Curious about classic cocktails? The Ward Eight is a drink you need to know. It was invented in 1898 at Boston’s Locke-Ober restaurant, and it’s a timeless blend of rye whiskey, citrus, and grenadine. Its rich history and balanced flavors make it a staple for enthusiasts.
Its combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a refreshing experience. Modify with bourbon or add egg white for varied texture and taste. This variation shows the cocktail’s versatility.
Equipment
Creating a Ward Eight cocktail requires just a few key pieces of equipment.
First, you’ll need a cocktail shaker. This is essential for mixing the drink thoroughly. A shaker ensures the ingredients blend well and achieve the desired consistency.
Next, have a strainer on hand. This tool helps remove ice and any solid remnants after shaking.
You’ll also need a jigger. This measuring tool ensures that you get the proportions right.
Here’s a simple list of the equipment you need:
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail strainer
- Jigger
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Knife
Make sure your tools are clean and ready before you start. High-quality equipment will improve the drink’s taste and presentation.
Ingredients
To make a Ward Eight cocktail, you need a few specific ingredients. These classic ingredients contribute to the drink’s distinct flavor.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
Optional:
- 1 egg white (optional, for a frothy texture)
Garnish:
- Cherry
- Orange slice
These ingredients balance sweet and sour flavors, creating a delightful drink. Remember, fresh juice enhances the cocktail’s taste.
Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfect mix.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Ensure it’s about half full to chill the mixture effectively.
- Add ingredients to the shaker:
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon grenadine
- Shake the mixture vigorously. Shake for about 15 seconds until well-chilled and combined.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Use a Hawthorne strainer for a smooth pour.
- Garnish with a cherry. Place a maraschino or brandied cherry in the glass for the final touch.
Tasting Notes
The Ward Eight cocktail offers a unique balance. You’ll first notice its bright citrus notes.
The whiskey adds depth and warmth. Lemon and orange juices provide a tart and refreshing counterpoint.
Grenadine adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color. The combination creates a harmonious and layered profile.
You might detect cherries as a garnish. They contribute a subtle fruity note.
The overall flavor is complex yet pleasing. The citrus elements brighten the whiskey’s robust character.
Different versions might tweak ingredient ratios. This allows for slight variations in flavor.
Similar Cocktails
Ward Eight shares similarities with several classic cocktails. Each one has unique variations and subtle differences that set them apart.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a close relative. It combines whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This cocktail is simple yet timeless:
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup
Boston Sour
The Boston Sour is another variant. It’s essentially a Whiskey Sour with egg white, giving it a creamy texture:
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup
- 1 egg white
New York Sour
The New York Sour adds a layer of red wine to a Whiskey Sour. This cocktail creates a pleasing visual and taste contrast:
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 3/4 ounce lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce red wine, floated on top
The Pisco Sour, from South America, uses pisco and adds egg white and bitters:
- 2 ounces pisco
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ward Eight Variations
Some slight twists on the Ward Eight itself can also be interesting:
- Switching rye for another whiskey
- Using a splash of soda water
- Varying the proportions of lemon and orange juice
These cocktails share the sour family traits, focusing on balance between sweet and sour elements. They each offer a different taste experience while retaining a familiar base.
History
The Ward Eight cocktail has a storied past. It originated in 1898 in Boston, Massachusetts. The drink was created at the bar of the Gilded Age restaurant Locke-Ober.
Martin M. Lomasney, a powerful Democratic political boss, sought to celebrate his election victory to the General Court of Massachusetts. The restaurant’s bartender, Tom Hussion, crafted the drink to honor this win.
Another version credits Charlie Carter, another Locke-Ober bartender, for inventing the Ward Eight. Lomasney held a party at the restaurant, and Carter concocted the drink for the occasion.
Despite differing accounts, both stories center around Lomasney’s election victory. The Ward Eight is deeply connected to Boston’s political history and the Locke-Ober restaurant. The cocktail remains a charming testament to a significant historical moment.
Quick Pro Tips
To make a perfect Ward Eight cocktail, follow these tips:
Always use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemon and orange juice make a significant difference in flavor.
Choose a good quality rye whiskey. The base spirit profoundly impacts the final taste.
Shake the mixture vigorously for at least 15 seconds. Proper shaking chills the drink and blends the flavors well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Always serve a Ward Eight in a chilled glass to enhance its refreshment.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry. This adds a final touch and a bit of sweetness.
Experiment with the ratios. Depending on your preference, you might find a different balance of citrus and sweetness you prefer.
When to Serve
The Ward Eight is a versatile cocktail that fits many occasions. Its balanced flavors make it a hit at both casual and formal gatherings. You can serve it at dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or even quiet evenings at home.
For special events, this cocktail adds a touch of history and sophistication. Its origin story and classic ingredients like rye whiskey and grenadine draw interest from guests.
Weekends are also a great time for the Ward Eight. Serve it during brunch or afternoon get-togethers. Its refreshing citrus notes pair well with many foods.
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