Fall is in the air, and that means our cocktail cravings are turning to dark spirits and bourbon is back on the brain. We’re starting to whip up Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, but we’re always looking for a new drink to embrace autumn with, too. To go beyond our stalwart options, we asked bartenders for their favorite underrated bourbon cocktails. Here’s what they said.
The most underrated bourbon cocktails, according to bartenders:
The Birdcage The Manhattan Whiskey Smash New York Sour Boulevardier Sazerac Gold Rush Left Hand Cocoa Puffs Old Fashioned Remember the Maine Stone Face Paper Plane Lion’s Tail A La Louisiane
“Andrew O’Loughlin of the Penrose came up with a great Jungle Bird riff, the Birdcage, that substitutes bourbon in place of rum and leans into fall flavors. The drink combines bourbon, Method Sweet Vermouth, and cinnamon-spiced Demerara syrup for a burst of fall flavor. Like the Jungle Bird, we add a red bitter liqueur and fresh pineapple juice. It’s a tiki drink for the Northeast.” —Pete Vasconcellos, beverage director, Albert’s Bar, NYC
“The Manhattan. You may ask, is this underrated? Yes, it is. The Manhattan is underrated by the younger generation and doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s very classic, with distinct flavors.” —Jon Badaracco, general manager, STATE Grill & Bar, NYC
“A Whiskey Smash, when prepared properly, is the most underrated bourbon cocktail. It is just perfect in its simplicity. Muddle mint, lemon, and sugar, add 2 ounces of bourbon, and serve over
