Stirred cocktails, like Martinis & Manhattans, are some of the most iconic drinks in any mixologist’s repertoire. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can start creating restaurant-quality stirred cocktails at home.
So what are these tools, and how can you be sure that you are getting the best value for your money?
Enter A Bar Above, a family-run premium mixology brand co-founded by Chris Tunstall, a professional bartender & bar manager. A Bar Above’s products are wallet-friendly, durable, and stylishly designed, making them a must-have for any home bar. In addition to offering top-quality tools, the brand also offers a suite of courses that cover everything you need to know to get started and expand your skills in mixology.
You can find A Bar Above on Amazon! There you’ll find several sized Craft Cocktail Sets. They also offer really cool Bar Basics Course which is such a fun creative gift.
Ward 8 Cocktail Ingredients
To craft this delicious cocktail, gather the following simple ingredients:
- Rye Whiskey: Opt for a quality rye whiskey, known for its robust and spicy character. This helps balance the Ward 8’s sweet and sour flavor profile.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemons rather than store bought juice to infuse your Ward 8 with natural, bright citrus notes.
- Grenadine: A sweet and tangy pomegranate syrup, a hint of grenadine for sweetness adds depth to the cocktail.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice imparts a delightful, citrusy tang that complements the other flavors, especially when the two citrus juices are mixed together.
- Maraschino Cherry or Orange Slice: A maraschino cherry or orange slice (or even a piece of orange zest) serves as a classic garnish, although it’s also common to skip a garnish on this one.
Photo by Levi Meir Clancy via www.unsplash.com
How to Make a Ward 8
In this week’s video, Chris not only makes the classic Ward 8 cocktail but also shows you his Ward 8.1 version using his secret ingredient… Limoncello! Check it out here:
Ward 8 Variations
Chris himself offers two variations today; before we riff on this Boston classic, let’s look at the basic recipe:
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce orange juice
- 1/4 ounce Grenadine
While this vintage cocktail is really yummy with its citrus flavor and signature sweetness, here are a few variations to explore:
- Ward 9: Swap out the rye whiskey for bourbon, adding a smoother and slightly sweeter profile to the cocktail.
- Ward 8 Royale: Top off your Ward 8 with a splash of sparkling wine or champagne for a touch of effervescence.
- Winter Ward 8: During the colder months, add a dash of aromatic bitters, such as Angostura or cinnamon bitters, to bring warm notes to your drink– This plays well with the rye mixture.
- Tropical Ward 8: Experiment with incorporating a splash of pineapple juice or coconut water for a fruity, refreshing twist. It will play with the other citrus flavors and add a tropical feel.
- It’s also popular to use fresh lime juice instead of lemon.
- If you’re feeling ambitious and/or creative, make your own homemade grenadine instead of using the overly-sweet store-bought version. Create your own pomegranate simple syrup of sorts by combining equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar with a splash of orange flower water or 1 ounce lemon juice. Note: This natural grenadine won’t produce the same bright color of traditional sweet tart syrup from stores. Don’t be surprised if your final cocktail doesn’t look like our photos!
Photo by Alex Kubsch via www.unsplash.com
Gotta Love This Classic Whiskey Cocktail
The Ward Eight is a classic rye whiskey cocktail that brings together whiskey, citrus, and grenadine for a balanced drink.
Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or impress guests at your next gathering, the Ward 8 offers a delightful blend of flavors and a touch of American history. So, gather your ingredients & your cocktail shaker and perfect your shaking technique– It’s time to make the Ward 8!
Copyright A Bar Above
Ward 8
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 oz Single Malt Whiskey
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Limoncello
- 1/2 oz Orange Juice
- 1/4 oz Grenadine
Instructions
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Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
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Shake for 10-15 seconds.
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Use your Hawthorne cocktail strainer and fine strainer to double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
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Optional: Garnish with an orange peel and/or cocktail cherry.