Cock N’ Bull Special Cocktail recipe
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Cock N’ Bull Special sits firmly in the spirit-forward, after-dinner corner of cocktail culture, reading like a confident twist on the old-school “improved” whiskey drink: base spirits bolstered by a herbal liqueur and sharpened with bitters. There isn’t a widely agreed, famous origin story attached to this name, but the build feels rooted in mid-century lounge sensibilities—rich brown spirits, a touch of orange, and a monastic herbal accent designed for slow sipping.
You’ll find Cognac and bourbon sharing the spotlight, with the bourbon’s warmth and the Cognac’s rounded fruitiness creating a layered backbone. DOM Bénédictine brings a deep, honeyed herbal sweetness that expands across the palate, while the orange liqueur lifts the mid-notes with bright citrus sweetness. A dash of aromatic bitters tightens everything up, adding spice and keeping the finish from tipping too sweet.
Serve it in a whisky glass when you want something contemplative and luxurious—ideal after dinner, alongside conversation, or as a nightcap. It suits you if you like Manhattan- or Old Fashioned-style drinks but want extra herbal depth and a softer, brandy-led richness.
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Whisky glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Cognac and bourbon lead with warm oak and dried-fruit richness, while DOM Benedictine brings a thick honeyed-herbal sweetness and orange liqueur adds bright citrus lift, all tightened by a dash of aromatic bitters. It works because the bitters and orange keep the Benedictine from feeling cloying and the two base spirits deepen each other; ideal for after-dinner sippers who like bold, sweet-leaning, spirit-forward drinks.
Method
How to make a Cock N’ Bull Special
- Cognac 15ml, Bourbon 22.5ml, Orange liqueur 7.5ml, DOM Benedictine 22.5ml, Aromatic bitters Dash
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- In a lowball glass with one large ice cube, add all the ingredients before stirring to mix and cool
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- Garnish with an orange twist and serve
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FAQ's
What is the ideal glassware for serving a Cock N’ Bull Special?
The ideal glassware for serving a Cock N’ Bull Special is a whisky glass, as it complements the rich and complex blend of flavors from the cognac, bourbon, and other ingredients, allowing for an optimum tasting experience.
How should the ingredients of a Cock N’ Bull Special be combined?
The ingredients of a Cock N’ Bull Special should be combined by stirring, not shaking. This method helps to preserve the clarity and texture of the cocktail, maintaining the sophisticated balance between the cognac, bourbon, and liqueurs.
How does the alcohol content of a Cock N’ Bull Special compare to that of a standard cocktail?
With an alcohol content of 37.1%, the Cock N’ Bull Special is significantly stronger than the average cocktail, which typically ranges from 10% to 20% alcohol by volume. It’s a potent choice best enjoyed slowly.
Can you substitute the bourbon in a Cock N’ Bull Special with another type of whiskey?
Yes, you can substitute the bourbon in a Cock N’ Bull Special with another type of whiskey, such as rye or Scotch, to experiment with flavors. However, this will alter the cocktail's original taste profile, introducing different characteristics unique to the whiskey used.
What are some ways to customize a Cock N’ Bull Special?
To customize a Cock N’ Bull Special, consider adjusting the proportions of the main spirits for personal taste preference, adding a splash of soda water for a lighter version, or experimenting with different types of bitters to introduce new flavor nuances to the cocktail.
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