Lion's Tail
A Prohibition-era bourbon sour with allspice dram, offering warm Caribbean spice in a whiskey format.
- 2 ozbourbon
- ½ ozallspice dram
- ½ ozfresh lime juice
- ½ ozsimple syrup
- 1 dashangostura bitters
- Lemon twistgarnish
- 1Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
- 2Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds.
- 3Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- 4Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in.
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The Lion's Tail first appeared in the 1937 "Café Royal Cocktail Book" compiled by William J. Tarling. Despite its vintage origins, the drink remained obscure until the craft cocktail revival rediscovered its pleasures. The cocktail is essentially a bourbon sour enhanced with allspice dram, the Jamaican pimento liqueur that adds warm Caribbean spice notes. The combination is surprisingly harmonious—bourbon's vanilla and caramel notes complement allspice's cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg qualities. The Lion's Tail has become a bartender favorite for showcasing allspice dram and demonstrating how a single ingredient can transform a familiar template.
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