How to Barrel Age a Cocktail: The Barrel-Aged Brooklyn Cocktail

I’ve been barrel aging my own cocktails at home for a while now and I always get asked by friends and fellow-instagramers about how to barrel age a cocktail. I am here to share! But, first, you might ask…

 

Why Barrel Age a Cocktail??

 

1. You can be a lazy mixologist! You are making your cocktails in large batches and storing them, so you always have a drink (or variety of drinks) on hand.

2. Throwing a party? It’s amazing for entertaining! Again, you are pre-mixing so it takes the work out of making cocktails while acting as host.

3. Gifting! Nothing says “I’m thinking about you” like a hand-crafted cocktail. I keep bottles on hand (pictured above) for friends who are going through a rough day, celebrating something, moving in to a new home, or for no reason at all.

4. Aside from the convenience, it’s all about the flavor. The flavors marry together in the oak barrel and give it a maturity and complexity that takes your cocktail to another level. Trust me, it’s good stuff!

 

 

Barrel-Aged Brooklyn Recipe

Makes 12 servings

 

First, you’ll need an oak barrel. Luckily, it’s as easy as ordering online and prepping it using the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

2-Liter Oak Barrel
24 oz Rye Whiskey (I prefer Bulliet Rye)
12 oz Dry Vermouth (I prefer Dolin Dry Vermouth)
3 oz Maraschino Liqueur (I prefer Luxardo)
3/4 oz Orange Bitters (I used my own homemade bitters, but store-bought is fine)

 

Instructions: Pour all of the ingredients in to the barrel using a funnel. Let sit for 1 week to 1 month. Test it each week until your get the desired oaky flavor.

Making Your Cocktail

Makes 1 serving

 

Pour 3 oz of your Barrel-Aged Brooklyn into a cocktail glass. Add ice to the top of the liquid. Stir with a cocktail spoon until glass is frosty and cold on the outside. Strain into a chilled coup glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

 

Tip: Be sure to peel the orange over the glass so you get all the good orange spritz in your beverage.

The Brooklyn cocktail is a favorite of mine right now. I like to call it the summer ‘manhattan’! It’s a perfect summer-to-fall cocktail. As fall is ushered in and you spend more time in your beautifully designed space, I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do!

all photos by Beth Dotolo