Kentucky Colonel
Ingrédients
- Bourbon 3 oz
- Benedictine 1/2 oz
- Lemon peel 1 twist of
Instructions
In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes combine the courbon and Benedictine. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon twist.
The Kentucky Colonel is a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail built on a generous measure of bourbon and a dash of Bénédictine herbal liqueur, finished with a lemon peel twist. The bourbon dominates this drink, with the Bénédictine playing a supporting role to add herbal complexity and honeyed sweetness without overpowering the whiskey's character. It is a refined, after-dinner sipper.
History & Origins
The title of Kentucky Colonel is an honorary title bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky, associated with Southern hospitality and refinement — an apt namesake for a whiskey-forward cocktail. Like the Kentucky B and B, it belongs to the tradition of bourbon-Bénédictine pairings that became fashionable in mid-20th century American cocktail culture. The exact origin of this specific recipe is disputed.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Assertive bourbon oak and caramel, with Bénédictine's herbal-honey complexity and bright lemon peel citrus on the nose. Palate: Bold and warming — bourbon's grain and wood tannins are the primary expression, with Bénédictine adding a subtle herbal sweetness and the lemon twist contributing a bright, refreshing citrus note. Finish: Long and warming, dominated by bourbon with a honeyed herb linger.
Pro Tip
Express the lemon peel over the surface of the drink by twisting it to release the oils, then run it around the rim before dropping it in for maximum citrus aroma.
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