The Man O’ War is a drink for a stud. As in the legendary American Thoroughbred. Man O’ War is one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Like the legend, of its name, this cocktail will be a fan favorite.

If you haven’t heard of Man O’ War that is because it was before most of our times. Hell, the Triple Crown wasn’t even a thing yet. In the two seasons, he raced (1919 and 1920) he won 20 out of 21 races. The race he lost was only by a neck. Man O’ War dominated most of the races, even winning the Belmont Stakes by 20 lengths. During his short career he earned $249,465 (equal to $3,120,000 in 2018) in purses. That is a hell of a horse worthy of a drink bearing his name.

Since Man O’ War won by 20 lengths this should be the official drink of the Belmont Stakes, but instead, it is the Belmont Jewel.

Man O’ War Cocktail

We did not follow the original recipe to the letter. We adjusted the amounts to create a concoction more to our liking. More bourbon and less of everything else. The lemon juice cuts through the sweetness of the sweet vermouth. The Gran Marnier rounds out the cocktail creating a nice blend of bourbon, citrus and sweet.

For the Man O’ War we wanted a bourbon with a punch. Enter Oak and Eden Toasted Oak Bourbon & Spire. It won the gold buckle at the 2019 Texas Whiskey Festival for best bottled in Texas Bourbon. The 90 proof gives it the punch with the deep flavors of vanilla and brown sugar come alive. The subtle hints of honey in this bourbon meld with the citrus flavors of the drink.

Ingredients

• 2.25 oz bourbon

• .5 oz fresh lemon juice

• .5 oz sweet vermouth

• .5 oz orange curaçao or Gran Marnier

How to Make

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled glass.

Another cocktail tied to horseracing is the Mint Julep and the Horsecar. Not into horses check out all of our Texas Whiskey cocktails that you can make at home.