Keep things simple with our Ward Eight recipe! It's the perfect blend of whiskey, citrus juices, and grenadine to add a refreshing twist to your sunny afternoons.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
167
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz orange juice
- 1 tsp grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherry and an orange slice - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Shaker
- Strainer and fine-strainer
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep glass: Stir some ice cubes into your cocktail glass to chill it.
- Add Grenadine: Add 1 tsp grenadine to the shaker to bring a sweet depth.
- Add Juices: Measure and add ½ oz lemon juice and ½ oz orange juice to the mixture.
- Add Whiskey: Pour 2 oz Rye Whiskey into the shaker.
- Prep Shaker: Fill your shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Shake Well: Seal your shaker and give it a vigorous shake until the exterior frosts up.
- Strain: Fine strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass with no ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice on the rim or in the drink.
Notes
Substitutes:
From my experience, here's how you can tweak the Ward Eight:- Rye Whiskey: If rye's spiciness isn't your preference, bourbon makes a sweeter, smoother substitute. I've even gone with Scotch for a smokier take.
- Grenadine: Real pomegranate juice plus a bit of sugar can replace store-bought grenadine, and I love how it freshens up the taste.
- Lemon/Orange Juice: Bottled citrus juices work in a fix, but fresh is better for a zesty punch.
Making a Pitcher of Ward Eight:
- Scale: For 8 servings, you'd use 16 oz of whiskey, 4 oz each of lemon and orange juice, and 8 tsp of grenadine.
- Mix: In a pitcher, combine all the ingredients over a good amount of ice. Stir them well until mixed and chilled.
- Serve: Strain the mix into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish each with a cherry and an orange slice, then serve them up!
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whiskey Substitute: Swap out the rye whiskey for a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative, or use an amber-colored tea for the body and a touch of bitter complexity.
- Proceed As Usual: Replace the whiskey with your chosen substitute and follow the standard recipe steps for a mocktail version of the Ward Eight.
Making it Vegan:
- Grenadine: Ensure the grenadine is vegan; some brands use animal products. Alternatively, mix pomegranate juice with a vegan sweetener to taste.
- Maraschino Cherry: Some maraschino cherries use non-vegan dyes, so look for a brand that doesn't, or opt for a fresh cherry or another vegan-friendly garnish.
What is a Ward Eight Cocktail?
A Ward Eight cocktail mixes rye whiskey with citrus juice and a hint of grenadine sweetness. The drink hails from Boston, specifically from the pre-Prohibition era, carrying a rich history almost as satisfying as its taste. Its name pays homage to a historic political district in the city, making it a beverage with a story to tell.
What is in a Ward Eight Cocktail – The ingredients
To prepare your Ward Eight Cocktail, collect these ingredients:
- Rye Whiskey: Provides the robust, spicy base that characterizes the drink.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy zest, balancing the whiskey’s warmth.
- Orange Juice: A sweet citrus note rounds out the flavor profile.
- Grenadine: Infuses a hint of pomegranate sweetness and gives the drink its signature color.
