Picture this: you’re relaxing at home after a long day, craving a whiskey-based cocktail that’s a little out of the ordinary. Enter the Seelbach cocktail cocktail. This sparkling, bitters-forward drink dates back to the early 1900s and still has the power to turn heads today. It combines a well-rounded pour of bourbon with zesty orange liqueur, plus the fizz of sparkling wine to keep things lively. Ready to learn how to make one yourself?
What is a Seelbach Cocktail Cocktail?
At its core, the Seelbach cocktail is a bourbon-based concoction named after the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. It relies on a hefty dose of bitters—both Angostura and Peychaud’s—for a robust, spicy kick. Then, an effervescent top-off of Champagne or sparkling wine helps lighten the flavor. The result is a seriously aromatic cocktail with layers of warmth, citrus, and bubbles.
Ingredients
Here’s a classic lineup you’ll need for one serving:
- 1 oz bourbon (choose your preferred brand)
- 0.5 oz orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- 7 dashes Angostura bitters
- 7 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 4–5 oz chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
- Orange twist for garnish
Directions
To build this cocktail, you won’t need a ton of bar equipment. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Chill a coupe or flute glass in the fridge for a few minutes.
- In a separate mixing glass, add the bourbon, orange liqueur, and both bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice, then stir gently for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
- Top carefully with the Champagne or sparkling wine, letting it fizz without overflowing.
- Garnish with an orange twist, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
These numbers are approximate per serving and can shift slightly based on the brands of bourbon, liqueur, and sparkling wine you choose:
- Calories: ~180
- Carbs: ~5 g
- Sugars: ~4 g
- Alcohol content: ~15% ABV
Final Thoughts
The Seelbach cocktail offers a little something for everyone. You get the boldness of whiskey, the bright notes of citrus, and the celebratory fizz of sparkling wine. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to elevate your home bar, this recipe is a solid choice. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite brands, and savor every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different sparkling wine?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap in Prosecco or any sparkling option you like. Just make sure it’s well-chilled to maintain that refreshing fizz. - Do I have to use both bitters?
If you can, yes. Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters each bring their own unique spice and aroma. Using both creates the traditional Seelbach flavor. - Is the Seelbach cocktail only for special occasions?
Not at all. It’s perfect to share at festive gatherings, but also adds a fun twist to any casual happy hour at home. - What’s the best garnish for this cocktail?
An orange twist is ideal because it highlights the citrusy flavors in the drink. If you prefer something else, a lemon twist or a cherry can work in a pinch.
Give this recipe a try next time you want to dress up your whiskey routine. Cheers!
