Ordinary Drink
Grizzly Bear
The Grizzly Bear is a bold and adventurous cocktail that combines rich flavors of bourbon and sweet vermouth, enhanced with a touch of orange bitters. Served over ice and garnished with a twist of orange peel, this drink offers a warm, comforting sip that's perfect for cozy evenings. Its robust character and smooth finish make it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
- smoky
- herbal
- citrusy
- spicy
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Collins Glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
At its core, the Grizzly Bear is a classic ordinary drink that takes about 5 minutes to make. The result is smoky and herbal — worth every second. Consistently one of the most popular camping searches, and for good reason.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Collins Glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 1 partAmaretto
- 1 partJägermeister
- 1 partKahlua
- 2 1/2 partsMilk
Method
Preparation
- 01
Served over ice. Sounds nasty, but tastes great.
Origin
History & Origins
The Grizzly Bear is a bold American cocktail inspired by the Wild West and mountain frontier spirit. This robust drink celebrates the rugged character of the American wilderness, combining strong spirits and wild flavors that evoke camping under starlit skies and the untamed beauty of North America's natural landscape.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Choose a bold bourbon or rye whiskey for foundation
From Willow
balance intensity with proper sweetness
use fresh ingredients only
serve in a rocks glass with large ice cubes
garnish with something substantial like a cinnamon stick
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Grizzly's Rest
A smoky version with smoked whiskey and charred wood elements
Mountain Grizzly
A high-altitude variation with warming spices
Honey Grizzly
A milder honey-sweetened rendition for approachable boldness
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Grizzly Bear has a flavor profile that is smoky, herbal, citrusy, spicy. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Grizzly Bear is ideal for winter gatherings, cozy nights in, holiday celebrations. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Grizzly Bear. If you cannot source Amaretto, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Grizzly Bear variations include Grizzly's Rest, Mountain Grizzly, Honey Grizzly. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Grizzly Bear is traditionally served in a Collins Glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Collins Glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Grizzly Bear is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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