Just like last week’s Dark n’ Bubbly, we’re back with another recipe from the fantastic Death & Co bar book. I probably could fill up this column with recipes from that book (but I promise to mix it up again next week with another classic cocktail to round out our month of champagne drinks). This one is Live Free or Die, a sparkling bourbon drink with a lot of snap to it. – Andrew

Illustration by Shauna Lynn for Oh So Beautiful Paper

Live Free or Die

1 1/2 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Cherry Liqueur
1/2 Port
1 dash Absinthe
Champagne

Shake all the ingredients, except for the champagne, with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with the champagne. Garnish with an orange twist and enjoy!

Between the cherry liqueur and the port – the original calls for ruby, but I quite like a white port here – could make for a pretty syrupy drink, even with the dash of absinthe. But throw in that champagne, with its dry acidity, and the drink is transformed: crisp, effervescent, but with a solid base of oaky bourbon.

A real treat for anyone who loves darker whiskey drinks and thinks champagne isn’t for them – this combines the best of both.

p.s. The original recipe calls specifically for Rothman & Winter cherry liqueur, and we’d agree. Imported by Haus Alpenz, it’s one of our favorites and my go-to cherry liqueur.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, where we’ve been posting lots of our experiments before they reach our Friday Happy Hour column!

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper