The Man O' War is a bourbon-based cocktail that draws its name from the famous racehorse renowned for its speed and spirit. We'll harness those qualities in a mixed drink featuring Treaty Oak Ghost Hill bourbon, sweet and dry vermouth, lemon juice, and orange curacao liqueur. The result is a nicely balanced, citrus-kissed bourbon cocktail.
Curacao is an orange-flavored liqueur made from the dried peels of the Laraha citrus fruit, grown on the island of Curaçao. It has a sweet yet slightly bitter orange taste profile. The best versions like Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao offer bright, concentrated citrus flavor to cocktails without being overly sugary.
Man O' War Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Treaty Oak Ghost Hill Bourbon
- 3⁄4 oz sweet vermouth - recommended: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
- 1⁄2 oz dry vermouth - recommended: Noilly Prat
- 1⁄2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄4 oz orange curacao liqueur
- Orange twist garnish
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, lemon juice, and curacao to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir vigorously with a barspoon for 30-45 seconds until properly chilled and diluted.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Express oils from an orange twist over the drink and use as garnish.
The result is a balanced, spirit-forward bourbon cocktail with nice citrus overtones. The Ghost Hill bourbon provides a solid backbone with its slightly spicy, oak-driven flavor. Both sweet and dry vermouth add herbaceous complexity, while the lemon juice offers bright acidity. The orange curacao ties it all together with its sweet yet bitter orange essence, marrying nicely with the bourbon's vanilla and caramel notes.
Overall, the Man O' War delivers a smooth drinking experience with nice spiritous heat. The citrus oils from the twist pull all the flavors together for a bright, refreshing sip. Enjoy this bourbon cocktail before dinner, alongside a nice steak, or any time you're craving a well-crafted whiskey drink accented with orange. With its combination of strength and balance, the Man O' War pays fitting tribute to its mighty namesake.
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]