The 1897

March 3rd, 2022, marks the 125th Anniversary of the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897. As a category, Bottled-In-Bond is one of our favorites. The standards for quality enacted within that law are the highest in the spirits world, so we always know that Bottled-In-Bond is something we can count on. 

It's no secret that Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond is one of our favorites from the category. We've previously dubbed it The Value Bourbon MVP. At 4 years old, 100 proof, and with an SRP of less than $20, it's tough to beat. That's why we chose to partner with Evan Williams to celebrate Bottled-In-Bond Day this year. 

Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond presents classic notes of rich caramel and vanilla along with hints of citrus and pepper on the palate. We thought that the herbal, fruity notes in Earl Gray tea would compliment the bourbon perfectly, allowing the quality and the proof to shine through in this cocktail. We decided to infuse the tea into the simple syrup and add Angostura bitters to give the drink additional layers and body. As you would with tea, we finished this cocktail off with lemon to highlight the citrus pop in the bourbon. 

The 1897
Makes 1 drink

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz. Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond
• 1/2 oz. Earl Gray infused simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Lemon peel/twist for garnish 

Instructions

1 Add the whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass

2 Add ice and stir to chill. Strain into a rocks glass with ice

3 Garnish with a lemon peel or twist

Earl Gray Infused Simple Syrup 

• 1 bag of Earl Gray tea
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1 Add the sugar and water to a pot and put on medium-high heat

2 Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar, until the water comes to a boil

3 Remove from heat and add the tea bag. Steep for 10 minutes

4 Remove the tea bag and allow to cool. Store in a sealed container for up to one week

Did you make this recipe? Let us know! 

Tag @whiskeyambitions and @itsbourbonnight on Instagram, or comment below and let us know how you liked it! 


Sara Ahlgrim 
Co-founder of It's Bourbon Night & Whiskey Ambitions