Scofflaw

Easing into autumn ...

Here's an absolutely lovely concoction that's just about ideal for the fall. It will cool you if it's warm outside, and warm you up if it's chilly.

Like a number of other classic cocktails based on rye whisky (the Manhattan most popular among them), the Scofflaw has a been around for quite a while. Legend has it that it was invented in Paris during Prohibition and named for the “scofflaws” who drank illegally in American speakeasies.

That may or may not be true, but what is true is this: a Scofflaw is one delicious cocktail! And it's such a lovely color, that you'll almost – but not quite – hate to drink it.

Scofflaw

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 1 oz dry vermouth
  • .5 oz fresh lemon juice
  • .5 oz grenadine*
  • 2 dashes orange bitters

Shake with ice until it's freezing cold and serve straight up in a cocktail glass.

* A word about Grenadine.

Grenadine is a syrup made from pomegranites, and it is a very important flavoring ingredient in this and other cocktails. Do NOT buy the Rose's brand "grenadine" you'll find at the gorcery store next to Rose's Lime Juice. This stuff is little more than sugar water with red food coloring. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods both stock genuine grenadine and it is more than worth the trip to get it!