The Long Shot: A Tropical Bourbon Cocktail

Name: The Long Shot: A Tropical Bourbon Cocktail
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American

Recipe: Andrea Leibrandt , Mister Mao , New Orleans

Photo: Randy Schmidt

June 25, 2025

According to Andrea Leibrandt, beverage director of New Orleans’ Mister Mao, this bourbon cocktail draws its inspiration from the Mai Tai and Mint Julep. “It manages to be full flavored and round while still maintaining a light, refreshing weight,” says Leibrandt. “The banana infusion provides tropical notes that really tie it all together.”

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. banana-infused bourbon
3/4 oz. banana liqueur
1/2 oz. orgeat
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz. Fernet Branca

Tools:shaker, strainer
Glass:Collins
Garnish:mint bouquet

Preparation

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a glass and fill with pebble ice. Garnish.
Banana-Infused BourbonChop 1 ripe banana and add it to 500ml of bourbon and let infuse overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, blend the banana and bourbon on high for 30 seconds, then strain through a fine mesh sieve, discard the leftover banana pulp, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.