The Bittern — Bourbon and apricot under two different bitters and a dash of pimento dram

The Bittern

Bourbon and apricot under two different bitters and a dash of pimento dram

Number of people

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 ozBourbon Whiskey
    Nearly the whole drink
  • 1 dashJerry Thomas Own Decanter Bitters
    The heavier, sweeter of the two aromatics
    Substitute: Any rich aromatic bitters
  • 1 dashAromatic Bitters
    The recipe says aromatic bitters without naming a brand
    Substitute: Any aromatic bitters
  • 1/3 ozApricot Liqueur
    A third of an ounce; the only real sweetness
  • 2 dashesPimento Dram
    Allspice, and two dashes is plenty

Instructions

  1. Build 1 3/4 oz bourbon, 1/3 oz apricot liqueur, 2 dashes pimento dram, 1 dash Jerry Thomas bitters and 1 dash aromatic bitters in a rocks glass

    In the serving glass; the sweet fraction is small enough to lose

  2. Add ice and stir well
  3. Express an orange zest over the surface

Technique Notes

Build it in the glass rather than a mixing tin. There is only a third of an ounce of apricot and two dashes of dram against nearly two ounces of bourbon, and stirring in the serving glass keeps that small sweet fraction where you can taste it landing.

Why the The Bittern Works

Two aromatics in one drink is unusual and works here because they are not the same shape: Jerry Thomas is dried fruit and clove, a modern aromatic is bark and cinnamon. The apricot sits between them and gives both something fruity to attach to.

More recipes with Woodford Reserve Aromatic Bitters or The Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas Own Decanter Bitters