Man o’ War

by · May 6, 2023

The MAN O’ WAR is a delicious bourbon cocktail associated with horse racing. Though it’s largely overshadowed by the bourbon Mint Julep, once it’s tried for the first time the Man o’ War becomes a cocktail repeater. It’s a good drink for every home bartender to know how to make. It’s named after the great racehorse from the early 20th century, widely regarded as the greatest racehorse of all time. This well-known mix from Allen Katz, co-founder of NY Distilling Co., is Kentucky-bourbon-based and sweetened with orange liqueur and sweet vermouth, with fresh lemon juice added.

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz. Cointreau or orange curacao
  • 1/2 sweet vermouth
  • 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 lemon twist garnish
  • brandied cherry

Combine liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and brandied cherry.

Comments: If using dry orange curacao like the Pierre Ferrand instead of Cointreau, add 1/2 teaspoon of simple syrup to sweeten. It’s always recommended to squeeze fresh lemon juice for this and use a good sweet vermouth (Noilly Prat or Dolin recommended). Though you can experiment with Japanese whiskey or rye, the Man o’War is usually Kentucky-bourbon based as mentioned.

History: The racehorse Man o’ War won 20 of 21 races between 1919-20, just after WWI. Man o’ War’s most successful sons at stud were War Admiral and War Relic, many whose male lines survive today. Another of his offspring, Hard Tack, sired Seabiscuit. Man o’ War was entered into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1957, about the year that the drink was created. It’s not clear who actually created the drink honoring the great racehorse, but the bourbon base is believed to be a nod to the Kentucky Derby and its cousin, the Mint Julep.

Similar Cocktails:

Gold Rush (a.k.a. Chapel Hill) – https://keetscocktails.com/gold-rush-cocktail-a-k-a-chapel-hill-3/

Manhattan – https://keetscocktails.com/manhattan-classic/

Mint Julep – https://keetscocktails.com/mint-julep-3/

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