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The Scofflaw cocktail is made with Canadian rye whiskey, dry vermouth, lemon juice, orange bitters, and grenadine (a sweet red syrup made primarily from pomegranate juice).
Table of Contents
Brief History
As for the name, a scofflaw is someone who mocks or scoffs at the law. So if you were drinking this tasty concoction back in the 1920’s you were a scofflaw yourself. The cocktail debuted in Harry’s Bar in Paris and was named due to the Americans suffering through prohibition and drinking in secrecy.
The original cocktail was made with Canadian rye, because at the time, no American rye was coming out of the United States.
Why I Love This Recipe
The Scofflaw is surprisingly balanced and refreshing. I was wowed by how well the flavors complement each other, with a subtly sweet and citrusy finish. The traditional recipe calls for more lemon juice and grenadine and slightly less whiskey, but I prefer my Scofflaw a little more spirit-forward.
If you enjoy rye cocktails, also try the Brooklyn cocktail, Manhattan, and Improved Whiskey Cocktail.
Ingredients
- Rye whiskey: use Canadian rye for the most authentic results, such as Crown Royal. Otherwise, American rye such as Sazerac, Rittenhouse, or George Dickle are great options.
- Dry vermouth: Dolin is my preferred choice.
- Lemon juice: always use fresh lemon juice via a citrus squeezer.
- Grenadine: grenadine is a pomegranate syrup that’s sweetened with sugar – essentially simple syrup with pomegranate flavor. It’s what gives the Scofflaw its red appearance. You can make your own using a 50-50 mix of pomegranate juice and simple syrup.
- Orange bitters: orange bitters add nice orange citrus notes. You can alternatively express an orange peel over the cocktail if you don’t have any.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with a cup of ice or a few large ice cubes.
Step 2.
Stir vigorously for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Expert Tips
- Place your glasses in the freezer to keep them chilled. This helps keep your drinks cooler for longer.
- Always double strain shaken cocktails. This removes tiny ice chips due to shaking, eliminating more dilution.
Similar Classic Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey, Crown, Sazerac, Rittenhouse
- 1 ounce dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- 2-3 dashes orange bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with a cup of ice or a few large ice cubes.
- Stir vigorously for 15 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Adapted from: Tuxedo No. 2
