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Ward Eight Cocktail Drink

Ward Eight Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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.