Blinker Cocktail Drink

Blinker

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Searching for a new favorite drink? The Blinker Cocktail recipe is your answer! With its prime ingredients and simple make, this cocktail will be the star of your evening.

Blinker Cocktail Recipe

Combining rye whiskey, invigorating grapefruit juice, and a hint of raspberry sweetness, it's the perfect cocktail for something unique and delightful.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

205 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 1 oz grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz raspberry syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Grapefruit twist or slice, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer and fine-strainer
  • Cocktail Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Place your cocktail glass in the freezer to chill or stir some ice cubes in it.
  • Add Raspberry Syrup: Add ½ oz raspberry syrup to the shaker.
  • Add Grapefruit Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz grapefruit juice into the shaker.
  • Add Whiskey: Pour 2 oz Rye Whiskey into the shaker.
  • Shake Well: Vigorously shake the ingredients together with ice cubes.
  • Strain: Fine-Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass.
  • Garnish: Decorate with a grapefruit twist or slice.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rye Whiskey: Bourbon is a sweet and smoother substitute when I don't have rye on hand. Another option could be Canadian whisky, which might give a lighter profile.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice or a mix of orange and lemon juice can replace grapefruit juice, but the cocktail will lose some of its characteristic bitterness.
  • Raspberry Syrup: In a pinch, I've used grenadine. It's sweeter and slightly different, but it complements the cocktail well and it is actually the traditional ingredient.

Making a Pitcher of Blinker:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. You'd need 16 oz of rye whiskey, 8 oz of grapefruit juice, and 4 oz of raspberry syrup.
  • Mix: Combine the whiskey, grapefruit juice, and raspberry syrup in a large pitcher with ice. Stir thoroughly.
  • Serve: Pour into individual chilled glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic whiskey or a simple syrup infused with flavors of caramel and a hint of spice to replicate some of the whiskey's notes.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the rye whiskey, and follow the original steps for a refreshing non-alcoholic Blinker.

Making it Vegan:

Ensure that the raspberry syrup you're using doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. Some commercial syrups might use non-vegan sweeteners or colorings. It's best to read the label or make homemade raspberry syrup to ensure it's vegan.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
205
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.03
g
0
%
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
16
g
5
%
Fiber
 
0.03
g
0
%
Sugar
 
16
g
18
%
Potassium
 
53
mg
2
%
Protein
 
0.2
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
2
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
3
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Blinker Cocktail Drink

Blinker Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Combining rye whiskey, invigorating grapefruit juice, and a hint of raspberry sweetness, it's the perfect cocktail for something unique and delightful.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 205

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 1 oz grapefruit juice
  • ½ oz raspberry syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Grapefruit twist or slice - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer and fine-strainer
  • Cocktail Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Place your cocktail glass in the freezer to chill or stir some ice cubes in it.
  • Add Raspberry Syrup: Add ½ oz raspberry syrup to the shaker.
  • Add Grapefruit Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz grapefruit juice into the shaker.
  • Add Whiskey: Pour 2 oz Rye Whiskey into the shaker.
  • Shake Well: Vigorously shake the ingredients together with ice cubes.
  • Strain: Fine-Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass.
  • Garnish: Decorate with a grapefruit twist or slice.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rye Whiskey: Bourbon is a sweet and smoother substitute when I don't have rye on hand. Another option could be Canadian whisky, which might give a lighter profile.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice or a mix of orange and lemon juice can replace grapefruit juice, but the cocktail will lose some of its characteristic bitterness.
  • Raspberry Syrup: In a pinch, I've used grenadine. It's sweeter and slightly different, but it complements the cocktail well and it is actually the traditional ingredient.

Making a Pitcher of Blinker:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. You'd need 16 oz of rye whiskey, 8 oz of grapefruit juice, and 4 oz of raspberry syrup.
  • Mix: Combine the whiskey, grapefruit juice, and raspberry syrup in a large pitcher with ice. Stir thoroughly.
  • Serve: Pour into individual chilled glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic whiskey or a simple syrup infused with flavors of caramel and a hint of spice to replicate some of the whiskey's notes.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the rye whiskey, and follow the original steps for a refreshing non-alcoholic Blinker.

Making it Vegan:

Ensure that the raspberry syrup you're using doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products. Some commercial syrups might use non-vegan sweeteners or colorings. It's best to read the label or make homemade raspberry syrup to ensure it's vegan.

What is a Blinker Cocktail?

Blinker Cocktail blends rye whiskey, grapefruit juice, and raspberry syrup. Historians trace its origins to the early 20th century, marking it as a drink from the Prohibition era. The name “Blinker” remains a mystery, with several theories but no definitive answer. Despite its historical roots, it remains a favorite among modern drinkers. This classic Blinker recipe stands out in its simplicity yet delivers a refreshing and complex taste.

