Bow and arrow

Bow & Arrow

(0 ratings)

A modern classic cocktail that expertly blends smoky mezcal with bourbon, balanced by tropical pineapple and bright lime juice.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Coupe Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (155ml)
  • Bourbon Whiskey 
    30 ml
  • Mezcal 
    30 ml
  • Pineapple Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1) 
    15 ml
  • Pineapple frond 
    1 leaf

Instructions

Step

Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water.

Step

Add 30 ml bourbon, 30 ml mezcal, 22.5 ml fresh pineapple juice, 22.5 ml fresh lime juice, and 15 ml simple sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker.

Step

Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds until well chilled.

Step

Empty the chilled coupe glass and fine strain the mixture into the glass using both Hawthorne and fine mesh strainers.

Step

Garnish with a pineapple frond or wedge for a tropical touch, or express a lemon peel over the surface.

Equipment

Shaker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger
Hawthorne Strainer

Description

Created by Scott Teague at Dutch Kills in New York in 2015, the Bow & Arrow represents the best of modern mixology with its split-base approach combining two distinct spirits. This cocktail has become a favorite for its unique flavor profile that marries the smoky depth of mezcal with the warmth of bourbon, creating a complex yet approachable drink that showcases the harmony between agave and grain spirits.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (155ml)
Calories
185
ABV
23.2 %
Alcohol
18.5 g
Carbs
12.5 g
Carbs from Sugar
11.8 g
Fat
0.1 g
Protein
0.3 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use precise measurements with a jigger marked in milliliters for consistency - the balance between smoky mezcal and warm bourbon is crucial to the cocktail's success.

  • Always use fresh-pressed pineapple juice and freshly squeezed lime juice, as bottled versions lack the bright acidity and natural sweetness needed for proper balance.

  • Shake hard and double strain through a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, silky texture free from pulp and ice shards that could compromise the drinking experience.

  • For a spiced variation, substitute cinnamon syrup for simple syrup - the warming spice pairs beautifully with both the mezcal's smoke and bourbon's vanilla notes.

  • Choose a mezcal with pronounced smoky character like Del Maguey Barril, as the smoke needs to stand up to the bourbon and fruit juices without being overwhelmed.

While mezcal’s distinctive smoky character is essential to the Bow & Arrow’s identity, you could substitute with a peated Scotch whisky for a different but interesting smoky profile. However, this would create a different cocktail entirely, as the agave notes are integral to the original recipe’s balance.

The best method is to juice fresh pineapple using a juicer or blend pineapple chunks and strain through a fine mesh. Fresh pineapple juice should be used within 24 hours for optimal flavor and acidity. Avoid canned juice as it lacks the bright, natural acidity needed for proper balance.

Start with the standard 15ml of syrup and adjust to taste. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce to 10ml, or increase to 20ml for a sweeter profile. Remember that pineapple juice also contributes natural sweetness, so taste your pineapple juice first and adjust accordingly.

Popular variations include adding muddled jalapeño for heat, fresh basil leaves for herbaceous notes, or a splash of grapefruit juice for extra citrus brightness. You can also rim the glass with smoked salt or use cinnamon syrup instead of simple syrup for warming spice notes.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Bourbon Whiskey
    30 ml
  • Mezcal
    30 ml
  • Pineapple Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Lime Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1)
    15 ml
  • Pineapple frond
    1 leaf

Method

  1. Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water.
  2. Add 30 ml bourbon, 30 ml mezcal, 22.5 ml fresh pineapple juice, 22.5 ml fresh lime juice, and 15 ml simple sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Empty the chilled coupe glass and fine strain the mixture into the glass using both Hawthorne and fine mesh strainers.
  5. Garnish with a pineapple frond or wedge for a tropical touch, or express a lemon peel over the surface.