Pour Decisions Wednesday – St. Elmo’s Cola Cocktail & Bourbon Review
St. Elmo’s Cola
Pour Decisions Wednesday – St. Elmo’s Cola Cocktail & Bourbon Review
Welcome back to another round of Pour Decisions Wednesday! Usually, Heather and B are swirling neat pours of bourbon, but this week, Heather decides it’s time to change things up. Instead of a barrel-proof monster or a single-barrel gem, she’s bringing something with over 100 years of history — the Elmo’s Cola cocktail from the iconic St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A Steakhouse With a Legacy
If you’ve spent any time in Indy, you’ve heard of St. Elmo’s. Established in 1902, it’s more than just a steakhouse; it’s an institution. The dark wood, classic décor, and turn-of-the-century saloon atmosphere haven’t changed much in over a century. St. Elmo’s is also world-famous for its shrimp cocktail, a dish with enough horseradish heat to clear your sinuses and bring tears to your eyes. But in addition to serving iconic meals, they’ve also put their name on a house bourbon — a bottle meant to pair perfectly with their menu, as well as one legendary cocktail: the Elmo’s Cola.
The Bourbon
Like many restaurant-branded bourbons, St. Elmo’s Bourbon is sourced, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth pouring. Heather and B start with it neat, exploring the flavor profile on its own before turning it into a cocktail. Expect the kind of pour that balances caramel sweetness, light oak, and gentle spice — approachable enough to sip neat but built to shine in mixed drinks.
The Cocktail – Elmo’s Cola
The Elmo’s Cola recipe couldn’t be simpler, and that’s part of the magic:
2 oz St. Elmo’s Bourbon
Cola (fill the rest of your rocks glass)
Garnish with two cherries
Serve over ice and enjoy
It’s a drink that feels old-fashioned in the best way — no complicated syrups, no five-step muddling process, just bourbon, cola, and cherries. Sometimes, the classics stick around for a reason.
The Taste Test
Heather and B give the neat pour its due first, talking through the caramel and spice notes. Then it’s on to the cocktails, where the cola adds sweetness, the bourbon brings depth, and the cherries finish it off with just enough brightness. B might be skeptical of cocktails at first, but after one sip of the Elmo’s Cola, he admits it’s got staying power. Heather, meanwhile, wishes they’d flown in St. Elmo’s shrimp cocktail to complete the experience.
Why It Works
The beauty of the Elmo’s Cola is that it’s approachable to anyone. Bourbon beginners can enjoy the balance without being overwhelmed, while seasoned drinkers can appreciate the simplicity and history. And when paired with steakhouse fare (or even just a quiet night at home), it makes perfect sense.
Final Thoughts
At Tortured Bourbon, Pour Decisions Wednesday is all about having fun with the bourbon world, whether that means hunting down rare bottles or mixing up century-old cocktails. This week, St. Elmo’s gave us both: a pour neat and a cocktail that proves simple doesn’t mean boring.
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