Calories:~200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:11g
Alcohol:~14%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
The African Flower cocktail is a tribute to the vibrant and diverse cultures of Africa. It's a drink that captures the essence of the continent's rich flavors and spirited traditions.
The African Flower is a harmonious blend of sweet and bitter, with the warmth of bourbon, the herbal notes of CioCiaro, and the rich chocolate undertone from Crème de Cacao. The orange bitters and twist add a zesty freshness that balances the cocktail, making it complex yet approachable.
Bourbon, the soul of this cocktail, brings a full-bodied sweetness and notes of vanilla and caramel. At 2 oz, it stands as the backbone, providing enough presence without overwhelming. Using less would tip the balance towards the liqueurs, making it cloying, while more could drown the subtler flavors. A rye whiskey could stand in, bringing a spicier kick to the mix.
CioCiaro, an Italian herbal liqueur, offers a complexity that plays well with the sweetness of bourbon. A 3/8 oz pour keeps it from hijacking the drink with its potent herbal profile. If you can't find it, a splash of Amaro can work, though it'll change the drink's profile, adding a more bittersweet flavor.
With 3/8 oz, Crème de Cacao adds a touch of chocolate without turning the drink into dessert. Omit it, and you lose a layer of richness; too much, and you'll be sipping a boozy hot cocoa. A hint of chocolate liqueur could substitute but might not have the same velvety touch.
Two dashes of orange bitters bring a citrus zing, bridging the gap between the other flavors. Skip it, and the drink flattens; any more would turn the cocktail into an orange grove. Lemon bitters could be an alternative, lending a brighter tartness.
The twist adds aromatic citrus oils and a zesty garnish. It's the flourish that seals the deal, adding a fresh pop to each sip. If you skip the peel, the drink lacks that fragrant je ne sais quoi. A lemon twist could also work for a different kind of citrus punch.
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
Explore all drinks starting with A here
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Stirring is a technique used to gently chill and dilute cocktails that are composed of mostly spirits, like the African Flower, without adding too much aeration or cloudiness to the drink.
An orange twist not only adds an aromatic component but also contributes a light zesty flavor to the cocktail which complements the orange bitters.
A good bourbon for cocktails should have a balanced flavor profile that can stand up to other ingredients without overwhelming them. Look for one that suits your taste preference and that is within your budget.
A rocks glass or an old fashioned glass is ideal for serving the African Flower to accommodate the large ice cube and allow for the aromatics of the garnish to be appreciated.
Yes, you can scale up the recipe proportions to create a large batch. However, it's best to mix individual servings with ice just before serving to preserve the intended flavor and temperature.
Yes, you could create a mocktail version using non-alcoholic bourbon alternatives, a non-alcoholic amaro substitute, and a chocolate-flavored syrup instead of Crème de Cacao, along with the orange bitters if available in a non-alcoholic variant.
Most spirits should be stored in a cool, dark place. Vermouths and liqueurs like Crème de Cacao should be refrigerated after opening to maintain their flavor and prevent spoilage.
The Longshoreman offers a bold flavor profile with the spiciness of rye whiskey, the herbal bitterness of Averna amaro, and the sweet vermouth complexity from Punt e Mes. It's a well-balanced cocktail that's both strong and slightly sweet, with a bitter finish.
The Sputnik cocktail offers a bold and complex taste. The Absolut Vodka provides a clean, crisp base, while the Fernet Branca delivers a bitter, minty, and herbal punch. The lemon juice adds a slight tang, and the sugar syrup balances the bitterness with a subtle sweetness.
The Campari Tonic has a distinctly bitter and herbal taste with a hint of sweetness from the Campari. The tonic water adds a quinine bitterness and a fizzy texture that lightens the drink. It's a balanced mix of bitter, sweet, and bubbly.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
The Bamboo cocktail has a delicate, balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and a touch of dryness. It is light, refreshing, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect choice for an aperitif or a sophisticated afternoon drink.
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
The Irish Cream cocktail is rich, creamy, and sweet with a hint of chocolate and a warming whiskey finish. It is smooth and velvety on the palate, making it a perfect after-dinner treat.
This cocktail is rich, creamy, and indulgent with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The peanut butter and chocolate blend harmoniously, creating a velvety smooth texture that coats the palate, while the vodka adds a subtle kick.
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
The Alexander cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a smooth, velvety texture. It has a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, with hints of chocolate and nutty flavors.
The Bushwacker cocktail is a creamy, rich, and indulgent drink with a velvety texture. It has a sweet, chocolatey taste with hints of coffee and coconut. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
The Green Ghost cocktail is a complex and refreshing drink with a mix of herbal, citrus, and slightly sweet flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the green Chartreuse adds a unique herbal and slightly sweet quality. The lime juice brings a fresh, tart citrus note that balances out the sweetness and adds a zesty finish.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
The French 95 has a smooth, rich taste with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup and a touch of tartness from the lemon juice. The bourbon adds warmth and depth, while the champagne brings a light, effervescent finish.
Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, and rich drink with a velvety texture. It has a subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. The drink is mildly boozy, with a smooth and gentle finish.
