Bourbon. Aperol. Grapefruit. Sparkling wine. A sprig of rosemary on top. Stir it all in a punch bowl and the party practically hosts itself.
The Clooney comes from Four Branches Bourbon, and it is named for Rosemary Clooney, the actress behind Betty Haynes in White Christmas. It is sunny, bittersweet and bubbly, with a coral glow that looks lovely beside a Christmas tree. Think of it as a new holiday tradition for anyone who likes their bourbon with a little sparkle.
Meet Four Branches Bourbon
Four Branches Bourbon was founded by four veterans, one from each of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The idea began with a single “honor barrel” to remember Greg Wright Jr., a Marine and CIA contract officer who gave his life trying to save others. It grew into a bourbon company built on service, friendship and a shared mission.
Their message is simple and memorable: Sip to Remember. Rather than drinking to forget, the founders encourage people to raise a glass to the friends, family and moments that matter. A portion of proceeds from special releases supports veteran and first responder nonprofits.
The whiskey itself is a four-grain bourbon, made with corn, barley, rye and wheat, and developed with master distillers over four years. The brand is also introducing Founders Reserve, which gives bourbon fans a timely new bottle to look for.
Why these flavors work together
Aperol brings bright bitter orange and a gentle sweetness. Grapefruit doubles down on the citrus and adds a little pleasant bite. Bourbon rounds it out with vanilla and caramel, and the sparkling wine and club soda keep everything light and lively.
With bourbon in a supporting role, the punch stays easy to sip over a long evening of carols and conversation. The rosemary adds a pine-like aroma that smells like December before you take the first sip.
How to serve it
Use a big punch bowl or a glass drink dispenser, plenty of ice, and rosemary sprigs with wheels of grapefruit floating on top. Serve in rocks glasses or punch cups. It suits a holiday open house, a cozy movie night with White Christmas on the screen.
More bourbon and punch to sip
If The Clooney puts you in the mood for more holiday pours, here are some companions from my shelf:
- Stir up the Daddy Rack Tennessee Whiskey Rack House Punch for another crowd-pleaser.
- Ladle out the Four Pillars Gin Wassail Punch for a warming, spiced bowl.
- Keep the bubbles coming with the Cocchi Panettone Spritz.
- Warm up with the Bulleit Bourbon Kentucky Meadow Hot Toddy.
- Try the Sugar Plum Old Fashioned for a cozy bourbon nightcap.
- Browse more easy bourbon cocktails for your own home bar.
Why Lush Life loves it
A Hollywood songbird, a bowl of coral-colored punch and a bourbon with a story worth telling. The Clooney is a toast to the people we celebrate with and the people we remember. I will take mine with extra rosemary.
Here is the recipe
The Clooney
Ingredients
- 6 ounces Four Branches Bourbon
- 12 ounces Aperol
- 4 ounces simple syrup
- 4 ounces grapefruit juice
- 12 ounces sparkling wine
- 12 ounces club soda
- Rosemary + grapefruit to garnish
Instructions
- Add everything to a pitcher or punch bowl, stir and serve over ice.