Invented by bartender Doug Petry of Rye in Louisville, Kentucky, this cocktail truly stretches the boundaries of its namesake. While it presents a soft color palette (reddish Peychaud’s bitters floated atop milky white absinthe), the Absinthe Old-Fashioned packs a punch. If you didn’t already have enough reasons to make a pilgrimage to Kentucky and explore its cocktail scene, this one alone is worth the trip.
Adapted from a recipe first published in Jerry "The Professor" Thomas' 1862 Bartender's Guide. This is one of the few cocktails in the book which is believed to be his own creation.
The La Louisiane is a classic New Orleans cocktail with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It is a rye-based Sweet Manhattan made even sweeter with herbal Bénédictine liqueur and bittered with Peychaud's and absinthe.
The Lucky Stone is a cocktail that combines the flavors of Irish whiskey, Amontillado sherry, apricot liqueur, and Peychaud's bitters. It is a complex and balanced drink with a sweet and nutty flavor profile.
Named after General Andrew Jackson (before his presidency), this drink pays tribute to his nickname “Old Hickory,” which reflected his tough persona. Surprisingly, this drink is far from tough - it’s light, easy to make, and lower in ABV. The Old Hickory combines both sweet and dry vermouth, making it a smooth, sessionable sipper.
The Pendennis Club cocktail is a classic gin sour that originated at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. It's a tart and tangy drink with a unique flavor profile thanks to the addition of Apricot Liqueur and Peychaud's bitters.
The Sazerac is a local variation of a cognac or whiskey cocktail originally from New Orleans, named for the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac brandy.