The John Wayne is a very interesting drink in that it doesn’t really embody the the essence of rugged or western. Instead the drink has a more bitter citrus aroma and more southern presentation. If anything it as a bit of a sandy color thanks to the hues of the ingredients. The drink calls for Angostura Bitters, so to compliment the drink I chose the orange bitters version. The cocktail starts out with a pleasant bitter citrus (standard aromatics might give a slightly different flavor) and ends with a full bourbon flavor. It’s a good slow sipper drink, but I do feel it might be more well rounded with a little extra OJ.

Alcohol Rating: 6-7/10
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
Make it Again? Yes, but try some variations.

The John Wayne

2 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Amaretto
2-3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
1/4 oz Orange Juice
Orange Slice

Shake and strain ingredients into a chilled cocktail glass. Float an orange slice on top.