Love Jones Elixir
A sultry blend of rich flavors that captures the essence of romance and connection, perfect for sharing with someone special. This cocktail combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of cherry and a hint of citrus, creating a drink that’s as intoxicating as love itself..
Learn how to make the perfect Love Jones Elixir cocktail recipe at home. This intoxicating sour features bourbon as the base spirit and is served in a coupe glass. Ideal for entertaining groups, this versatile drink is perfect year-round. Get the complete ingredient list, step-by-step mixing instructions, and expert tips.
Love Jones Elixir Ingredients
- 🥃Bourbon(2 oz)
- 🍒Cherry liqueur(1 oz)
- 🍊Fresh orange juice(1 oz)
- 🍯Honey syrup(1/2 oz)
- 🍋Fresh lemon juice(1/2 oz)
- 🌿Angostura bitters(2 dashes)
Mixing Instructions for Love Jones Elixir
- 1.In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, cherry liqueur, fresh orange juice, honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and Angostura bitters.
- 2.Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- 3.Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- 4.Garnish with a cherry and an orange twist on the rim.
Why These Ingredients For The Perfect Love Jones Elixir?
Bourbon
Bourbon serves as the backbone of the Love Jones Elixir, providing a rich and robust foundation for the cocktail. We want the bourbon to offer a little resistance, so we most enjoyed ones that were on the spicier side of the spectrum and 45 percent or higher, like Bulleit or the Elijah Craig Small Batch. These bourbons bring a complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak, which beautifully complement the sweetness of the cherry liqueur and honey syrup. If you prefer a smoother, sweeter bourbon, consider using Maker's Mark, which will lend a softer touch to the drink. When measuring, be precise with the 2 oz to ensure the bourbon's character shines through without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cherry Liqueur
Cherry liqueur adds a luscious, fruity sweetness that elevates the Love Jones Elixir to a romantic level. We recommend using a high-quality brand like Luxardo Maraschino or Cherry Heering, as they provide a rich cherry flavor without being overly artificial. These liqueurs contribute a deep red hue and a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness of the honey syrup and the citrus notes from the orange and lemon juices. If you're looking for alternatives, you could use a cherry brandy, but be cautious as it may introduce a stronger alcohol presence and alter the drink's overall sweetness. When measuring, stick to 1 oz to maintain the right balance of flavors.
Fresh Orange Juice
Fresh orange juice is essential for adding a bright, zesty element to the Love Jones Elixir. The natural sweetness and acidity of freshly squeezed orange juice enhance the cocktail's overall flavor profile, making it vibrant and refreshing. We recommend using a juicer to extract the juice from ripe, juicy oranges, as bottled juice can often lack the freshness and complexity needed for this drink. If you need an alternative, you could use blood orange juice for a unique twist, which would add a beautiful color and a slightly more tart flavor. Be sure to measure out 1 oz to keep the balance with the other ingredients.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is crucial for adding a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the other ingredients in the Love Jones Elixir. It provides a refreshing tartness that enhances the overall complexity of the cocktail. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice, as it offers a vibrant flavor that bottled varieties simply can't match. If you're in a pinch, you could use bottled lemon juice, but be aware that it may introduce a more muted flavor profile. For this cocktail, 1/2 oz is the perfect amount to achieve the desired balance without overwhelming the other flavors.
Alternative Ingredients
- •Rye whiskey instead of bourbon
- •Maple syrup instead of honey syrup
- •Pineapple juice instead of orange juice
A Love Jones Elixir is best served with
🍽️ This cocktail pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially a juicy steak or BBQ ribs, as the sweetness of the drink complements the savory flavors of the food.
""Love is like a cocktail; it can be sweet, strong, or a little bit of both, but it always goes down smoother with a cherry on top!""
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