How to Make the Desert Bloom | Old Grand-Dad 114 Cocktail

The "Desert Bloom" | Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon Cocktail Review & Tutorial Ready to transition your bourbon palate into springtime? Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca is crafting the Desert Bloom, a vibrant and "not your average" sour that perfectly balances the high-proof punch of Old Grand-Dad 114 with the subtle, melon-like sweetness of prickly pear. This isn’t just another whiskey sour. We’re using a "secret weapon"—celery bitters—to add a unique vegetable note that pulls the high-rye spice of the bourbon and the zing of fresh lemon together. Whether you’re looking for a "cooling" summer sipper or a bold way to enjoy a classic high-proof Kentucky bourbon, the Desert Bloom is a must-try. In this video, we cover: The unique flavor profile of Prickly Pear syrup (melon meets bubblegum!). [00:09] Why Old Grand-Dad 114 is the perfect high-rye foundation for this build. [01:06] The "secret weapon": How Celery Bitters adds unexpected depth. [00:47] The "Mint Slap": A pro-tip for opening up those springtime aromas. [01:52] Desert Bloom Recipe: 2 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon 3/4 oz Prickly Pear Syrup 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 1 Bar Spoon Demerara Syrup 2 Dashes Celery Bitters 2 oz Club Soda (to top) Garnish: Fresh Mint Sprig Connect With Us & Support The Journey! 🥃 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/YourBourbonJourney 🔔 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram: @yourbourbonjourney Video Chapters: 0:00 - Desert Bloom: Not Your Average Sour 0:21 - The Acidic Snap: Lemon & Syrups 0:47 - The Secret Weapon: Celery Bitters 1:00 - The Foundation: Old Grand-Dad 114 1:18 - Mixing & Straining 1:37 - Adding the Sparkle 1:52 - The Pro Garnish: The Mint Slap 2:17 - Tasting Notes: Zest, Spice, & Melon #Bourbon #WhiskeyCocktail #OldGrandDad114 #DesertBloom #CocktailRecipe #BourbonJourney #PricklyPear #WhiskeyTasting #SpringCocktails #BourbonCommunity #HomeBartender #HighRye #DrinkResponsibly #WhiskeyReview #YourBourbonJourney