Bicentennial Cocktail
The Bicentennial Cocktail is an intriguing mix that balances the rich, sweet notes of coffee liqueur with the robust character of bourbon and the sharp acidity of lemon juice. Created by renowned bartender and author Gary "gaz" Regan, this drink is a testament to the power of simple, well-balanced ingredients. It's both a comforting digestif and a complex sour, making it a unique choice for whiskey lovers looking for something different. The result is a smooth, flavourful drink with a delightful sweet-tart profile that surprises the palate.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This drink is classified as a Modern Classic cocktail, having been created in the latter half of the 20th century. Due to its coffee liqueur component, it also functions beautifully as a Digestif, making it an excellent after-dinner drink.
Serving
This drink is served "up" (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass. It's a moderately strong, cold cocktail enjoyed for its complex flavors.
Serving size
Approx. 3.5 oz / 105 ml (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approx. 22-26% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This cocktail was invented by the legendary spirits writer and bartender Gary "gaz" Regan in 1976. He created it to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the United States' independence while working at a pub in North Tarrytown, New York. The drink's creation reflects the burgeoning creativity in mixology during that era, combining familiar ingredients in an unconventional yet harmonious way. It has since become a respected, if somewhat obscure, modern classic.
Origin
United States, 1976. The drink was created by Gary Regan in North Tarrytown, New York.
Bicentennial Cocktail
The Bicentennial Cocktail is primarily known by its original name and does not have widely recognized alternative names or aliases.
Original name
Bicentennial Cocktail
Characteristics overview
This cocktail presents a rich aroma of coffee and oak, with a smooth, velvety texture. The taste is a delightful balance of sweet and sour, finishing with a pleasant warmth from the bourbon, making it a great all-season drink.
Flavor
Coffee, whiskey, citrus, caramel, vanilla, balanced sweet-tart
Aroma
Roasted coffee, oak, lemon zest, vanilla
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Lingering coffee, gentle warmth from bourbon, clean finish
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, creamy tan, similar to milky coffee
Texture
Smooth, velvety, medium-bodied
Seasonality
All-season, slightly warming, refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
The drink has a medium flavor intensity, where the sweetness of the coffee liqueur and the tartness of the lemon are in perfect harmony. The bourbon provides a solid, moderately strong alcoholic backbone without overpowering the other ingredients.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple trio of ingredients: bourbon whiskey as the base, a rich coffee liqueur, and the essential brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Bourbon Whiskey1.5 ounces / 45 mlA mid-proof bourbon works well to stand up to the other ingredients.
- Coffee Liqueur1 ounce / 30 mlKahlúa is the classic choice, but other coffee liqueurs can be used.
- Lemon Juice0.5 ounce / 15 mlMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
To prepare this cocktail, you'll need a shaker for chilling and mixing, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a pair of strainers for a clean pour.
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine mesh strainer
Instructions
This cocktail is made by shaking all three liquid ingredients with ice until well-chilled. It is then double-strained into a chilled coupe glass and garnished with a lemon twist.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice and water.
2. Measure and pour the bourbon, coffee liqueur, and fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker (through both a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer) into the glass.
7. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the drink to express its oils onto the surface, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
Garnishing
A simple lemon twist serves as the perfect garnish, adding aromatic citrus oils that enhance the drink's aroma and complement its flavor profile.
- Lemon twist: Express the oils from a strip of lemon peel over the drink's surface before dropping it in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail contains alcohol and caffeine. While generally vegan and free from dairy and nuts, it uses bourbon, which, although distilled, may be a concern for those with severe gluten sensitivities.
✓ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories and sugar, deriving mostly from the coffee liqueur. Each serving has approximately 195 calories and 15 grams of sugar.
Calories
Averagely 195 kcal / 816 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 16 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15 g
Sugar level
Occasions
Perfect as an after-dinner digestif thanks to its coffee element, the Bicentennial Cocktail is also sophisticated enough for a cocktail party. Its balanced and intriguing flavor profile makes it a great choice for casual sipping and celebrating special occasions.
- After-dinner
- Cocktail Party
- Casual Sipping
- Celebratory Drink
Pairing suggestions
The Bicentennial Cocktail pairs exceptionally well with desserts, particularly those featuring dark chocolate or coffee flavors like tiramisu. Its flavor profile also complements simple cookies like biscotti or a mild cheese board served after a meal.
- Dark chocolate desserts
- Tiramisu
- Biscotti or shortbread
- Mild, creamy cheeses
The Bicentennial Cocktail: A Toast to Modern Mixology
The Bicentennial Cocktail is a unique and satisfying sour created by the legendary Gary Regan. It masterfully combines the seemingly disparate flavors of bourbon, coffee liqueur, and lemon juice into a harmonious whole. The result is a drink that is both comforting and zesty, perfect as a digestif or for any occasion that calls for a sophisticated and unusual cocktail. It's an easy-to-make testament to modern classic mixology and a delicious piece of cocktail history.
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