Classic | Cocktail | by Jerry Thomas | from Anders Erickson
The Whiskey Cocktail, along with this Improved version appeared in Jerry Thomas's 1876 The Bar-tender's Guide. The book also includes "Improved" versions of the Brandy Cocktail, and Gin Cocktail which are all what we today call Old Fashioned cocktails. In the words of Jerry Thomas, they have been "improved by moistening the edge of the cocktail glass with a piece of lemon." Such "improved" American cocktails from the period are also distinguished by using European ingredients, particularly maraschino liqueur and/or absinthe.
| Amount | Ingredient | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| 2 oz / 50 ml 3 oz / 75 ml 4 oz / 100 ml 6 oz / 150 ml | Rye | Rittenhouse 100 proof |
| 1⁄4 oz / 6 ml 1⁄2 oz / 9 ml 1⁄2 oz / 13 ml 3⁄4 oz / 19 ml | Semi-Rich Simple Syrup | |
| 3 dashes 4 1⁄2 dashes 6 dashes 9 dashes | Cardamom Bitters | Fee Brothers |
| 1 barspoons 1 1⁄2 barspoons 2 barspoons 3 barspoons | Maraschino Liqueur | Luxardo |
| 1 to 2 dashes 1 1⁄2 to 3 dashes 2 to 4 dashes 3 to 6 dashes | Absinthe | St. George |
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Cocktail Recipes