Bow and Arrow Cocktail

The Bow and Arrow is a modern classic that beautifully marries the smoky notes of mezcal with the rich sweetness of bourbon. Pineapple and lime juices provide a bright, tropical acidity, while demerara syrup adds depth and balances the flavors. It's a sophisticated yet approachable drink that offers a complex and layered tasting experience, showcasing the harmony between seemingly disparate spirits.
Bow and Arrow Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Bow and Arrow is categorized as a modern classic sour cocktail. It utilizes the classic sour template of spirit, citrus, and sweetener, but updates it with a creative split base of mezcal and bourbon.

Serving

Served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this cocktail has a moderate alcohol content and a refreshing, cold temperature.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Estimated 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was created by John Cushing at the Teardrop Lounge in Portland, Oregon, a hub of cocktail innovation. The Bow and Arrow is a perfect example of the modern craft cocktail movement, which emphasizes fresh ingredients and unique spirit combinations. It highlights how a split-base of spirits can create a flavor profile more complex and intriguing than either spirit could achieve alone.
Origin
The Bow and Arrow cocktail originated in the early 2010s at the Teardrop Lounge in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Bow and Arrow Cocktail

The Bow and Arrow Cocktail is consistently known by its original name and does not have any common alternative names or monikers.
Original name
Bow and Arrow Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex profile with smoky agave and oaky bourbon aromas, a balanced sweet and sour taste, and a smooth texture. The finish is pleasantly long with lingering notes of smoke and tropical fruit.
Flavor
Smoky, Fruity, Tart, Sweet, Agave, Oak, Pineapple, Lime
Aroma
Smoky, Pineapple, Citrus, Caramel, Agave
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour, Smoky
Aftertaste
Lingering smoke, Fruity, Warm, Clean
Fizziness
None, Still
Color appearance
Hazy, Pale yellow, Straw-colored
Texture
Smooth, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is a vibrant mix of high fruitiness and balanced sourness, underpinned by a moderate alcohol strength and distinct smokiness. It is a well-balanced and intense taste experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a balanced split base of mezcal and bourbon, complemented by fresh pineapple and lime juices. A rich demerara syrup ties all the ingredients together.
  • Mezcal22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A joven espadín mezcal provides a nice balance of smoke and agave character.
  • Bourbon22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A standard, not-too-oaky bourbon is ideal to complement, not overpower, the other ingredients.
  • Pineapple Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly pressed pineapple juice is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture.
  • Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and acidity.
  • Demerara Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A 1:1 ratio of demerara sugar to water. This adds a subtle molasses note that pairs well with the spirits.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking.

Mixing equipments

Standard cocktail shaking equipment is needed, including a shaker, jigger, and a double-straining setup to ensure a perfect texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer for a smooth, ice-free drink.

Instructions

The process involves shaking all ingredients with ice to chill and dilute, then double-straining into a pre-chilled coupe glass for a clean presentation.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Combine the mezcal, bourbon, pineapple juice, lime juice, and demerara syrup in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-frosted.
5. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a lime wheel or wedge adds a touch of color and a final aromatic hint of citrus.
  • Lime wheel or wedge, placed on the rim or floated on top.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. Due to the distillation process, it is considered gluten-free and is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, mainly from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content is derived from the fruit juices and the demerara syrup.
Calories
Approximately 170 kcal / 711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 11g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated happy hour, a sunny afternoon gathering, or any occasion that calls for a unique and refreshing drink. Its balance of smoke and fruit makes it a versatile choice for entertaining guests with discerning palates.
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer Party
  • Cocktail Night

Pairing suggestions

The Bow and Arrow pairs wonderfully with foods that have smoky, spicy, or citrusy elements. It's an excellent companion for Mexican cuisine like tacos al pastor, as well as grilled seafood and light, tangy appetizers like ceviche.
  • Tacos al pastor
  • Spicy grilled shrimp
  • Ceviche
  • Smoky barbecue chips

The Bow and Arrow Cocktail: A Modern Classic's Bullseye

The Bow and Arrow is a superbly balanced modern classic that harmonizes the unlikely pairing of smoky mezcal and warm bourbon. The addition of fresh pineapple and lime juice creates a tropical and tart counterpoint, resulting in a complex yet incredibly drinkable cocktail. It's a testament to the creativity of the modern cocktail scene, perfectly hitting the target between smoky, sweet, and sour. It is a must-try for fans of agave spirits and whiskey alike who are looking for something new and exciting.

Similar Cocktails

Ancient Mariner

A tiki-style drink with dark rum, lime, grapefruit, and pimento dram, sharing a similar tropical and complex profile.

Mayahuel Cocktail

A split-base cocktail with tequila and mezcal, honey, and grapefruit, sharing the split-base agave concept.

You May Also Like

Perfect Manhattan

A sophisticated and balanced whiskey cocktail that expertly marries the spice of rye with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.

Vodka Gibson

A clean, crisp, and savory variation of the classic Martini, made with vodka and garnished with a cocktail onion.

Jack and Ginger

A classic and refreshing highball combining the distinct flavor of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey with the spicy sweetness of ginger ale.

Hinoki Martini

An elegant, aromatic, and savory take on the classic Martini, inspired by the fragrant Japanese Hinoki cypress.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Artillery Punch

A potent and historic American punch from Savannah, Georgia, combining rye whiskey, rum, brandy, and lemon in a famously strong concoction.

Whiskey Ditch

A straightforward and refreshing highball made by mixing whiskey with still water over ice.

Southampton Cocktail

A refreshing and elegant gin sour featuring elderflower liqueur, Cointreau, mint, and lime.

Brandy Gump Cocktail

A crisp, elegant, and simple classic cocktail that balances the warmth of brandy with the bright acidity of fresh lime juice.