Happy Tiger Recipe

Measure spirits

Add 2 oz bourbon and 0.25 oz overproof rum to a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. The small amount of overproof rum adds warmth and a hint of exotic character — do not substitute with a full ounce unless you want a much stronger, boozy drink.

Add citrus and syrups

Pour 0.75 oz fresh lime juice and 0.5 oz fresh orange juice into the shaker. Add 0.5 oz orgeat and 0.25 oz simple syrup. These balance the spirit-forward base with bright acidity and almond sweetness.

If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, increase simple syrup to 0.5 oz; for a drier, more tart profile, reduce to 0.125–0.2 oz.

Add bitters

Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters and 1 dash orange bitters to the shaker. Bitters deepen the aromatics and bridge the citrus and nutty flavors.

Shake with ice

Fill the shaker with ice (enough to chill well). Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and well chilled. This both dilutes and integrates the orgeat and citrus.

Prepare serving glass

Fill a rocks glass or double old‑fashioned glass with crushed ice or large clear cubes, depending on preference.

Strain

Double-strain (use a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer) the cocktail into the prepared glass over the ice to remove small ice shards and any pulp from the juices.

Garnish

Express an orange twist over the drink to release oils, wipe the rim with the twist, then drop it into the glass. Slap the mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and tuck it into the glass as an additional garnish.

Serve immediately while chilled. Sip to appreciate the interplay of bourbon depth, rum warmth, bright citrus, and almond-orchard sweetness.