Yard House’s Old 43 is a satisfying mix that combines Woodford Reserve Bourbon and Licor 43 for a bold and smooth flavor.
You’ll love the balance this cocktail strikes with the citrus hints from orange bitters and citrus agave.
Agave nectar, a touch of sweetness, plays off the bourbon and liqueur in such a deliciously subtle way.
A little insider secret to nailing this drink is to muddle the orange peel with agave for that extra citrus kick.
How to Make Yard House Old 43 Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 1 oz Licor 43
- 1 oz Agave
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- 1 Orange Peel
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Add ice cubes to a shaker.
Use enough to fill about halfway.
Step 2:
Pour 1 oz of Woodford Reserve Bourbon and 1 oz of Licor 43 over the ice.
Step 3:
Add 1 oz of Agave to the mix.
If you don’t have a house blend, regular works perfectly!
Step 4:
Toss in 2 dashes of orange bitters.
Gently mix the liquids with a bar spoon.
Step 5:
Muddle an orange peel at the bottom of an old-fashioned glass.
Pour the mixed ingredients into the glass over the peel.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh orange peel significantly enhances the flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
Experiment with Agave
If you want a different taste profile, try experimenting with various agave syrups to find your favorite.
Perfect the Ice
Large-format ice cubes melt slower, ensuring your drink stays cold without getting diluted too quickly.
Adjust Bitter Levels
If you love more zest, an extra dash of bitters can add a stronger citrus flavor.
What to Serve with Yard House Old 43 Drink
Cheese Board
When you sip on a Yard House Old 43, pairing it with a cheese board can be a fantastic idea.
You might want to include mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda as they smoothen the strong notes of bourbon.
Add a few slices of whole-grain bread and some nuts for an extra crunch.
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp can enhance the citrus notes of your cocktail with its subtle, smoky flavors.
If you marinate the shrimp in some olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, you’ll get a lovely zesty flavor that complements the drink.
Serve it with a side of cocktail sauce or a light dipping sauce.
Savory Popcorn
Savory popcorn can be a surprising yet delightful pairing.
Season it with rosemary and sea salt to complement the orange bitters in the Old 43.
It’s light enough not to overpower the drink but flavorful enough to enjoy with each sip.
Spicy Tacos
Spice up your snack with some spicy tacos!
The heat from the tacos pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the Licor 43 in the cocktail.
Consider using a variety of fillings like spicy chicken or black beans, topped with sliced jalapeños.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Caramelized onion dip brings out a sweet and savory flavor profile that goes well with the Old 43.
Serve it with your favorite chips or a slice of toasted bread for enjoying alongside your drink.
You’ll find that the rich flavors dance nicely with the bourbon’s warmth.
Variations and Substitutions
Feeling adventurous with your Old 43 cocktail? You’re in the right place!
Liqueur Alternatives
Try swapping out Licor 43 with vanilla liqueur. It’s a fun twist that keeps those warm, sweet notes in your drink!
Bourbon Choices
Experiment with different bourbons to find your preferred taste. Each bourbon brings its own unique flavor profile, making your drink extra special.
Citrus Swaps
If you run out of orange bitters, a splash of lemon or lime bitters can work wonders. It gives your drink a zesty kick!
Sweetness Adjustments
Replace citrus agave with honey or simple syrup to adjust the drink’s sweetness. It’s a simple way to suit your taste!
Keep an open mind and have fun with these ideas!
How to Store Leftover Old 43 Drink
When you have some leftover Old 43 drink, storing it properly helps preserve the flavor.
I always recommend using airtight containers for cocktail storage.
This prevents exposure to air, which can alter the taste.
Putting the drink in the refrigerator is another important step.
Refrigeration maintains the cool temperature needed to keep the flavors crisp and fresh.
You definitely want to avoid any drastic temperature changes.
Use of Freezer
If you plan to store your Old 43 drink for longer, consider using a freezer.
Pour it into a suitable container and freeze it.
