This Pernod-Bourbon Spritz is a unique and bold recipe, which is made with anise-flavored Pernod and your favorite bourbon. It’s a great choice for an adventurous palate, ready in about 2 minutes.
Pernod-Bourbon Spritz Ingredients
- Ice
- ½ ounce Pernod liqueur
- ½ ounce Bourbon whiskey
- 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 3 ounces club soda, chilled
- Lemon twist, for serving
How To Make a Pernod-Bourbon Spritz
- Fill the glass: Place one large ice cube in a rocks glass, or fill the glass halfway with smaller ice cubes.
- Build the spritz: Add the Pernod, bourbon, and Angostura bitters to the glass.
- Top and serve: Top with the chilled club soda. Give it a single, gentle stir, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- What is Pernod? As the recipe notes, Pernod is a French anise-flavored liqueur. It has a distinct licorice-like taste and was originally created as a substitute for absinthe.
- Can I use a different whiskey? Yes. A rye whiskey would be a great substitute for bourbon, adding a slightly spicier note to the drink.
- Can I make this a longer drink? Absolutely. For a taller, more refreshing drink, you can serve this in a Collins glass and simply top it with more chilled club soda to fill.
- How to get the best lemon twist? Use a vegetable peeler to remove a wide strip of peel from a fresh lemon, avoiding the white pith. Twist it tightly over the drink to release its essential oils before dropping it into the glass.
What To Serve With a Pernod-Bourbon Spritz
This is a sophisticated aperitif cocktail that pairs wonderfully with savory and salty snacks.
- A bowl of smoked or Marcona almonds
- Salty cured olives
- A simple charcuterie board with hard cheeses and cured meats
- Oysters on the half shell
How To Store a Pernod-Bourbon Spritz
- This is a single-serving cocktail that is best made fresh and enjoyed immediately while it is cold and bubbly. It does not store well as it will lose its carbonation.
Pernod-Bourbon Spritz Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 0g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
This is a unique cocktail with a complex flavor profile. You will taste the distinct anise and licorice notes from the Pernod, balanced by the warm, oaky flavor of the bourbon, all lightened up by the crisp bubbles of the club soda.
No, with only one ounce of total liquor, this is a relatively light and low-alcohol spritz, making it a perfect pre-dinner drink.
It’s not recommended to make a large batch with the club soda, as it will go flat. However, you can pre-mix the Pernod, bourbon, and bitters in a bottle ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour 1 ounce of the mixture over ice and top with 3 ounces of club soda.
Try More Recipes:
Pernod-Bourbon Spritz Recipe
Description
A simple, refreshing, and sophisticated bubbly cocktail with the unique flavor of anise from Pernod, balanced by the warmth of bourbon.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Add the Pernod, bourbon, and bitters.
- Top with the chilled club soda.
- Stir gently once to combine.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon twist and serve immediately.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use a high-quality bourbon and a freshly opened bottle of club soda.
- Don’t be afraid to be generous with the ice to keep the drink perfectly chilled.
- This is a “principal recipe” that can be easily adapted with different types of amaro or whiskey to suit your taste.
- The beauty of this cocktail is in its simplicity, so use the best, freshest ingredients you can find.