An Easy, Elegant Drink: Bourbon and Sprite
I first tried this drink during my recent trip to Europe and now, each time I drink it, I'm immediately reminded of the cool, crisp air of Switzerland, the rustic beauty of Lake Lucerne. After a full day of sightseeing, my uncle had gone to the store and purchased some cocktail ingredients to help us unwind and prepare for dinner -- an apéritif, if you will.
Fortunately, he kept it simple: Four Roses Bourbon and Sprite. No elaborate lime twist, no paper umbrella perched on the glass. It was just a sophisticated, clean cocktail. I was delighted to taste both ingredients without the rough burn of the bourbon rushing down my throat.
The best thing, though, is that you can easily tailor this drink to your tastebuds. If you like the full, strong flavor of bourbon you can use less Sprite. But if you find the liquor too much to handle, you can pour more Sprite. And of course, you can always serve this as a mixed shot.
Ingredients (for a not-too-strong drink)
- 1-1/2 oz. Four Roses Bourbon (chilled)
- 6 oz. Sprite or 7Up
Ingredients (for a mixed shot)
- 3/4 oz. Four Roses Bourbon (chilled)
- 3/4 oz Sprite or 7Up
1. Combine ingredients and stir. Cheers!
For a drink/cocktail, build ingredients over ice. If you want the bourbon to stand out more, you can try 1 part bourbon for 3 parts Sprite.
My Notes:
Why Four Roses Bourbon? I've also tried Sprite with Jack Daniels whiskey and though I enjoyed that, I found Four Roses to make for a better, more universally-liked drink. The end result is a bit sweeter, and more floral-tasting than the Jack Daniels version. Also, because the only other component to this concoction is Sprite, you should be sure to use a bourbon or whiskey you really like.
This "Kentucky bobo," as my good friend likes to call it, can be found at your local BevMo and at most liquor stores. It's a good quality bourbon with a fair price, about $20 for the 3/4 liter bottle.