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Improved Whiskey Cocktail

Improved Whiskey Cocktail

Classic

A 19th-century Whiskey Cocktail, improved with maraschino and absinthe.

Spirit-ForwardClassicHerbalVintage
3 minMediumStrong

Spicy rye with a nutty cherry sweetness, a whisper of anise, and a lemon-oil lift. More layered than an Old Fashioned, but still dry and spirit-forward.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • 0.25 oz Maraschino Liqueur
  • 0.25 oz Simple Syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 dash Absinthe
  • Lemon peel · optional garnish

Method

  1. 1

    Add the rye, maraschino liqueur, simple syrup, Angostura, and absinthe to a mixing glass with ice.

  2. 2

    Stir until well-chilled, about 20-30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

  4. 4

    Express a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.

The Story

In the 1800s, an "improved" cocktail meant the original spirit, sugar, and bitters formula with a little maraschino and absinthe added. Jerry Thomas's 1862 bartender's guide includes improved versions of several drinks, and the whiskey one has stayed a favorite.

Glass · Rocks glassGarnish · Lemon peel