Forum

Caspian Berggren’s Avatar Caspian Berggren
15th December 2024 at 17:49
Difford's recipe is certainly delicious but a bit sweet. I'm surprised at how much the falernum shone through the bourbon and elderflower. Now I'm really curious about the original recipe. It feels like it's going to be more balanced in some ways, less balanced in others.
Peter McCarthy’s Avatar Peter McCarthy
8th October 2024 at 22:26
This was really tasty and well-balanced; everything combined to create something new as a whole.
Tried with 45 ml 50/50 blend of Wild Turkey 101 & 81 bourbon, 15 ml St-Germain, 10 ml lime juice, 5 ml Velvet Falernum, 7.5 ml Monin Pure Cane sugar syrup, 24 drops Peychaud's, 10 ml water, & lime zest twist. Shook for 12 seconds and served on the rocks. I'm curious to try the original recipe, to compare, as well as Difford's preference of adding 5 ml of bottled-in-bond rye (once I acquire some).
Shannon Brown’s Avatar Shannon Brown
28th September 2024 at 20:13
After reading the reviews, I thought I’d try the original Ninth Ward. The only change I made was to serve it on the rocks (after shaking with ice). It’s a lovely well-balanced cocktail. Almost too sweet, but the lime juice counters it nicely. I’ll be making it again.
Calvin Grant’s Avatar Calvin Grant
18th July 2024 at 03:47
Used a high rye bourbon 99 proof plus an extra 5ml of the same. Long shake, served on ice. Excellent.
Daniel Jones’ Avatar Daniel Jones
13th May 2024 at 06:00
After reading Difford's recipe & Brother Cleve's, I chose some ratios for this cocktail based on my tinkering with other drinks where I liked the ingredients but knew it was going to be too sweet for me. I used 1.5 Elijah Craig Bourbon .25 Rittenhouse rye .5 St. Germain Elderflower liqueur .5 John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum .5 Lime juice & 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters served up in a coupe. I'll reduce the Falernum to 1/3oz next time. The suggestion of Rye by Simon made this one to make again.
Kate Evans’ Avatar Kate Evans
9th September 2022 at 17:34
Tried this on the rocks - it’s good, but definitely needs to be iced or very well chilled, otherwise it would be too sweet.
Jill Ghosh’s Avatar Jill Ghosh
19th May 2022 at 12:34
We enjoyed this cocktail! A bit sweet for me. Next time I will leave out the simple. But overall, well balanced and tasty. I think this would be a good introduction drink for someone not sure about bourbon.
John Hinojos’ Avatar John Hinojos
23rd March 2022 at 00:35
Very good cocktail. Well balanced and just the right amount of sweetness. Does like a long shake and a cold glass. Bourbon comes through nicely.
Gordon Woodward-Clark’s Avatar Gordon Woodward-Clark
22nd March 2022 at 19:47
What a delicious cocktail! However, I’d agree that it would go well on the rocks.
4th March 2022 at 20:29
This is a great cocktail! Especially for fat Tuesday
25th January 2022 at 23:12
Like the elderberry add! made it with the rye addition and that Lil spice adds depth IMO
Andrew Gelb’s Avatar Andrew Gelb
19th August 2021 at 20:10
A very interesting, delicious drink. Played around a bit with the proportions, based on comments below and reviewing other online recipes, including “-Brother Cleve’s” version (although he uses Falernum syrup and not Velvet Falernum), and settled after a mini-tasting on yours, but for upping the St. Germain to .5 ounces. Now, I believe it’s perfectly balanced to my wife’s and my taste. I think it helps to use a slightly more rye-forward and less sweet bourbon in the mix. Thanks again Simon!
Simon Difford’s Avatar Simon Difford
29th August 2021 at 19:14
Making this and thinking of folk in New Orleans now being hit by what sounds like Katrina’s big bad 16 years younger brother.
Simon Difford’s Avatar Simon Difford
29th August 2021 at 19:11
Agreed re rye and I've amended my comment accordingly. Rather than elderflower, I've also upped the sugar syrup a smidgen. Dilution also appears critical, hence I prefer on-the-rocks.
Mariusz Twardowski’s Avatar Mariusz Twardowski
4th October 2020 at 16:17
Tom cat gin substitutes for the bourbon quite nicely in this cocktail.
Mariusz Twardowski’s Avatar Mariusz Twardowski
28th April 2021 at 19:10
Yes, Barr Hill Tom Cat is what I use. I also lower the lime juice to 1/2oz and increase the Falernum up to 3/4 or 1oz. I would make that modification with bourbon or tom cat as the recipe as written is too acidic for my taste.
28th April 2021 at 02:23
Barr Hill Tom Cat?
Nick Manning’s Avatar Nick Manning
25th September 2020 at 00:01
I think I got the balance of Lime juice wrong on this one. Or maybe not enough Falernum. Question: can I substitute Falernum syrup for the liqueur and get similar result?
Simon Difford’s Avatar Simon Difford
13th November 2020 at 19:05
Hi Nick. What brand of Falernum are you using?
Tuber Magnatum’s Avatar Tuber Magnatum
29th October 2020 at 22:16
I followed the recipe exactly other than I used Falernum syrup as no Falernum liqueur. I found the balance just about right.