How To Make The Best Buckaroo Cocktail, A Bourbon And Cola Duet
Where the outlandish often overshadows the simple, there's one concoction that struts with an air of delight—the Buckaroo Cocktail. Yes, we’re talking about the intrepid trio. Bourbon whisky, cola and the slang of Angostura bitters. It’s as if the universe of the American South has danced its way into a tumbler and, today, into your bar, embodying that signature cheeky swagger. Let’s make it.
Crafting the Buckaroo
First, we sketch the blueprint for this cocktail. At the forefront of this intricate drink, we've got bourbon whisky, specifically the likes of Bulleit Bourbon, bringing a taste of new American oak. You can also give the recipe a twist and work with 45 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label instead. This is a Scotch whisky that, while traditionally not bourbon, brings its own smoky charisma to the Buckaroo Cocktail.
Next, the barrel meets the bottle in this mingle. Cola, a character known for its dark and luscious taste, makes this cocktail into something that truly crackles. For the perfect mix, stick to 90 ml. A few dashes of Angostura Bitters make the mix more audacious.
Start by introducing ice to your chosen vessel; we recommend a classic Collins glass. Over this, pour the Johnnie Walker Black Label, and then allow the cola to cascade into the mix. The Angostura bitters lend the final aromatic touch. Stir gently, blending the elements carefully. Garnish your creation with a twist of orange peel or a classic lemon wheel, their citrus oils sparking against the whisky's depth.
Seasonal Versatility
In the summer, the Buckaroo is perfect for those long, languid evenings when the sun hesitates to set and the air is thick. Come winter, the same cocktail transforms into a source of warmth. It becomes the ideal companion for nights spent in the glow of a crackling fire.
The Buckaroo isn't confined to a specific type of gathering or time of day. It's as suitable for a casual brunch where its smoky sweetness can complement a late morning fare as it is for an evening soiree where cocktails are the prelude to a night of fun.
Food For Thought
Pairing this contemplative sipper demands snacks that echo its rich, layered narrative. Imagine thin slices of prosciutto wrapped around a sweet, crisp apple slice—a play of savoury and sweet that complements the Buckaroo's robustness. Or perhaps a board of aged cheeses, their sharp, creamy textures a fitting counterpart to the cocktail’s deep, mellow burn.
Savouring the Sip
Each sip of the Buckaroo carries peaty notes of the whisky, with the cola's sweetness guiding the way. It's a drink for those who find beauty in simple experiments. So, here's to the Buckaroo, reimagined but no less revered.
