As we finish our celebration of Bourbon Heritage Month, let's raise a glass to a cocktail that embodies the glamour, mystery, and rich history of America's native spirit – the Seelbach. This effervescent concoction not only showcases bourbon's versatility but also tells a tale as intoxicating as the drink itself.
The Seelbach cocktail is named after the luxurious Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, which opened its doors in 1905. Legend had it that the drink was created by a hotel bartender in 1917, just before Prohibition. However, in a twist worthy of a Jazz Age novel, it was revealed in 2012 that the cocktail was actually a modern creation.
Adam Seger, a bartender at the Seelbach in 1995, admitted to inventing both the drink and its backstory. He crafted the tale to give the cocktail a sense of history and mystique, successfully fooling cocktail historians and enthusiasts for years. This revelation, far from diminishing the Seelbach's appeal, only adds to its fascinating narrative.
Why It's Perfect for Bourbon Heritage Month:
- Kentucky Roots: Named after a historic Kentucky hotel, celebrating bourbon's heartland.
- Luxury and Glamour: Embodies the opulent spirit of bourbon's golden age.
- Versatility: Demonstrates bourbon's ability to shine in unexpected combinations.
- Conversation Starter: Its fabricated history sparks discussions about bourbon lore and legend.
- Celebratory Nature: The champagne component makes it perfect for toasting bourbon's heritage.
Seelbach
Ingredients
- 1 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 7 dashes Angostura bitters
- 7 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 4-5 oz chilled champagne or sparkling wine
- Ice
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions
Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add bourbon, Cointreau, Angostura bitters, and Peychaud's bitters to the mixing glass.
Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute.
Top with chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in.
The Seelbach is a testament to bourbon's enduring allure and adaptability. The bourbon provides a robust foundation, its caramel and vanilla notes complementing the orange flavors of the Cointreau. The generous doses of bitters add depth and complexity, while the champagne brings effervescence and a touch of luxury.
This cocktail perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Bourbon Heritage Month. It honors the traditional use of bourbon while adding a modern, sophisticated twist. The Seelbach reminds us that bourbon isn't just a spirit – it's a muse that continues to inspire creativity and storytelling.
So, whether you're toasting to bourbon's storied past, its vibrant present, or its promising future, the Seelbach is an excellent choice. It's more than just a drink – it's a sparkling homage to the enduring legacy and evolving story of America's native spirit.
Raise your flute to the Seelbach this Bourbon Heritage Month. After all, in the world of bourbon, sometimes the best stories are the ones we create ourselves – just like this captivating cocktail!
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]