Lion’s Tail Cocktail
Discover the Lion’s Tail, a Prohibition-era bourbon cocktail perfect for fall. This balanced, easy-to-make drink combines bourbon, Allspice Dram, fresh lime juice, aromatic bitters, and simple syrup for rich, warm spice flavors. Born in 1937 in London, it remains a charming cocktail that’s delightfully smooth and sophisticated.
The Lion’s Tail Cocktail is one of my favorite drinks to make in the fall. It’s so easy to make, and the rich and warm spices, herbs, and bourbon flavors make one delicious drink. This cocktail can be enjoyed as a punch as well by simply adjusting the measurement to accommodate your party size.
What I think you’ll enjoy about this cocktail is obviously the flavor but also how well-balanced the flavors are. The ingredients are strong enough to withstand dilution while maintaining a smooth sip. It is believed that this cocktail was born during Prohibition, and it features bourbon, Allspice Dram, Angostura Aromatic bitters, fresh lime juice, and a touch of simple syrup. Years later, it is still charming cocktail enthusiasts from bar to bar, and now you can make it home.
The History of the Lion’s Tail
The Lion’s Tail first appeared in “The Café Royal Cocktail Book,” published in 1937. It’s likely the drink was created by an American bartender living in London due to prohibition. The drink’s name refers to the saying “twisting the lion’s tail,” which is an American slang phrase that describes provoking the British, whose royal coat of arms features a lion.
What is Allspice Dram?
Allspice Dram is a traditional Jamaican liqueur critical to tropical drinks and cuisine. It’s a rum base liqueur with warm notes of clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. It’s known for its use in rum punches and is popular in many bourbon drinks such as this Lion’s Tail. It adds a sweet, warming spice to stirred and mixed drinks. You can find Allspice Dram at your local liquor store.
Lion’s Tail Ingredients
Simple Syrup. You can easily make your syrup by using equal part sugar and hot water. Stir the hot water and sugar until combined, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Lime juice. As always, when making cocktails, always use fresh citrus juice to avoid unnecessary ingredients being introduced into your cocktail.
Angostura Aromatic bitters. The bitters act as the salt and pepper of the cocktail and add layers of flavor and complexity to the drink. The aromatic bitters add notes of herbs, fruits, and spices.
Allspice Dram. St. Elizabeth’s Allspice Dram is my go-to, but there are others that you use, and can even DIY it if that’s your thing.
Bourbon. Any bourbon will work great here.
How to Make the Best Lion’s Tail Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Strainer
Ingredients
- ¼ oz simple syrup adjust for sweetness
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 2 Dashes Angostura Aromatic bitters
- ½ oz Allspice dram
- 2 oz Bourbon
- Ice
- Orange peel garnish
Instructions
- Add the simple syrup, lime juice, bitters, allspice dram, bourbon, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake until chilled.
- Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- Use the orange peel to express orange oil onto the cocktail. Discard the peel.
