Benedictine is a herbal liqueur produced in France, made from brandy and a blend of herbs and spices. Its unique flavor profile adds complexity to cocktails.

Can I use a different type of whiskey?

While bourbon is traditional for a Kentucky Colonel, you can use rye whiskey for a spicier twist, but it will alter the overall flavor.

Is the Kentucky Colonel a strong drink?

With an ABV of 29%, the Kentucky Colonel is moderately strong. The bourbon provides warmth, while the Benedictine adds sweetness, making it smooth.

Kentucky Colonel

Illustration generated by AI from the recipe’s glass, ice and garnish — not a photograph of a real pour.

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Method: shake
Glass: Cocktail glass
Ice: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.
Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist.
ABV: 29%

Ingredients

Bourbon — 3 oz (90 ml)
Benedictine — ½ oz (15 ml)
Lemon peel — 1 twist of

How to make it

Step 1: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.
Step 2: Add bourbon and Benedictine to the shaker.
Step 3: Close the shaker and shake vigorously.
Step 4: Strain the contents into a cocktail glass.
Step 5: Garnish with a lemon twist.

Kentucky Colonel is a classic cocktail made with bourbon and Benedictine, featuring a refreshing lemon twist.

The story

The Kentucky Colonel is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been popularized in the Southern United States, particularly in Kentucky, where bourbon is a staple. The drink's combination of bourbon and Benedictine reflects the region's affinity for rich, flavorful spirits, and it has remained a favorite for its smoothness and complexity.

How it tastes

The Kentucky Colonel offers a harmonious blend of sweet and herbal notes, with the warmth of bourbon complemented by the herbal complexity of Benedictine. It is best served as an after-dinner drink or during social gatherings, providing a comforting yet sophisticated option.

Getting it right

The key to a well-made Kentucky Colonel lies in the proper shaking technique. Shaking vigorously with ice ensures that the ingredients are well chilled and properly mixed, while straining into the glass helps achieve a smooth texture. A fresh lemon twist adds a fragrant finish.

Variations

Kentucky Colonel Sour — This variation adds fresh lemon juice to the mix, creating a tart and refreshing take on the original.
Colonel's Old Fashioned — A twist on the Old Fashioned, this version uses bourbon and Benedictine with a dash of bitters, garnished with an orange twist.

Substitutions

Benedictine — If Benedictine is unavailable, try using a herbal liqueur like Chartreuse or Drambuie for a different flavor profile.
Bourbon — In place of bourbon, a high-quality rye whiskey can be used for a spicier taste.

Questions

What is Benedictine?: Benedictine is a herbal liqueur produced in France, made from brandy and a blend of herbs and spices. Its unique flavor profile adds complexity to cocktails.
Can I use a different type of whiskey?: While bourbon is traditional for a Kentucky Colonel, you can use rye whiskey for a spicier twist, but it will alter the overall flavor.
Is the Kentucky Colonel a strong drink?: With an ABV of 29%, the Kentucky Colonel is moderately strong. The bourbon provides warmth, while the Benedictine adds sweetness, making it smooth.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026

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