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Seelbach

the seelbach cocktail

The Seelbach cocktail is a sparkling, refreshing drink that’s perfect for special occasions. Originating from Louisville, Kentucky, this classic cocktail combines bourbon, Cointreau, and champagne for a unique taste. It’s both sophisticated and simple to make, making it a favorite for cocktail enthusiasts and beginners alike. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful drink at home.

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Tasting Notes

The Seelbach cocktail offers a harmonious blend of flavors. The bourbon provides a warm, rich base, contrasted by the sweet, citrusy notes of Cointreau. The champagne adds a bubbly, light finish, making the drink crisp and refreshing. You’ll also taste hints of bitters, which bring a complex, slightly spicy undertone. Overall, it’s a balanced cocktail with a sophisticated edge.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce bourbon
  • 1/2 ounce Cointreau (or a similar orange-flavored liqueur)
  • 7 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 7 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • Champagne or a dry sparkling wine
  • Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a champagne flute, combine the bourbon, Cointreau, Angostura bitters, and Peychaud’s bitters.
  2. Gently stir the mixture.
  3. Top off the glass with champagne, filling it to just below the rim.
  4. Garnish with an orange twist.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!

Pro Tips

  • Choice of Bourbon: Use a high-quality bourbon for the best flavor. The bourbon’s characteristics significantly influence the cocktail’s overall taste.
  • Champagne Quality: Opt for a good-quality champagne or sparkling wine. It should be dry to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Bitters Balance: Don’t skimp on the bitters! They provide essential flavor complexity to the Seelbach.
  • Serving Temperature: Serve the Seelbach chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities.
See also  Spring Breeze

Variations

  • Non-Alcoholic Seelbach: Replace bourbon with non-alcoholic whiskey and champagne with non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
  • Fruity Twist: Add a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for a fruity variation.
  • Herbal Touch: Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.

History

The Seelbach cocktail has a storied history, originating in the early 1900s at the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. It was created by accident when a bartender mistakenly mixed champagne with a Manhattan. Despite its accidental origins, the cocktail quickly became popular, symbolizing the elegance and charm of the era.

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the seelbach cocktail

The Seelbach Cocktail

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
4.5 from 2 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: seelbach cocktail recipe
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Originating from Louisville, Kentucky, this classic cocktail combines bourbon, Cointreau, and champagne for a unique taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce bourbon
  • 1/2 ounce Cointreau or a similar orange-flavored liqueur
  • 7 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 7 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • Champagne or a dry sparkling wine
  • Orange twist for garnish

Instructions

  • In a champagne flute, combine the bourbon, Cointreau, Angostura bitters, and Peychaud's bitters.
  • Gently stir the mixture.
  • Top off the glass with champagne, filling it to just below the rim.
  • Garnish with an orange twist.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!
Seelbach
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
4.50 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Google Guide and MuckRack.

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