When you want to enjoy it again, simply defrost it.
Be sure to thaw it in the fridge, not at room temperature, to maintain taste quality.
Avoid Light Exposure
Light can quickly degrade the quality of your cocktails.
Store your Old 43 in a dark, cool place or cover the container with foil.
This simple step helps in retaining the vibrant flavors.
Always use transparent yet covered storage solutions to avoid light exposure.
Airtight and Secure
When you store drinks like Old 43, the containers must be totally airtight.
Leaks lead to rapid flavor alterations.
Not to mention, your fridge might start emitting mixed aromas, which isn’t pleasant!
I often use special stoppers designed for spirits, which secures the drink completely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Mixing Technique
When making the Old 43, be careful with your mixing technique!
A common mistake is shaking when you should be stirring or vice versa.
This affects the texture and taste balance in the drink, so always follow the proper method specified in your recipe.
Overlooking the Freshness of Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor, especially with cocktails.
It’s vital to not substitute fresh juice with bottled or concentrate, as it can alter the taste significantly.
Always opt for fresh-squeezed juices to maximize flavor.
Ignoring Proper Measurements
Precision is key in crafting this drink to achieve the desired taste balance.
Eyeballing measurements can throw off the flavors, making the cocktail too sweet or too strong.
Using a jigger or measuring tool helps maintain consistency every time you make the Old 43.
Your Top Questions Answered
1. Why is my Old 43 turning out too sweet?
Too much Licor 43 or agave blend can push this drink into overly sweet territory.
I’ve noticed this happens when the citrus portion gets shortchanged.
Pull back on the agave slightly and make sure you’re using equal parts lemon and lime juice in your blend.
The acidity from the citrus cuts through the vanilla notes in the Licor 43 and keeps everything balanced.
2. What’s the secret to achieving Yard House’s smooth finish?
Yard House shakes their Old 43 vigorously with plenty of ice to create the right dilution and temperature.
I shake for at least 15 seconds until the shaker gets frosty on the outside.
This technique mellows the bourbon’s heat while integrating all the flavors.
If your drink tastes harsh or disjointed, you didn’t shake long enough or used too little ice.
3. Why does my cocktail look cloudy instead of clear?
Cloudiness comes from over-shaking or using citrus with pulp.
Strain your fresh lemon and lime juice through a fine mesh strainer before making the agave blend.
If you’ve already mixed it, double-strain through a fine mesh strainer when pouring into your glass.
This gives you that polished, professional appearance you see at Yard House.
4. Can I make the house agave blend ahead?
Absolutely! I mix up batches and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Combine equal parts fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar in a sealed container.
Shake it well before each use since the agave can settle.
Having this ready makes throwing together an Old 43 incredibly quick.
5. What if I don’t have Woodford Reserve bourbon?
You can substitute another mid-range bourbon with similar smoothness and slight sweetness.
I’ve used Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace with good results.
Avoid anything too spicy or high-proof, as it will overpower the Licor 43’s delicate vanilla notes.
The goal is balance, not a bourbon showcase.
7. Why did my orange bitters disappear in the drink?
Just one dash is enough since the other ingredients are already flavorful.
Add the bitters after shaking, not before, so you can taste and adjust.
If you can’t detect them at all, try two dashes next time.
The bitters should provide subtle depth without announcing themselves.
Yard House Old 43 Drink Recipe
- 1 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 1 oz Licor 43
- 1 oz Agave
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- 1 Orange Peel
- Add ice cubes to a shaker.
- Use enough to fill about halfway.
- Pour 1 oz of Woodford Reserve Bourbon and 1 oz of Licor 43 over the ice.
- Add 1 oz of Agave to the mix.
- If you don’t have a house blend, regular works perfectly!
- Toss in 2 dashes of orange bitters.
- Gently mix the liquids with a bar spoon.
- Muddle an orange peel at the bottom of an old-fashioned glass.
- Pour the mixed ingredients into the glass over the peel.
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