Man O’ War Cocktail (with Bourbon and Grand Marnier)

I love bourbon-based drinks, and if you do too, you’ll definitely want to try out some of my other whiskey cocktails. The Paper Plane has a bourbon base but is still a refreshing and citrusy option.

And for those who love a fruity whiskey drink, the Cherry Whiskey Sour and the Peach Bourbon Smash are a must-try! While not a whiskey drink, the White Lady is another must-try. 

Bourbon whiskey: This cocktail base of bourbon that is very spirit forward, so make sure to buy a bourbon whiskey that you like the taste of straight. Spirit-forward drinks like this will only be as good as your ingredients. Spring for the good stuff, if you can.

Grand Marnier: This orange liqueur adds sweet and citrusy notes. Traditionally, Cointreau (a type of triple sec) is used, but being that Grand Marnier is brandy-based its complex flavor pairs perfectly with the bourbon. 

Sweet vermouth: Vermouth is a fortified wine that adds herbal and floral notes and gives an appeal similiar to that of a Manhattan.

Lemon juice: Using fresh lemon juice tastes far superior in cocktails compared to bottled lemon juice.

Lemon peel and/or maraschino cherry for garnish: A lemon twist and a maraschino cherry (I highly recommend Luxardo maraschino cherries or Fabbri Amarena Cherries) are used to garnish the cocktail. Garnishes can also be more than just visual appeal.

We often “taste with our nose” – when you lean in to sip a drink a whiff of a lemon peel and fruity cherries can add another level of flavor and elevate your experience. An orange peel would also work well as a garnish.

Steps 1 and 2: Add the bourbon whiskey, Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. 

Steps 3 and 4: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass, such as a coupe glass. 

Step 5: Garnish with a lemon twist and cherry. 

• Keep your drink extra cold by serving in a pre-chilled glass. Simply, chill your glass in the freezer or refrigerator before pouring the cocktail.

• For a sweeter drink, feel free to add a dash of simple syrup, maple syrup, or even some maraschino cherry syrup. I have a great lemon-lime simple syrup that would taste great!

• To get a more tart flavor, you can increase the lemon juice a bit.

• Add complex bitter notes by adding a few dashes of bitters. Orange or cherry bitters would be excellent choices. 
• Swap the bourbon out for añejo tequila, which is also aged in oak barrels. I swapped out the bourbon in my Añejo Tequila Old Fashioned, and it turned out perfectly!

What is Grand Marnier?

Grand Marnier is a French orange-flavored liqueur made from a blend of cognac brandy, bitter orange, and sugar. Since it is technically a brandy-based orange liqueur, it would be considered a type of orange curaçao; whereas something like Cointreau is considered a triple sec. 

What kind of sweet vermouth would go best with a Man O’ War cocktail?

Some popular, high quality vermouth options include Carpano Antica Formula, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Dolin Rouge, and Punt e Mes. These options have a complex flavor profile that includes herbal and floral notes, with a balanced sweetness that complements the other flavors in the drink.

Ultimately, the best sweet vermouth depends on personal taste preferences, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different brands to find the one that you like best.