Calories:~164
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~8.5g
Alcohol:~22%
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 Kentucky Colonel cocktail is a venerable mix that pays homage to the southern states' rich tradition in bourbon. It's a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts and those who appreciate a touch of herbal sweetness in their drinks.
The Kentucky Colonel cocktail offers a harmonious blend of the warm, vanilla and oak notes of bourbon with the sweet, herbal undertones of Benedictine. The Angostura bitters provide a subtle spice that balances the sweetness, resulting in a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet sip with a complex flavor profile.
The 'spice cabinet' of mixology, just a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters add a depth of flavor that's hard to pinpoint but impossible to ignore. If you skimp on the bitters, you'll find the drink slightly flat. Go overboard, and your cocktail may resemble a medicine cabinet!
At 0.5 oz, Benedictine's sweet, herbal complexity plays second fiddle to bourbon's lead guitar but is vital for the symphony. Miss it out, and you lose the harmony. There's no real substitute for Benedictine, but in a pinch, a mix of honey syrup and a splash of herbal liqueur could mimic some of its qualities.
The star of the show at 2 oz, bourbon gives our Kentucky Colonel its rank. It provides warmth, a little sweetness, and a kick of American spirit. Too little and you'll be demoted to a private cocktail, too much and it's less a Kentucky Colonel and more a Bourbon Bully!
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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.
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A Kentucky Colonel is best served in a chilled old-fashioned glass or a rocks glass to enhance the sipping experience.
While the core flavors of a Kentucky Colonel are alcohol-based, one could experiment with non-alcoholic bourbon alternatives and herbal syrups to create a mocktail version.
While Angostura bitters have a distinct taste, other aromatic bitters can be used as a substitute. However, the flavor profile might differ slightly.
To adjust the sweetness, you can vary the amount of Benedictine, which is the primary sweetening agent in the cocktail. Add less Benedictine for a less sweet drink, or a bit more if you prefer it sweeter.
Stirring the cocktail with ice for about 10-15 seconds should give the right balance of dilution and temperature, but adjust based on personal preference.
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