Have you ever sipped a whiskey drink that’s bright, tangy, and downright classy? If not, you’re in for a treat with the scofflaw cocktail. Originally born during the Prohibition era, it packs just enough punch to make you sit up, take notice, and still enjoy every balanced sip. In this guide, you’ll discover how to craft a scofflaw cocktail at home—no fancy bar tools required.
What is a Scofflaw Cocktail?
At its core, the scofflaw is a whiskey-based mixed drink featuring lemon juice, dry vermouth, grenadine (a sweet, pomegranate-based syrup), and a dash of bitters. Its name nods to the folks who openly defied (or scoffed at) Prohibition laws back in the day. Today, it’s an easy-to-make cocktail that offers a taste of history along with a smooth blend of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of rye whiskey (bourbon works in a pinch)
- 1 ounce of dry vermouth
- ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce of grenadine
- 2 dashes of orange bitters (or Angostura bitters if that’s what you have)
- Ice cubes, for shaking
Directions
- Chill your glass
Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to get it nice and cold. - Combine ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, lemon juice, grenadine, and bitters. Then toss in a handful of ice cubes. - Shake it up
Give everything a solid shake for about 10–15 seconds, until the outside of your shaker feels cold. - Strain and serve
Take your chilled glass out of the freezer, strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, and enjoy. For an optional garnish, drop in a thin lemon peel or orange twist.
Nutrition facts
While exact numbers depend on your ingredient brands, you can expect roughly:
- Calories: 160–180 per serving
- Carbohydrates: About 8–10 grams
- Sugar: Mainly from the grenadine (check your label’s sugar content)
Keep in mind that portion control matters. Enjoy it responsibly if you’re counting calories or watching your sugar intake.
Final thoughts
The scofflaw cocktail isn’t just another whiskey drink. It’s a lively nod to a boundary-pushing era that somehow still tastes timeless. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself at home, this recipe hits that sweet spot between tangy and smooth. So go on, grab your shaker, and try it out—you might just find your new favorite drink.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of whiskey?
Yes. Although rye is the traditional choice, you can use bourbon or even a blended whiskey if that’s what you have on hand. - Do I really need lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is what balances the sweetness of grenadine. Without it, the cocktail might feel too sugary. So it’s worth using the real stuff. - Can I make a batch for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by however many servings you plan to serve, then stir everything together in a pitcher with ice. Make sure to strain out the ice before pouring. - What if I don’t have bitters?
Bitters add a subtle layer of complexity. If you’re missing them, you can skip them in a pinch, but your scofflaw might taste a bit sweeter than usual.
Now that you know the basics, why not shake one up tonight? It’s a fun way to toast to a little cocktail history. Cheers!
