How to Make The haystack

Today we’re making the Haystack Cocktail! This bourbon-based drink comes together with just a few ingredients, but it’s packed with layers of flavor that make it a standout. Inspired by the Paper Plane, the Haystack holds its own with a bold, fruity-bitter balance that feels fresh and different. Built with bourbon, gentian liqueur (like Suze, Salers, or Aveze), apricot liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, it’s a modern whiskey cocktail that’s both easy to mix but surprisingly complex. If you’re looking for a unique bourbon sour variation or just want something new for your home bar, this one’s worth a try. Cheers!

  • Complex flavors

  • Bitter notes    

Sips

  • Serve over ice instead of serving up  

  • Get your bottle of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon here!

Tips

  1. Start with a shaking tin 

  2. Pour in 1 oz. of Old Grand-Dad 114 proof Bourbon

  3. Then, add in 3/4 oz. Suze

  4. Next, pour in 3/4 oz. Giffard Abricot du Roussillon

  5. After, add in 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

  6. Add ice and shake

  7. Grab a chilled low ball glass

  8. Add in a jumbo chunk of ice 

  9. Double strain into your glass

  10. Express lemon oil onto the cocktail and on the side of the glass

  11. Cheers & enjoy!

The haystack recipe

The haystack Ingredient List

  • 1 oz (30 ml) Old Grand-Dad 114 proof Bourbon

  • 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Suze

  • 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Giffard Abricot du Roussillon

  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

  • Expressed lemon oil

Find some of these ingredients and more as part of my House of Bitter Bear website

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