Improved Whiskey Cocktail Recipe

If you’re a fan of the sazerac or the old fashioned, the improved whiskey cocktail just may be your new favorite drink. The improved whiskey cocktail is one of my favorite classics. It combines a lot of my favorite elements from two very important classic cocktails, the old fashioned and the sazerac.

The cocktail can be made with bourbon or rye as the base spirit with maraschino, absinthe, simple sugar, Angostura bitters, Peychaud’s bitters, and a lemon peel. I’d best describe the drink as an old fashioned on steroids. From a distance, it’s the same cocktail with the addition of maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and Peychaud’s bitters. You’ve essentially got a more dynamic bourbon old fashioned with notes of anise, lemon citrus, and maraschino.

Maraschino Liqueur

The only non-borrowed ingredient between the sazerac and old fashioned is maraschino liqueur. Maraschino liqueur is a unique cherry-flavored spirit made from sour Marasca cherries. It’s clear, slightly sweet, and found in many classic and Prohibition-Era cocktails. Luxardo is the most well-known cherry liqueur brand and my personal recommendation should you decide to embark on this maraschino cocktail journey.

I think most people have heard of the classic Aviation cocktail, but here are some other maraschino liqueur cocktails that may pique your interest as well. I highly recommend you grab a bottle and put it to good use. While it’s often used sparingly in drinks, I wouldn’t stock a home bar without it.

You’ll Also Love

• Sazerac
• Old fashioned
• Brooklyn
• Manhattan

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