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Kentucky Colonel Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Whip up a delicious Kentucky Colonel Cocktail with this easy-to-follow recipe! This classic drink features 3 oz of smooth bourbon, 1 oz of aromatic Benedictine, and a refreshing twist of lemon peel. Garnish with a lemon and serve in a sleek cocktail glass for a sophisticated touch. Perfect for beginning bartenders looking to impress their guests.


Kentucky Colonel Cocktail Ingredients

Kentucky Colonel Cocktail Equipment

  • kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
  • metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon

Kentucky Colonel Cocktail Recipe

  1. fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
  2. shake till perfectly chilled
  3. serve in Cocktail glass
  4. use the Lemon as garnish

Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass

The conical shape of the cocktail glass brings to mind martini for most people. Cocktail glasses are for drinks with a volume of 3 to 6 ounces that are usually served "up" without ice.

The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail: A Classic Drink with a Rich History

As a professional bartender, I have come across many classic cocktails throughout my career, but the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail stands out as a true fan favorite. This drink has been around for over a century and has become popular in bars all over the world. In this article, we will explore the popularity of the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail, the roles of its key ingredients, how to garnish it, variations of the drink, and common mistakes when making it.

Popularity

History and Origins

The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is a classic drink that originated in the United States. It is believed to have been created in the early 1900s in honor of the Kentucky colonels, a group of distinguished gentlemen who were honored by the state of Kentucky for their contributions to society. The drink was created to celebrate the Kentucky Derby, a popular horse race that takes place annually in Louisville, Kentucky.

Famous For

The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is famous for its rich, smooth flavor that comes from its two main ingredients: bourbon and Benedictine. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made from corn and aged in oak barrels. Benedictine is a French liqueur that is made from a secret blend of herbs and spices. When combined, these two ingredients create a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.

Geographic

The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is popular in bars all over the world, but it is particularly popular in the United States, especially in Kentucky. It is a staple drink in many bars and is often served at social events and parties.

Appearance

The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is a beautiful drink that is typically served in a cocktail glass. It has a rich, amber color and is garnished with a lemon peel. The lemon peel not only adds a pop of color to the drink, but it also adds a hint of citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the bourbon and Benedictine.

Ingredient Roles

The key ingredients in the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail are bourbon and Benedictine. Bourbon is the base spirit of the drink and provides its distinct flavor. Benedictine is a sweet, herbal liqueur that adds complexity to the drink. The lemon peel garnish adds a touch of citrus flavor to the drink and complements the sweetness of the bourbon and Benedictine.

How to Garnish

To garnish the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail, start by peeling a lemon. Use a vegetable peeler to remove a thin strip of lemon peel, being careful not to include any of the bitter white pith. Twist the lemon peel over the drink to release its essential oils, then place it on the rim of the glass. The lemon peel garnish adds a pop of color and a hint of citrus flavor to the drink.

Variations

The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is a classic drink, but there are many variations of it that you can try. Here are a few:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a virgin version of the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail, simply omit the bourbon. Replace it with 3 ounces of ginger ale or iced tea and 1 ounce of lemon juice. Shake the ingredients together with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Gluten Free Version and Ingredients

To make a gluten-free version of the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail, make sure to use a gluten-free bourbon. Some popular brands include Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve. Benedictine is also gluten-free.

Vegan Version

The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail, use a sugar-free simple syrup instead of Benedictine. You can also use a keto-friendly bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Bulleit.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a low-calorie version of the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail, use a low-calorie sweetener like Stevia instead of Benedictine. You can also use a lower calorie bourbon like Jim Beam or Wild Turkey.

Common Mistakes when Making

When making the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid. Here are a few:

  • Using the wrong type of bourbon: The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is traditionally made with bourbon, so it's important to use a good quality bourbon that has a smooth, rich flavor.
  • Using too much Benedictine: Benedictine is a sweet liqueur, so it's important not to use too much of it. Stick to the recipe and use only 1 ounce.
  • Not stirring properly: The Kentucky Colonel Cocktail should be stirred with a bar spoon to properly mix the ingredients together. If you don't stir it enough, the flavors won't be properly blended.
  • Not using a proper strainer: When straining the drink, make sure to use a kitchen strainer to remove any fruit pieces. Using a metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly will also help you to get the perfect blend.

In conclusion, the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. Its rich, smooth flavor and beautiful appearance make it a favorite among bartenders and drinkers alike. Whether you're looking for a traditional version of the drink, or you want to experiment with some of the variations, the Kentucky Colonel Cocktail is a drink that is sure to please. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can make the perfect Kentucky Colonel Cocktail every time.

If you are going to order Kentucky Colonel Cocktail in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Kentucky Colonel Cocktail can be served with different ingredients in different places.