clara bow

1 1/2 oz Bourbon (Four Roses)
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz St. Germain (St. Elder)
1/2 oz Grenadine
5-6 leaf Mint

Shake with ice, strain into a cocktail coupe, and garnish with a mint leaf.

Two Mondays ago, I decided to make the Clara Bow by Lynnette Marrero at New York City's Rye House circa 2009. I had spotted the drink mentioned elsewhere and tracked down a reliable recipe on SeriousEats; the combination reminded me of a mix between a Ward 8 (especially some older recipes that included crème de menthe or mint leaves) and Brother Cleve's Ninth Ward. The drink was named after Clara Gordon Bow who was an American actress that began in the silent film era and continued on into the "talkies" movies. Clara epitomized the Roaring Twenties and Flapper culture to the point that she was dubbed "The It Girl." Like other Flapper-tribute drinks like the Flapper Jane, this one is elegant and pink in hue.
The Clara Bow began with a mint, floral, and Bourbon aroma. Next, lemon and berry notes mingled on the sip, and the swallow offered Bourbon, pomegranate, elderflower, and mint flavors to make for a delightful Whiskey Sour of sorts.