Traditionally, bourbon has been pegged as a spirit best enjoyed during the cooler months, often associated with cozy fireside sips or the warmth of snug taverns. It doesn’t typically find its place in the summer drinks menu like tequila or rum.
However, with the right mix of ingredients, bourbon can transcend its seasonal stereotype to become a versatile choice for any time of the year. Strawberries, the epitome of summer flavors, are a complement to add bourbon into warmer weather drinking.
This approach to the classic Old Fashioned was conceived by Willem Van Leuven, a former bar lead at Herb & Wood in San Diego, and was further refined by Emily Carroll, the current bar lead. This version of the cocktail adapts to the seasons by incorporating syrups flavored with various seasonal fruits.
“The idea for the strawberry-vanilla syrup, which adds a new layer to this cocktail, emerged from teamwork with our executive pastry chef, Adrian Mendoza, who is the creative force behind our series of berry syrups. So far, he has crafted syrups with cranberry-cinnamon and blackberry-cinnamon, along with the strawberry variant,” Carroll shared.
Bourbon & Berries Cocktail Ingredients:
- Bourbon (2 ounces / 60 ml): The soul of the cocktail, bourbon provides a robust backdrop with its complex blend of sweetness, smokiness, and wood notes.
- Strawberry-Vanilla Syrup (1 barspoon): A homemade syrup that infuses the cocktail with a luscious sweetness and a hint of vanilla’s rich aroma. The freshness of strawberries and the exotic flavor of vanilla beans blend seamlessly to create a syrup that’s both flavorful and aromatic.
- Angostura Bitters (3 dashes): These bitters add a layer of complexity, introducing a subtle spice that balances the sweetness of the syrup.
- Garnish: Orange Twist: The orange twist adds a final touch of citrus aroma, enhancing the cocktail’s sensory appeal.
Bourbon & Berries Cocktail Recipe:
- Prepare Strawberry-Vanilla Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the seeds from 1 vanilla bean. Heat the mixture over a low simmer until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add 2 cups of sliced strawberries to the simmering syrup. Continue to simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to infuse their flavor.
- Remove from heat, mash the strawberries to release their juice, and then let the mixture cool.
- Strain the mixture to remove the solids, capturing the clear, flavored syrup. This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Mix the Cocktail:
- In a double rocks glass, place 1 large ice cube. Add 2 ounces (60 ml) of bourbon, a barspoon of the strawberry-vanilla syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Stir the mixture for 18 to 20 seconds, allowing the ingredients to meld together and the drink to chill evenly.
- Add a few more ice cubes to the glass, ensuring the cocktail remains well-chilled.
- Garnish:
- Take a piece of orange peel and express (squeeze) its oils over the glass to release the citrus aroma.
- Drop the peel into the glass, adding both flavor and an elegant visual appeal.
The Bourbon & Berries Cocktail:
The beauty of the Bourbon & Berries recipe lies in its adaptability.
The strawberry-vanilla syrup, for example, is not limited to this cocktail alone; it can enhance other drinks too. Imagine swapping the traditional simple syrup in a Daiquiri for this fruity concoction, or using it as the sweetening agent in a classic Margarita for an added burst of summer.
Moreover, the recipe is open to experimentation with different fruits—opt for other berries during the summer or transition to autumnal fruits like apples or pears, which blend well with vanilla.
The flexibility extends to the choice of spirit as well. While the original intent is to celebrate bourbon’s year-round appeal, there’s no rule against experimenting with other spirits. Rum could offer a delightful twist to the Old Fashioned when paired with the strawberry-vanilla syrup, or rye whiskey could be substituted for bourbon to introduce a spicy contrast that complements the vanilla.
The essence of this concept is to enjoy the playful experimentation of mixing fruit syrups with the classic Old Fashioned foundation, demonstrating the endless possibilities of cocktail creation.
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