Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe

An obscure, yet highly delicious Prohibition-Era cocktail made with rye, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and a touch of grenadine.

Introducing the Scofflaw cocktail. The traditional Scofflaw drink is made with Canadian rye whiskey (because at the time, there was no whiskey coming out of America), dry vermouth, lemon juice, orange bitters, and grenadine (a sweet red syrup made primarily from pomegranate juice).

Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe

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 actually debuted in Harry’s Bar in Paris and was named due to the Americans suffering through prohibition and drinking in secrecy.

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. I should have expected more from a classic cocktail that withstood the test of time. The traditional recipe calls for more lemon and grenadine and slightly less whiskey, but I prefer my Scofflaw cocktail a little stronger.

I usually have a hard time picturing whiskey or bourbon with anything fruity or sweet, but I’m proven wrong time and time again. I highly recommend if you’re looking for something refreshing and a little unusual, unleash the scofflaw.

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Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe
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Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe

  • Author: Shawn Williams
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 5 mins
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Category: Cocktail
  • Cuisine: French

Description

An obscure, yet highly delicious Prohibition-Era cocktail made with rye, dry vermouth, orange bitters, and a touch of grenadine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces rye whiskey
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce grenadine
  • 23 dashes orange bitters


Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir vigorously for 15 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Notes

Rye can be substituted with Canadian whiskey. If you don’t have either, try bourbon.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 205
  • Sugar: 11.6g
  • Sodium: 109mg
  • Fat: 0.1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.5g
  • Fiber: 0.1g
  • Protein: 0.1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: scofflaw cocktail

Adapted from: Tuxedo No. 2