Ward Eight Cocktail Recipe
Known to have been created as far back as 1898, the Ward Eight cocktail originated in Boston, Massachusetts, at the bar of the iconic Gilded Age restaurant Locke-Ober. It is thought to have been created in order to celebrate the election of political czar Martin M. Lomasney from the city’s Ward Eight. However, the history of the drink is not quite as straightforward – many other myths surround the cocktail, with some suggesting that it was created in New York, in an area that was known for its political corruption.
Either way, the enigmatic drink is steeped in politics and history, and made of a delightful combination of rye whiskey, grenadine, and lemon and orange juice, which blunt the sharp edge of the whiskey. Easily prepared in 5 or less minutes, the Ward Eight is an enchanting and deceptively powerful drink that makes for a great experience.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 1 person
Utensils: Cocktail shaker, strainer, Collins glass, stirring rod
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces rye whiskey
– 3/4 ounce lemon juice
– 3/4 ounce orange juice
– 1 teaspoon grenadine
– Ice cubes
– Club soda/seltzer
Instructions
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1
Start preparing the drink by placing your Collins glass in the refrigerator. It is essential to serve the drink in a thoroughly chilled bar glass, in order to maximize its taste and make it more visually appealing.
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2
While the glass is cooling in the refrigerator, you can start preparing the Ward Eight cocktail. Begin by filling around a quarter of your cocktail shaker with ice cubes, and then pour in the ingredients for the cocktail. Start by adding in the whiskey, and then follow it up with the lemon and orange juice, and the grenadine.
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3
Once all the ingredients are in, screw on the lid of the cocktail shaker tightly. Then, proceed to grasp it firmly, and shake it vigorously, until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, and the cocktail is well-blended.
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4
Now, remove the chilled Collins glass from the refrigerator, and hold a strainer over it. Pour the blended drink into the glass, and drop in two to three ice cubes. Finally, top the cocktail with club soda or seltzer, stick a stirring rod in the glass, and serve chilled.