A close shot of a Blinker cocktail in a cocktail glass on a dark table with a red cloth, raspberries, sugar cubes, and two grapefruit around.

What is a Blinker Cocktail made of – The ingredients

The ingredients for a Blinker Cocktail are as follows:

  • Rye Whiskey: The base spirit that provides a robust and spicy foundation to the cocktail.
  • Grapefruit Juice: Adds a citrusy tartness, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients.
  • Raspberry Syrup: Imparts a fruity sweetness, complementing the sharpness of the whiskey and grapefruit.

Rye Whiskey, Raspberry Syrup and grapefruit laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Blinker Cocktail?

Our accessible guide shows you how to easily make a Blinker Cocktail:

1
<p>Begin by placing a cocktail glass in the freezer or by icing it up with ice ensuring it will be cold when needed.</p>

Begin by placing a cocktail glass in the freezer or by icing it up with ice ensuring it will be cold when needed.

2
<p>Add raspberry syrup, bringing in a sweet and fruity dimension.</p>

Add raspberry syrup, bringing in a sweet and fruity dimension.

3
<p>Incorporate grapefruit juice into the shaker, introducing a citrusy zest.</p>

Incorporate grapefruit juice into the shaker, introducing a citrusy zest.

4
<p>Pour rye whiskey into the shaker, setting the stage for the drink’s bold character.</p>

Pour rye whiskey into the shaker, setting the stage for the drink’s bold character.

5
<p>Add ice cubes to the shaker.</p>

Add ice cubes to the shaker.

6
<p>Shake the mixture vigorously, combining the ingredients thoroughly.</p>

Shake the mixture vigorously, combining the ingredients thoroughly.

7
<p>Remove the ice cubes from the chilled glass.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from the chilled glass.

8
<p>Fine strain the concoction into the glass, capturing the essence of the cocktail without any ice shards.</p>

Fine strain the concoction into the glass, capturing the essence of the cocktail without any ice shards.

9
<p>If desired, garnish the cocktail with a grapefruit twist or slice.</p>

If desired, garnish the cocktail with a grapefruit twist or slice.

10
<p>Enjoy your Blinker cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Blinker cocktail!

History and Origin of the Blinker Cocktail

The Blinker Cocktail traces its roots back to the Prohibition era of the early 20th century. Many believe that the cocktail originated during this time when rye whiskey experienced popularity. The name “Blinker” remains somewhat of an enigma, with its origins not entirely clear, and the cocktail’s history doesn’t provide a definitive answer on how the name came about.

A Blinker cocktail, shot from above, in a cocktail glass on a grey coaster placed on a dark table with a red cloth, raspberries, sugar cubes, and two grapefruit around.

Patrick Gavin Duffy first documented the recipe in his 1934 bartending guide. The original recipe called for grenadine instead of raspberry syrup. Over the years, the cocktail saw various adaptations, with raspberry syrup becoming popular for its vibrant color and fruity sweetness.

Although the Blinker Cocktail faded in popularity after the Prohibition era, the revival of classic cocktails in the 21st century brought it back into the limelight. Bartenders and mixology enthusiasts rediscovered and embraced its unique flavor profile, cementing its place in modern cocktail menus.

A Blinker cocktail, shot from above, on a white marmol table with a Rye Whiskey bottle, two grapefruits and some sugar cubes and raspberries on a small plate.

 

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FAQ

How many calories are typically in a Blinker Cocktail?
A standard Blinker Cocktail usually contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the measurements and brands used.
What is the strength of the Blinker Cocktail?
Generally, its strength largely depends on the rye whiskey used. Typically, it can range from 15% to 25% ABV (30 to 50 proof).
What alcohol forms the base of the Blinker Cocktail?
Rye whiskey serves as the primary alcoholic ingredient in the Blinker Cocktail.
In which type of glass should a Blinker Cocktail be served?
Traditionally, it's served in a cocktail or coupe glass.
What does a Blinker Cocktail taste like?
The Blinker Cocktail boasts a harmonious blend of citrusy tartness from the grapefruit, a spicy kick from the rye whiskey, and a sweet undertone from the raspberry syrup.
What's the typical ingredient ratio in a Blinker Cocktail?
Commonly, it follows a ratio of 2 parts rye whiskey, 1 part grapefruit juice, and a dash of raspberry syrup, but this can vary based on personal preferences.
How is the Blinker Cocktail served regarding its texture?
It's often shaken with ice and then strained into a glass, resulting in a chilled drink without ice in the final serving.

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