Uncover the Rich History of the Ward Eight Cocktail

Originating from Boston the Us, this cocktail is a fine concotion of whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice and grenadine. Some bars would replace the greandine with real fruit juice, or even offer their own home-made pomengranade juice. A simple trick to this popular cocktail is to add a dash of vodka, which enhances the punch and it's shelf life if bottled.

The Ward Eight is a historic cocktail that combines rye whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine. This cocktail is typically served in a chilled cocktail glass, garnished with a maraschino cherry or an orange twist, making it a vibrant and refreshing drink.

The origins of the Ward Eight can be traced back to 1898 in Boston, Massachusetts, at the Locke-Ober Café. The cocktail was created to celebrate the election of Martin M. Lomasney to the state legislature. Lomasney was a powerful political figure in Boston, and the drink was named after the city's Ward 8, which played a crucial role in his victory. The cocktail quickly became a symbol of political triumph and was enjoyed by many in the city's vibrant political scene.

Historically, the Ward Eight has been associated with various myths and stories. Some accounts suggest that the drink was created even before Lomasney's victory, as the bar staff at Locke-Ober were confident in his win. The cocktail's recipe has also seen variations over the years, with some versions using bourbon instead of rye whiskey, and others incorporating different syrups and juices. During Prohibition, the Daily Boston Globe reported that the drink was believed to have originated at the old Quincy House, adding to its mystique.

The Ward Eight is most popularly served in classic cocktail bars and establishments with a rich history, particularly in Boston. The Locke-Ober Café, where the cocktail was born, was a renowned venue until its closure in 2012. Today, the Ward Eight continues to be enjoyed in various upscale bars and lounges, where its historical significance and refreshing taste are appreciated by patrons. The cocktail is also celebrated in Boston's Silvertone Bar & Grill, where bartenders often share the drink's storied past with curious customers.

Ingredients:

2 oz Whiskey

1 oz Lemon Juice

1/2 oz Orange Juice

Dash of Grenadine

Mixing method:

Shake with cracked ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

To mix a perfect Ward Eight, combine 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 0.5 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 0.5 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of grenadine in a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or an orange twist to add a touch of elegance.

There are several variations of the Ward Eight that you can try. Some versions use bourbon instead of rye whiskey for a slightly different flavor profile. Others may incorporate cherry or raspberry syrup instead of grenadine for a unique twist. The Ward Eight Sour adds a splash of lime juice and a touch of simple syrup for a zesty variation. Another modern twist is the Ward Eight Royale, which tops the cocktail with a splash of sparkling wine for a festive touch.

This particular cocktail, and more fantastic top cocktail recipes can be found under the Alcoholic cocktails category.

Discover the origins and variations of the Ward Eight cocktail, a historic blend of rye whiskey, citrus juices, and grenadine. Learn how to mix it perfectly and explore its connections to Boston's political scene.

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