The Clara Bow cocktail pairs classic whiskey warmth with a floral wink and a bright citrus finish, making it a smart choice for anyone who appreciates a refined sour. This mint-infused drink balances bourbon and rye with elderflower and pomegranate sweetness, creating an elegant, slightly fruity serve that works well as an aperitif or a late-night sip. You will find the recipe easy to reproduce at home and rewarding to tweak for personal taste.
What exactly is the Clara Bow cocktail?
Mad Hatter cocktail recipe: rye sour with absinthe float and anise notes
Clara Bow cocktail recipe: minty whiskey sour with elderflower and grenadine
The Clara Bow takes the structure of a Whiskey Sour and adds floral and fruity layers. It combines bourbon and a higher-proof rye with elderflower liqueur, grenadine and fresh lemon juice for brightness. The cocktail finishes with a mint note that lifts the aroma and clarifies the palate.
Named after an iconic Hollywood figure from the 1920s, this drink delivers both nostalgia and modern balance. Bars that focus on craft cocktails favor it for its approachable complexity and because it showcases small adjustments that change the drink noticeably.
Which ingredients will you need?
Gather fresh citrus and good-quality spirits for best results. The recipe calls for both bourbon and straight rye, complemented by an elderflower liqueur and a touch of grenadine for color and fruitiness. Fresh mint plays a subtle but important role.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mint leaves | 7 fresh | Gently bruise, do not over-muddle |
| Bourbon | 30 ml | Base spirit, choose a balanced bourbon |
| Straight rye (100 proof) | 15 ml | High-proof rye adds structure |
| Elderflower liqueur | 15 ml | Floral sweetness and aroma |
| Grenadine or pomegranate syrup | 10 ml | Gives color and subtle fruit notes |
| Fresh lemon juice | 22.5 ml | Use freshly squeezed for brightness |
Choose a chilled coupe or coupette glass for presentation and temperature control. A well-chilled glass preserves the drink’s texture and highlights the aromatic mint garnish.
How should you prepare and serve a Clara Bow?
Begin by chilling a coupe glass so the cocktail stays crisp when served. Prepare a small mint sprig for garnish and keep it fresh and upright.
Next, place the mint leaves in the base of a shaker and bruise them gently to release oils without shredding the leaves. Add the measured spirits, elderflower, grenadine and lemon, then fill the shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well chilled and then fine-strain into the prepared coupe. Float the mint tip in the centre of the drink for an attractive finish and an aromatic lift.
- Equipment: shaker, fine strainer, jigger, coupe glass
- Ice: use fresh, hard ice for a cleaner dilution
What does the Clara Bow taste like and how strong is it?
The profile lands between a traditional sour and a floral aperitif. Expect a boozy backbone from the bourbon and rye, a tart lemon core, and a light floral sweetness from elderflower. Grenadine introduces gentle fruitiness and a rose-colored hue.
Alcohol content varies with the brands used, but the recipe contains a notable alcoholic weight due to the high-proof rye and the bourbon. As a guide, the ingredients here contribute approximately 18.9 grams of pure alcohol, so pour responsibly and adjust if you prefer a milder serve. If vous prefer a drier finish reduce the grenadine slightly.
Where did the Clara Bow originate?
The cocktail traces back to a 2009 recipe developed by bartenders in Manhattan for a rye-focused bar. Its creators sought to highlight multiple whiskey styles in a single glass while adding a floral twist to soften the spice.
The name honors Clara Bow, the 1920s movie star nicknamed “The It Girl”. This nod connects the drink to an era of glamour and playful modernity, which the recipe mirrors through its blend of classic whiskey elements and contemporary liqueur accents.
Andrew Cole focuses on everyday drinks, from warm comfort beverages to refreshing options. His writing emphasizes balance, clarity, and ease of preparation.
