Clara Bow

A bourbon cocktail with elderflower, grenadine, lemon, and mint, created by NYC bartender and bar owner Lynette Marrero. Named after Clara Bow, the original 'It Girl' of the 1920s silent film era.

smart_display Published 2026-04-23 download Extracted 2026-04-27

5m Prep

5m Total

1 Servings

cocktail whiskey bourbon sour elderflower mint grenadine shaken american classic

Ingredients

22 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
15 ml grenadine
15 ml St-Germain elderflower liqueur
45 ml bourbon whiskey (100-proof recommended)
9 leaves fresh mint leaves (lightly pressed)
1 leaf mint leaf (for garnish) optional

Steps

1

Add 8-10 mint leaves to the shaker and lightly press (do not muddle hard) to release aromatics without bruising.

Tip: Add mint first, before the liquids, so you can lightly press them without them floating on top.

~1 min
2

Add lemon juice, grenadine, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and bourbon to the shaker.

Tip: The combination of grenadine and elderflower with bourbon barrel notes makes this a banger every time.

~1 min
3

Fill with ice and shake well until chilled.

Tip: Don't be shy with the ice.

~1 min
4

Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass and garnish with a fresh mint leaf.

Tip: A Nick and Nora glass works beautifully here if you have one chilled and ready.

~1 min

Nutrition (per serving)

200

Calories

18g

Carbs

Cultural Context

The Clara Bow was created by Lynette Marrero, a New York City bartender, bar owner, and consultant known for her work in the cocktail world, including collaborating with JLo on bottled low-ABV cocktail spritzes. The cocktail is named after Clara Bow, the original 'It Girl' — a silent film star of the 1920s known for her flapper roles and influence on women's fashion. She starred in the 1927 smash hit 'It', which coined the popular term 'It Girl'. Taylor Swift also has a song named after her on The Tortured Poets Department album.