Bourbon Crusta: The Revival of a Classic Cocktail

Laura Kuhn
May 28
2 min read

The Revival of a Classic Cocktail

Left Bank bourbon

Cointreau

Maraschino liqueur

lemon juice

orange bitters

orange peel garnish

sugar rim

Before the Old Fashioned, before the Sidecar, there was the Crusta—a 19th-century gem born in New Orleans that laid the groundwork for modern cocktail culture. Elegant, citrusy, and balanced with bitters and sweetness, the Crusta was a showstopper in its day. At Left Bank, we’ve brought it back with a bold Southern twist: the Bourbon Crusta—a revival of history, reimagined with our signature Left Bank Bourbon.

The Left Bank Bourbon Crusta

This cocktail is part history lesson, part liquid luxury. It's aromatic, complex, and visually striking—especially with its signature sugar-crusted rim and dramatic citrus twist. Here's how we craft this forgotten classic with a new Bourbon soul:

Left Bank Bourbon – The base spirit that adds warmth, depth, and richness. Smooth with a hint of spice, it replaces the original brandy or cognac for a Southern update.
Cointreau – A bright orange liqueur that brings sweetness and citrus complexity.
Maraschino Liqueur – Lightly nutty and floral, it adds old-world charm and a subtle cherry note.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Sharp and fresh, it keeps the cocktail crisp and vibrant.
Orange Bitters – Just a dash to tie everything together with spice and balance.
Orange Peel Garnish – Coiled extravagantly and perched on the rim, it adds visual flair and a citrusy aroma.
Sugar Rim – A nod to the drink’s original name and legacy. The sugared edge adds texture and a touch of sweetness to every sip.

A Cocktail with Heritage

Invented in the 1850s by New Orleans bartender Joseph Santini, the Crusta was the first drink to feature citrus juice and a sugared rim—both major innovations at the time. It was the blueprint for the Sidecar, the Margarita, and countless other classics.

At Left Bank, we honor that legacy while giving it a new voice with bourbon—bold, smooth, and distinctly American.

Why You’ll Love It

The Bourbon Crusta is for drinkers who appreciate the past but crave something fresh. It’s a cocktail with structure, flavor, and style. The sugar rim gives each sip a sweet start, followed by citrus brightness, herbal warmth, and a long, satisfying finish.

Perfect For:

Classic cocktail lovers
Bourbon fans looking for something new
Anyone who appreciates a little ceremony with their drink

History never tasted so good. Pour some Left Bank and experience the Bourbon Crusta—a drink that revives the golden age of cocktails with Southern swagger and timeless charm.