One could only imagine what it would have been like to live during the Prohibition era in the US when bootleg liquor and speakeasies rose to prominence yet that dark period has been responsible for the creation of some of the best cocktails that have stood the test of time and the fickleness of fashion.
The Scofflaw cocktail harks back to Prohibition when drinking was deemed illicit yet it didn’t stop the imbibing of alcohol and the world of the underground bar was born. The Boston Herald newspaper offered $200 to the person who made up a brand-new word to describe for someone who ignored the law and drank liquor that was illegally made or sold. The word “scofflaw” was born.
Very soon after, the Scofflaw cocktail was created at Harry’s Bar in Paris and later appeared in The Savoy Cocktail Book. Canadian whiskey was used at the time due to the unavailability of US rye whiskey. Rye is mixed with dry vermouth, fresh lemon juice, grenadine and orange bitters which adds a subtle citrus note. Always use freshly-squeezed citrus and real grenadine made from pomegranate. Or learn how to make grenadine here.
Like many drinks of the era, it’s simple to make. Add the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and double strain.
The Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 60 ml rye whiskey
- 30 ml dry vermouth
- 15 ml fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml grenadine
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
Glassware: cocktail glass
Garnish: orange twist
Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker full of ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.