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 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute 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.
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.