Last week I had a request to post this recipe. I featured it at one of our events a few years ago and it was a huge hit. The Bufala Negra is delicious as it is visually appealing. I like the Food & Wine recipe over others so I took most of the information from their recipe. All of the ingredients are easily sourced.
SHOPPING LIST: Makes 1 serving (as shown in the pic above)
- 4 basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
- You can buy it or make your own in 5 minutes (Ratio of 1 part water to 1 part sugar)
- Ice (preferably large cube)
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 1 1/2 ounces chilled ginger ale
STEP 1: Muddle three basil leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and the bourbon and shake well. Strain the drink into an ice-filled rocks glass, stir in the ginger ale and garnish with the remaining basil leaf.
This drink is famously served at The Oakroom in Louisville, Kentucky where Al Capone used to play poker on a regular basis. The moniker given is “Bufala Negra” since the bartenders at The Oakroom use a Buffalo Trace whiskey. “Negra” most likely refers to the darker appearance of the finished cocktail.
I would recommend W.L. Weller (90 proof- aged at least 4 years), Old Weller (107 proof & aged 7 years) or standard Buffalo Trace whiskey. All are affordable and the wheat used in the mash bill to make the Weller line which stands out in the drink. Old Weller would be my top preference; allows you to stay on a budget without cutting your daily ration. Old Weller is my standard “House Bourbon”; delicious in a cocktail, rocks or neat.
Speakeasy 