The Seelbach Cocktail is a sparkling bourbon drink from the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. It combines bourbon, Cointreau, two kinds of bitters and Champagne.
It is festive, dry and easy to make.
- Whisky: Bourbon
- Glass: Champagne flute
- Method: Built
- Time: 5 minutes
- Makes: 1 serving
Seelbach Cocktail Ingredients
For one drink, you will need:
- 1 oz (30 ml) bourbon
- ½ oz (15 ml) Cointreau
- 7 dashes Angostura bitters
- 7 dashes Peychaud's bitters
- 4–5 oz (120–150 ml) chilled Champagne or sparkling wine
- Orange twist, to garnish
How to Make a Seelbach Cocktail
- Add the bourbon, Cointreau and both bitters to a chilled champagne flute.
- Top slowly with cold Champagne.
- Stir gently once.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
What Does Seelbach Cocktail Taste Like?
Dry and bubbly, with orange, spice and bourbon warmth.
Tips for a Better Seelbach Cocktail
- Use a dry sparkling wine. Brut is best.
- Chill the glass.
- Use the full 14 dashes of bitters. That is the signature.
Seelbach Cocktail Variations
- Rye Seelbach: Use rye for a drier drink.
- Prosecco: Use prosecco instead of Champagne.
- Extra orange: Add an orange slice.
Best Whiskey for a Seelbach Cocktail
A bourbon with spice, like Four Roses Small Batch.
Seelbach Cocktail FAQ
Why 7 dashes of each bitters?
That is the traditional recipe from the Seelbach Hotel.
Can I use prosecco?
Yes. It is a good, cheaper option.
Is it a brunch drink?
It works as an aperitif or brunch drink.
More Whisky Recipes
Try Mint Julep · Brown Derby · Gold Rush, or browse all whisky recipes. Learn more in our Bourbon style guide.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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