From the curated collection at Four Roses comes a cocktail that truly sets the mood – the Bourbon Street Blues. As described by Four Roses themselves, it’s a “first line favorite,” and just one sip transports you straight to the heart of New Orleans. At its core, this beverage is a sophisticated Manhattan with a vibrant blackberry infusion, offering a delightful and refreshing spin on a timeless classic. While some might argue against altering iconic drinks like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned, when executed with finesse, introducing a complementary flavor can elevate the experience to new heights.
This particular Bourbon Street Blues recipe features Blackberry Liqueur, an ingredient that can sometimes prove elusive in many markets. After searching through several stores, the decision was made to embark on a rewarding DIY journey. With a mere fifteen minutes of active preparation spread over three to four days, crafting your own homemade version is surprisingly simple. This approach not only guarantees availability but also empowers you to customize the sweetness and ensure the quality of every ingredient. The method detailed below is remarkably straightforward and can be easily adapted to create a spectrum of other fruit liqueurs, with blueberry and raspberry variations proving exceptionally successful.
Homemade Blackberry Liqueur
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh blackberries
- ¾ cup brandy
- 1 ¼ cups vodka
- 1 cup simple syrup
Preparation:
- Gently muddle two cups of fresh blackberries in a mason jar to release their juices.
- Pour in the brandy and vodka, seal the jar tightly, and shake well to combine. Store the mixture away from direct sunlight at room temperature for three days, shaking daily to ensure proper infusion.
- After three days, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing lightly on the solids to extract maximum liquid. For a smoother consistency, further filter the liquid through two layers of cheesecloth. While a coffee filter can also be used, it may sometimes prove too dense for the liqueur’s texture.
- Incorporate one cup of simple syrup into the strained liqueur and shake thoroughly. Allow the homemade blackberry liqueur to chill in the refrigerator for at least a day before using to allow flavors to meld and fully develop.
Crafting the Perfect Bourbon Street Blues Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Four Roses Bourbon
- ¾ oz Sweet Vermouth
- ½ oz Homemade Blackberry Liqueur
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Preparation:
- Begin by chilling your coupe or martini glass. Fill it with ice water and set aside to ensure it’s perfectly frosted for your cocktail.
- In a mixing glass, combine the Four Roses Bourbon, sweet vermouth, homemade blackberry liqueur, and Angostura bitters. Add ice to the mixing glass.
- Stir the mixture with ice until thoroughly chilled, typically around 20-30 seconds.
- Empty the ice water from your chilled glass and strain the expertly mixed Bourbon Street Blues into the prepared glass.
- Garnish your sophisticated cocktail with a vibrant orange twist to enhance the aromatic profile and visual appeal.
Explore more cocktails from Four Roses
Cheers!
Blake Smith from Bourbon and Brews on Instagram
