Kentucky Flyer Whiskey Cocktail

This Kentucky Flyer Whiskey Cocktail is a simple but sophisticated craft cocktail that’s easy to replicate at home.  It has a boozy, woodsy start, but a sweet tart finish that leaves you wanting more.

Happy Accidents

I’ve been exploring the world of craft cocktails.  I am fascinated by the history and evolution of the cocktail from it’s infancy in Victorian times, to the wild creativity of the pre-prohibition era, to the intricate nuance and precise beauty of cocktails today.  I’m learning as I go, taste, and experiment.

It’s not a bad job, she says, smiling.

This cocktail, though, came from an accident.  I started to make my husband a Manhattan, and then realized we were out of sweet vermouth.

And also cherries.

Oops.

I should take better stock before I start mixing, but you know, life gets busy.  And these are things we typically have on hand, so it didn’t occur to me that we’d run out and I hadn’t noticed.

Hashtag mom life problems.

So I experimented a little.

And I ended up with this little drink that combines a high proof whiskey with Luxardo, a sweet smooth maraschino or cherry flavored liqueur, Angostura bitters, and a twist of orange.

And also, cherries are easy to pop in your mouth, and my husband and I can both be guilty of that at times.

The resulting cocktail was simple, yet so easy to drink.

It made a great sipper while we waited for onions to caramelize for our dinner that night.

I did a quick google search and found that this is similar to a lesser known cocktail called a Kentucky Flyer.  Mine is just slightly different, and slightly more citrusy.

I’ve made it both ways now, and honestly, I prefer my version.

My version adds a citrus twist instead of a cherry, and I think this combo, while only subtly different, is vastly different when you actually drink it.

I have to admit, I honestly prefer an ice cold gin martini to a manhattan most of the time.  But my husband is ALL ABOUT THE WHISKEY.

It’s not that I don’t like whiskey cocktails.

I am actually quite fond of whiskey in general, and whiskey cocktails as well.  I just typically prefer whiskey alone, on the rocks.  I”ll typically opt for that gin martini when I’m having an aperitif, and whiskey after dinner.

And frankly, I’m not a cheap date when it comes to whiskey or bourbon.  I like a really nuanced whiskey most of the time, which tends to be pricier.

What I’m saying is, I’ve had some really bad hangovers from Jameson in my time.

So I like to be CAREFUL with whiskey.  This is a whiskey cocktail we can both enjoy, though, thanks in part to that little bit of sweetness the Luxardo brings.  And while I like to think I have a drier palate for cocktails most of the time – meaning I don’t typically like sweeter cocktails – this is just a nice little drink.

And a quick whiskey cocktail to mix!

This Kentucky Flyer Whiskey Cocktail will make an appearance at my next dinner party.  I used my new cocktail picks to do the citrus twist, and of course my tried and true bar set.  You do want to strain this drink, so having a proper strainer is important.

If you like this drink, you may also want to check out my Blood Orange Aperitif cocktail as it has a similar flavor profile.

Do you have a favorite cocktail, or a happy cocktail or kitchen accident like this?  Let me know in the comments!

Kentucky Flyer Whiskey Cocktail

This Kentucky Flyer Whiskey Cocktail is a simple, sophisticated craft cocktail that's easy to make, has a boozy open and has a sweet, elegant finish. 

5 from 7 votes

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Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Course Cocktails

Cuisine American

Servings 1 Drink

Calories 288 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 ounces High Proof Whiskey
• 3/4 ounce Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Twist Citrus Peel I used and prefer orange, but lemon would probably work equally well. If you want a sweeter cocktail, you can use a maraschino cherry in place of the twist.

Instructions

 

• Add ice to a large shaker.
• Add whiskey and Luxardo and bitters.
• Stir for 40-50 revolutions.
• Strain into a coupe glass.
• Garnish with a twist, and serve.