The Billionaire Cocktail, a creation of Dushan Zaric from the esteemed New York City bar Employees Only, stands as a modern testament to the bold flavors that characterized the Prohibition era’s risky drinking scene.
This cocktail takes the foundational concept of the classic Millionaire cocktail recipe and elevates it with a twist of contemporary flair.
With its blend of high-proof bourbon, the sharpness of lemon, the sweetness of grenadine, and the distinctive kick of absinthe bitters, the Billionaire is a drink that promises not just a taste experience but a journey into a bygone era reimagined for today’s palate.
Billionaire Cocktail Ingredients:
- Baker’s 107-proof Bourbon (2 ounces / 60 ml): The cornerstone of this cocktail, Baker’s Bourbon brings a robust, full-bodied flavor with notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla, its high proof adding a vigorous backbone that stands up to the strong flavors of the other ingredients.
- Lemon Juice (1 ounce / 30 ml, freshly squeezed): The acidity and brightness of fresh lemon juice cut through the richness of the bourbon and the sweetness of the grenadine, providing a necessary balance.
- Grenadine (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Ideally homemade, pomegranate grenadine lends a deep, sweet-tart flavor that complements the bourbon and lemon juice beautifully.
- Simple Syrup (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Simple syrup a smooth sweetness that rounds out the drink, ensuring that the balance of flavors is harmonious.
- Absinthe Bitters (1/4 ounce / 7.5 ml): A modern take on traditional absinthe, these bitters introduce a subtle aniseed flavor that adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Garnish: Lemon Wheel: A slice of lemon not only adds an aesthetic touch but also echoes the citrus notes within the drink.
Billionaire Cocktail Recipe:
- Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling a coupe glass, either by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker, add 2 ounces (60 ml) of Baker’s 107-proof bourbon, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of grenadine, 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of simple syrup, and 1/4 ounce (7.5 ml) of absinthe bitters. The precise measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance between the bold, sweet, and tart components of the cocktail.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold and well-chilled. This not only cools the drink but also dilutes it slightly, softening the flavors and melding them together.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled glass. Using a fine mesh strainer can help ensure that the drink is smooth and free from ice chips.
- Garnish: Complete the cocktail with a garnish of a lemon wheel. The lemon not only adds a visual flair but also a fresh aroma that complements the drink’s citrusy notes.
Billionaire Variations:
The Billionaire Cocktail is Zaric’s opulent interpretation of the Prohibition classic Millionaire, showcasing the playful and innovative spirit of Employees Only. This version diverges from some traditional recipes that might use Campari instead of grenadine and absinthe in place of absinthe bitters.
Such variations highlight the cocktail’s adaptability and the creative liberties that bartenders can take to tailor flavors to modern tastes.
The Billionaire Cocktail
Making the Billionaire Cocktail is not just about mixing drinks; it’s an exercise in balancing bold flavors to create a beverage that is both luxurious and complex. It’s a celebration of the rich history of cocktail culture, reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary mixology.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail aficionado or a curious newcomer to the world of high-proof libations, the Billionaire offers an experience that is rich in flavor, history, and sophistication.
Enjoy it as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Prohibition-era cocktails and the endless possibilities of modern mixology.
Check out some other great bourbon cockatil recipes.
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