This Bourbon Cocktail Tastes Like a Handwritten Love Letter

Описание: Tired of overly sweet Valentine's drinks? Learn how to build a sophisticated, spirit-forward bourbon cocktail that balances bold proof with botanical complexity.

A Dark Romance in a Glass: The Velvet Letter Bourbon Cocktail 🥃💌

Welcome to Your Bourbon Journey! Tonight, we are kicking off our two-part Valentine’s series with a spirit-forward "Dark Romance" build that is as sophisticated as a hand-written love letter. If a Manhattan is a classic evening gown, The Velvet Letter is its mysterious, dark velvet cloak.

This cocktail is a modern riff on a Black Manhattan, designed for those who prefer complexity over chocolate clichés. We use the "ink" of Merlet Crème de Cassis for a deep, moody hue and the "perfume" of Strongwater Lavender Bitters to mimic the scented stationery of the Victorian era. At the heart of it all is a bold declaration: Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon. The high-rye spice and 114 proof ensure the whiskey stands tall against the herbal weight of Cinzano Sweet Vermouth.

📜 A Sip of History: The Story Behind the Ingredients

While The Velvet Letter is a modern creation, every ingredient carries a legacy of romance and tradition:
The "Ink" (Cassis): A French café staple since the mid-1800s, this blackcurrant liqueur acts as the "ink" of our letter. Historically used in aperitifs to sharpen the mind and appetite, it brings a deep, moody hue to the glass.
The "Bond" (Old Grand-Dad 114): A nod to the legendary Basil Hayden, this high-rye bourbon represents the "bold declaration" of our letter. Its spicy punch is a tribute to pre-Prohibition Manhattans, which were far more robust than today's versions.
The "Perfume" (Lavender): In the Victorian era, lovers separated by distance would scent their stationery with lavender. Using lavender bitters isn't just a flavor choice—it’s a historical homage to those fragrant, handwritten tokens of affection.

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or just love a silky, berry-forward bourbon drink, The Velvet Letter is a must-try.

🛒 Shop the Bar tools & Ingredients
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below!

MOFADO. Crystal Cocktail Mixing Glass: https://amzn.to/4jiZ0nl
Briout Bar Spoon: https://amzn.to/3PJMwaN
Briout Jigger for Bartending: https://amzn.to/3DUjva3
Lavender Bitters: https://amzn.to/4qJswWJ
Molasses Cocktail Bitters: https://amzn.to/4qzt7KS
Luxardo Gourmet Cocktail Cherries: https://amzn.to/3Wl8C7A

🕒 Chapters
0:00 - Introduction to The Velvet Letter
0:39 - The Bitters: Lavender "Perfume" & Molasses "Anchor"
1:18 - The "Ink": Merlet Crème de Cassis
1:38 - The "Paper": Cinzano Sweet Vermouth
2:07 - The "Bold Declaration": Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
2:33 - The Stir: Dilution & Pour
3:21 - The Garnish: Lemon Expression & The "Wax Seal"
4:00 - Tasting Notes & Final Thoughts
5:03 - Coming Next Week: The Midnight Rose!

📜 The Recipe

2 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
0.5 oz Cinzano Sweet Vermouth
0.5 oz Merlet Crème de Cassis
3 Dashes Strongwater Lavender Bitters
2 Dashes Fee Brothers Molasses Bitters
Garnish: Expressed Lemon Peel (discarded) & Luxardo Cherry

Method: Stir with plenty of ice for 25–30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe.


*Connect With Us & Support The Journey!*

🥃 *Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content:*   / yourbourbonjourney  
🌐 *Visit Our Website:* https://yourbourbonjourney.com/
🔔 *SUBSCRIBE HERE:*    / @yourbourbonjourney  
📸 *Instagram:*   / yourbourbonjourney  
👍 *Facebook:*   / yourbourbonjourney  


🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

#BourbonCocktail #ValentinesDay #OldGrandDad114 #ManhattanRiff #Mixology #YourBourbon Journey #HomeBartender #WhiskeyGram #CraftCocktails #Cassis #LavenderBitters #BourbonLover #DrinkResponsibly #ThirstyThursday #CocktailRecipe