four Roses OBSV (126 Proof). Hand-selected by Master Distiller Brent Elliott, this bourbon brings vibrant notes of apricot, pear, and brown sugar that shine through the bubbles of a chilled Brut Champagne.

Whether you’re a “bubbles girl” or a bourbon enthusiast, this cocktail is springtime in a glass. It’s sophisticated, festive, and the perfect toast for Mother’s Day!

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📋 The Recipe: The Dandelion Crown

  • 1.5 oz Four Roses OBSV Single Barrel (126 Proof)
  • 0.75 oz Elderflower Liqueur
  • 4-5 dashes Jeptha Creed Dandelion Bitters
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters (for that Mother’s Day pink hue)
  • 2-3 oz Chilled Dry Sparkling Wine (Brut Champagne)

🍸 Instructions

  1. Combine: Add your bourbon, elderflower liqueur, and both types of bitters to a mixing glass with a large ice block.
  2. Stir: Stir gently for 15–20 seconds to chill the ingredients and provide the necessary dilution for the 126-proof spirit.
  3. Strain: Pour into a chilled coupe or champagne flute.
  4. Top: Slowly top with your chilled Brut Champagne to maintain the festive bubbles.
  5. Serve: Serve without garnish to showcase the beautiful pink hue and clarity!

🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!

🚨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. Please drink responsibly.

#BourbonCocktail #YourBourbonJourney #FourRoses #MothersDayDrinks #ChampagneCocktail #SeelbachRiff #Mixology #WhiskeyGram #JepthaCreed #ElderflowerCocktail #ThirstyThursday #CocktailRecipe #BourbonLife #SparklingWine #DandelionCrown