The Buster Brown is a fantastic pre-prohibition cocktail that is as flavorful as it is refreshing, though the sweetness from the simple syrup can easily become rather cloying after the first one. If you’re going to be serving it at a cocktail party consider doing it towards the end of the night.
The large amount of whiskey means that the whiskey will dominate the initial smell of the cocktail (if you use a good one) with the lemon and orange playing backup vocals. I made a second one using a regular American Blended Whiskey and the lemon and orange completely took over, so choose your whiskey wisely.
When it comes to flavor again the whiskey you choose will be the star if you choose one with a robust flavor profile. I used Kopper Kettle Virginia Whiskey when making this one and the whiskey really came through, but it’s inherent apple flavor seemed to clash a bit with the lemon and orange bitters. However the American Blended let the lemon and orange move up the chain which I liked a lot more and I can see why it’s what the original recipe asked for.
Either way you make it, it’s a smooth and relaxing cocktail. If you give it a try let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
15 second Buster Brown cocktail walkthrough
Buster Brown Cocktail Recipe
1 jigger American Whiskey
1 tsp simple syrup
1 dash lemon juice
2 dashes orange bitters
stir with ice and strain