The story of the sexy bastard is a common tale of trial and error. Born from an odd mix of ingredients. This booze packed rosé and orange juice whiskey cocktail will leave you feeling sexy.

Discussed in my five core whiskey cocktails once you know the basics you can create your own. It often takes many attempts.  This whiskey cocktail did not start off sexy. Some of the variations were ugly.

I made four different versions to get the right balance. For this whiskey cocktail, I wanted something not bitter with a slight sweetness. 

Before I start the process I settle on a whiskey to use. This is my control of the cocktail. Our 2020 Bottled and Aged in Texas Bourbon gold buckle winner Sweetheart of the Rodeo from Kooper Family Whiskey is the choice. The citrus and caramel in the nose. Floral and orange notes on the palate. Caramel and honey accents on the finish are all reasons I chose this bourbon.

The first attempt at the sexy bastard included the rosé, bourbon and orange bitters. A straight take on the manhattan swapping the sweet vermouth for the rosé. The result bitter. Time to correct the bitter finish.

On the second attempt, I added simple syrup. The simple syrup did take away most of the bitter finish. However, the orange bitters linger.

The third attempt adds a touch of orange juice to go with the notes from the bourbon and bitters. Orange juice balances this whiskey cocktail to achieve the not bitter with a slight sweetness.

To be diligent I created a version with the orange juice but did not use the simple syrup. It was not as bitter but not as good as the previous.

The Sexy Bastard

A delicate concoction of rosé, orange juice, simple syrup, bitters, and bourbon.

Ingredients

• 2.25 oz bourbon

• .25 oz rosé

• .25 oz orange juice

• .25 oz simple syrup

• a few dashes orange bitters.

How to make to Sexy Bastard

Add the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well to chill. Strain into a martini glass. Orange peel garnish is optional.

Be sure to check out all of the Texas Whiskey cocktails you can make at home.