The Story of the Seelbach
All the best cocktails have a long and fascinating history behind them, and the Seelbach cocktail is no exception. A delicious combination of bourbon, Cointreau, Champagne, Angostura bitters and Peychaud’s bitters, this beverage has been traced back to the age of Prohibition, when it was the signature drink of the Seelbach Hotel. Or so we have been led to believe…
Bartender Adam Seger has been credited with bringing the drink back to cocktail lists all over the world after claiming to have found an old recipe from the famous hotel in Louisville. He sold the story that a newly married couple had stayed at the hotel and came to sit at the bar one evening. They ordered a Manhattan cocktail and a glass of Champagne, but the bartender had clumsily muddled the drinks, and had to put them to one side and start the order again. Afterwards, the accidental concoction had tasted quite nice, and soon became the hotel’s most requested cocktail.
The Seelbach went on to appear in numerous cocktail compilations, including New Classic Cocktails (1997) by Gaz Regan and Mardee Haidin Regan, and Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails (2009) by Ted Haigh. These influential books went on to repeat the story of a drink created in 1912, and so cemented the credibility of the story.
While the origins of many cocktails can be difficult to prove, and many can have more than one story connected to them, the Seelbach has always been a drink where the history has never been questioned. And that is why, for the past twenty years, Seger has been able to fool the entire cocktail industry into believing a story that has been completely fabricated.
The truth is, that the Seelbach cocktail was created by Seger himself when he first started bartending and was intent on making a name for himself in the industry. He was disappointed that a hotel as prolific as the Seelbach did not have a signature cocktail on the menu. He had been able to uncover old menus from the hotel, and they did indeed date back to the early 1900s, but not one of them had provided Seger with a cocktail worthy of bearing the Seelbach name. So, he made one up and gave it an interesting back story, fully expecting that he would be challenged to provide some proof of his tall tale. However, nobody ever asked him to produce the original recipe, and so his lie became accepted as a truth. Despite leaving the hotel back in 2001, it is only now that he has confessed the real story behind the popular “classic” drink.
Few have been phased by the revelation, and the Seelbach will continue to represent the hotel for years to come. If anything, this latest twist in the cocktail story has made it all the more fascinating – who can resist a tale that combines romance and clumsiness with a little bit of trickery and luck?
Cocktail glass
<p>The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that exudes elegance and sophistication, offering a harmonious blend of red vermouth, Angostura bitters, rye whiskey, and bourbon. Served in a chic cocktail glass, this drink is a staple of refined social gatherings and upscale bar menus.</p><p>Originating from New York City in the late 19th century, the Manhattan cocktail boasts a rich history and a flavor profile that balances the sweetness of vermouth with the complexity of whiskey and the subtle spiciness of bitters. Its enduring popularity makes it an essential component of the cocktail aficionado's repertoire, perfect for those who appreciate a timeless drink with depth and character.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Manhattan
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- Begin by stirring all the ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass to chill and dilute the mix, aiming for about 10-15 seconds of stirring
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- After stirring, strain the mixture into a glass that has been previously chilled in the freezer to ensure your drink stays colder longer
Champagne glass
Microbadges
<p>The Seelbach cocktail is a sophisticated and effervescent blend dating back to the pre-Prohibition era, originating from the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. A concoction of bourbon and triple sec serves as the warm, citrusy base of the drink, while the substantial amount of Champagne adds vivacity with its sparkling crispness.</p><p>The dashes of Angostura and Peychaud's bitters impart a complex aromatic profile, adding depth with their spice and slight floral notes. The layers of flavors create an elegant balance between the sweetness, the smooth warmth of the spirits, and the sparkle of the Champagne.</p><p>Traditionally served in a Champagne glass, this cocktail is garnished with an orange peel twist to enhance its aromatic presence, making it an opulent choice for celebrations or as a sophisticated starter to an evening.</p>
Pardon the interruption
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Ingredients
Method
How to make a Seelbach
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- Add all the ingredients to a chilled champagne flute before topping up with the champagne
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- Garnish with an orange peel twist and serve
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