BFGCocktail recipe
Rating
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
The BFG cocktail, a creation by Adam Elmegirab, emerged victorious in the 2010 Drambuie UK Cocktail Competition, drawing inspiration from classic recipes like the Rusty Nail and the Sweet Fancy Rob Roy. Named as a tribute to the early "B.I.F." cocktail from the British Industries Fair, the BFG blends 15ml of whiskey with 45ml of Drambuie, 30ml of red vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters to create a harmonious fusion of flavors.
This sophisticated mix offers the rich, malty depth of whiskey complemented by the sweet, herbal complexity of Drambuie and the smooth, aromatic notes of red vermouth. The addition of Angostura bitters adds a subtle spice, enhancing the cocktail’s layered profile.
Whether enjoyed in a historic bar setting or a modern lounge, the BFG stands out as a testament to timeless craftsmanship and innovative mixology, delivering a taste experience that honors its storied past while embracing contemporary flair.
Microbadges
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Cocktail Colin says:
The BFG is a masterclass in balance and complexity, with the smokey depth of whiskey mingling beautifully with the honeyed spice of Drambuie. The addition of red vermouth brings a sweet vermouthiness that rounds out the drink, while the infrequent dash of Angostura or Boker's bitters introduces a subtle aromatic backbone that elevates the entire concoction.
Method
How to make a BFG
- Whiskey 15ml, Drambuie 45ml, Red vermouth 30ml, Angostura Bitters Dash
-
- Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
-
- Stir for 10-15 secs and strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Power tips
Elevate the BFG with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Use a high-quality single malt whiskey to add depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Chill your mixing glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing the cocktail to enhance the coldness and give a better mouthfeel.
- Upgrade to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
Your private tasting notes
Featured in
FAQ's
What is the origin of the name BFG for this cocktail?
The name "BFG" for this cocktail pays homage to the early combination of whisky and Drambuie found in historical recipes. Adam Elmegirab, who introduced the BFG, acknowledged the influence of earlier drinks like the 1937 "Johnnie of Skye" and the 1966 "Braemer Cocktail," which featured similar ingredients in varying proportions. By naming his creation BFG, Elmegirab referenced the "B.I.F." cocktail from the British Industries Fair in Birmingham, highlighting the longstanding tradition of blending these spirits. Elmegirab developed the BFG specifically for the 2010 Drambuie UK Cocktail Competition, where it won acclaim. He designed the drink with the competition’s lead judge, Simon Difford, in mind, particularly considering Difford’s search for the ideal whisky to complement a Rusty Nail. The choice of Laphroaig 10-year-old whisky played a crucial role in defining the BFG’s unique flavor profile, effectively bridging classic cocktail elements with modern mixology techniques. This thoughtful creation not only honored its historical roots but also showcased Elmegirab’s innovative approach to cocktail crafting.
How should I garnish a BFG cocktail?
The BFG cocktail, with its mixture of whiskey, Drambuie, Angostura bitters, and red vermouth, lends itself well to garnishes that complement its rich and bitter profile. An orange twist or a cherry would be suitable, adding a touch of sweetness or citrus to balance the drink's flavors. Always consider the main ingredients' flavor profiles when choosing a garnish to enhance the cocktail's overall experience.
Can I use any type of whiskey for the BFG cocktail?
Yes, you can use any type of whiskey for the BFG cocktail, but the choice of whiskey can significantly influence the drink's flavor profile. A smoother, lighter whiskey like Irish whiskey can make the cocktail more approachable, while a robust Scotch whisky or a bourbon with richer flavors can add depth and complexity. Experimenting with different whiskeys allows you to customize the cocktail to your taste preferences.
What makes a cocktail glass the preferred choice for serving the BFG?
A cocktail glass is preferred for serving the BFG for several reasons. The shape of the glass, typically a stemmed glass with a wide bowl that narrows at the bottom, is designed to showcase the cocktail's appearance, concentrate its aromas for a more intense olfactory experience, and maintain its temperature. The elegance of the cocktail glass also complements the sophisticated blend of ingredients in the BFG, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Is the BFG cocktail suitable for those new to whiskey drinks?
The BFG cocktail, with its blend of whiskey, Drambuie, Angostura bitters, and red vermouth, offers a unique combination of flavors that might be more appreciated by those with some experience with whiskey drinks. However, its relatively moderate alcohol content and the smoothing effect of Drambuie's honeyed sweetness make it an approachable option for those new to whiskey cocktails willing to explore more complex flavors.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Experience this perfect Scotch and soda balance.
Scotch Whisky Highball
Whiskey, Soda water
Experience this elegant blend of whiskey and sherry.
Rapscallion
Whiskey (Single malt Scotch), Aniseed liqueur (Pastis. To rinse the glass), Sherry (Dry) (Preferable Pedro Ximénez sherry)
Discover this harmonious mix of whiskey and water.
Mizuwari
Whiskey, Water
Dive into this herbaceous whiskey and mint blend.
Shamrock
Whiskey, Green Chartreuse, Creme De Menthe, White vermouth
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Cocktail Colin
Your cocktail expert
Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin
Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin
Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.
Become a member
Comments