Restaurants/Blu Livingston/The American Poet Recipe

The American Poet Recipe

Make The American Poet Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Inspired by Blu Livingston
Time8m
Serves1
Jump to Recipe
Last updated Jul 25, 2026

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Ingredients

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Method

Cocktail Base

  1. 1

    Measure and combine

    In a mixing glass, pour 2 oz bourbon, 0.5 oz apple brandy (or Calvados), 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 0.25 oz pure maple syrup.

  2. 2

    Add bitters

    Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters to the mixing glass.

  3. 3

    Ice and stir

    Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes until nearly full. Stir briskly but smoothly for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full rotations) until the mixture is well-chilled, slightly diluted, and slightly viscous on the spoon.

Finish & Serve

  1. 4

    Strain

    Using a julep or Hawthorne strainer, double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass (or an Old Fashioned glass if preferred) to remove small ice shards.

  2. 5

    Garnish

    Express the oils of a fresh lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist skin-side down above the drink and giving it a firm squeeze. Run the twist around the rim, then drop it into the glass as garnish.

  3. 6

    Serve

    Present immediately while cold. Advise the drinker this is a spirit-forward, balanced cocktail with warm vanilla and apple notes complemented by citrus and bitters.

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