Bubo Bubo
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 24% ABV ∙
The Bubo Bubo is a stirred, spirit-forward cocktail of rye whiskey, Cynar, amaro, and honey syrup, served up in a coupe. Bittersweet and dense, with dried-fruit amaro depth, a bracing artichoke bitterness from the Cynar, and a honeyed finish that softens the rye's heat.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Rye whiskey 45 mlCynar 15 mlAmaro 15 mlHoney syrup 10 ml
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
Tips
- Stir all four ingredients with plenty of large cubes for 25-30 seconds; this rye-heavy build needs full dilution to soften Cynar's bitterness and the amaro's sweetness.
- Warm the honey syrup slightly or ensure it's fully dissolved before adding so it blends smoothly with the spirits instead of pooling at the bottom of the mixing glass.
- Chill the coupe in the freezer beforehand since this is a spirit-forward stirred drink served up with no ice to keep it cold.
- Strain slowly into the coupe to leave any ice shards behind, keeping the 45/15/15/10 ratio balanced without extra melt diluting it further.
History
The Bubo Bubo cocktail was created at Le Hibou, the rooftop bar of the Bank Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden, where it appeared on the bar's signature cocktail list alongside other original creations. It takes its name from Bubo bubo, the scientific (Latin) name of the Eurasian eagle owl, fitting for a bar called Le Hibou (French for "the owl"). Despite its largely Italian ingredient lineup, the drink is documented as a Swedish original rather than an Italian one. No individual bartender or exact creation year is recorded in available accounts of the drink.
FAQ
What is Bubo Bubo made of?
Rye whiskey, Cynar, an amaro such as Montenegro, and honey syrup, stirred and strained into a coupe. The rye leads, with the two bittersweet amari and a touch of honey rounding out the finish.
Is Bubo Bubo shaken or stirred?
Stirred. All four ingredients are spirits or syrup with no citrus or juice, so stirring chills and dilutes it without the cloudiness a shake would add.
What glass is Bubo Bubo served in?
A coupe glass, served up with no ice, so the drink stays at its stirred dilution throughout.
What does bubo bubo mean?
Bubo bubo is the scientific (binomial) name of the Eurasian eagle-owl, one of the largest owl species in the world. It is not a reference within the drink's own ingredient list; the cocktail borrows the name rather than any component from it.
What is the common name for Bubo bubo?
Its common name is the Eurasian eagle-owl, a large nocturnal bird of prey found across much of Europe and Asia.
