Pink Bourbon Cocktail That Tastes Nothing Like It Looks

Episode 64: The Desert Bloom | Neon Pink Highball! The garden has finally woken up! 🌸 Today on Your Bourbon Journey, Rebecca kicks off our April "Vibrant Spring" series with a cocktail that looks like a neon dream but hits like a heavyweight. Meet The Desert Bloom. We’re trading forest floor flavors for high-desert botanicals, using a stunning Prickly Pear Syrup to create a "Neon Heart" in the glass. But don't let the pink hue fool you—this isn't a "sugar bomb." By using Old Grand-Dad 114, we provide a spicy, high-proof anchor that stands up to the citrus and sweetness. The real magic trick? Celery Bitters. This savory "garden snap" cuts through the candy notes, grounding the drink in a sophisticated, botanical reality. If you're looking for a refreshing yet bold highball to celebrate the return of spring, this is your new go-to. In this video, Rebecca breaks down: * The "Neon Heart": Working with Prickly Pear Syrup. * Why OGD 114 is the perfect high-rye foundation for tall drinks. * The "Secret Weapon": How celery bitters transform a fruit-forward cocktail. * The "Mineral Effervescence" of club soda as a flavor conductor. Recipe: The Desert Bloom * 2 oz Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon * .75 oz Prickly Pear Syrup * .50 oz Fresh Lemon Juice * 1 bar spoon Demerara Syrup * 2 dashes Fee Brothers Celery Bitters * 2 oz Club Soda * Garnish: Fresh Mint Sprig (Don't forget to slap it!) 🛒 Featured Cocktail Ingredients & Tools As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out the links below! BARE BARREL Insulated Cocktail Shaker Set: https://amzn.to/4bTmQn7 A Bar Above Premium Bell Jigger: https://amzn.to/40Uy3Pe BARsics PVC Bar Service Mat: https://amzn.to/4bAeeCV Prickly Pear Syrup for Cocktails: https://amzn.to/4vcgLuQ Demerara Syrup: https://amzn.to/48dRsxQ Fee Brothers Celery Bitters: https://amzn.to/42fD0lI ### **Connect With Us & Support The Journey!** 🥃 **Become a Patron & Get Exclusive Content:** https://www.patreon.com/cw/YourBourbonJourney 🌐 **Visit Our Website:** https://yourbourbonjourney.com/ 🔔 **SUBSCRIBE HERE:** https://www.youtube.com/@YourBourbonJourney?sub_confirmation=1 📸 **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/yourbourbonjourney/ 👍 **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/YourBourbonJourney 🎥VIDEO CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Welcome to April: The Garden Wakes Up 0:38 - The Visual: Prickly Pear "Neon Heart" 1:09 - Brightness: Fresh Lemon 1:38 - Depth: Demerara Syrup 2:03 - The Secret Weapon: Celery Bitters 2:37 - The Foundation: Old Grand-Dad 114 3:15 - The Shake & Build 3:50 - The Lift: Club Soda & Carbonation 4:03 - Garnish: Slapping the Mint 4:20 - Nosing: Bright Springtime 4:51 - Tasting: A Beautiful Contradiction 5:21 - Finish: A Savory Light Hug 5:38 - Next Week: The Spice Trader’s Bitter 🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨 NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly. #Bourbon #WhiskeyCocktail #YourBourbonJourney #OldGrandDad114 #Mixology #SpringCocktails #PricklyPear #ThirstyThursday #BourbonCommunity #HomeBartender #CocktailRecipe #DrinkResponsibly #BourbonLife #WhiskeyTasting #HighProof