Bourbon And Elder

Pro tips

• Chill your glass beforehand with ice or a brief stint in the freezer to preserve the cocktail's temperature.
• Use only one dash of Angostura—it's potent; more than that muddles the delicate floral-bourbon balance.
• Express the lemon twist oils directly over the surface to maximize citrus aroma and flavor.
• Stir gently rather than shake to avoid over-dilution and keep the drink silky, not watery.

Substitutions

• Bourbon whiskey → Rye whiskey (spicier, slightly drier profile)
• Elderflower liqueur → St-Germain liqueur (nearest flavor equivalent)
• Angostura bitters → Peychaud's bitters (lighter, anise notes)

Equipment

bar spoon · cocktail strainer · jigger or measuring glass

What can I use if I don't have elderflower liqueur?

St-Germain is the standard choice, but dry vermouth or Chartreuse (in smaller amounts) can approximate the herbaceous quality.

Should this cocktail be stirred or shaken?

Stir it gently with ice for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly without aerating; strain into a coupe or rocks glass.

What type of bourbon works best?

A mid-range bourbon (80–100 proof) balances well; avoid cask-strength as it overpowers the delicate elderflower.

How do I express the lemon twist correctly?

Cut a 2-inch strip of lemon peel, twist it over the drink to release oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim.

Can I make this in a large batch?

Yes; multiply all ingredients by the number of servings, stir in a pitcher with ice, then strain into individual glasses.