Improved Whiskey Cocktail

Modern | Cocktail | 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.

Ingredients

Amount Ingredient Brand
2 oz / 50 ml 3 oz / 75 ml 4 oz / 100 ml 6 oz / 150 ml Rye Rittenhouse 100 proof
0.25 oz / 9 ml 0.375 oz / 14 ml 0.5 oz / 18.5 ml 0.75 oz / 27.5 ml Semi-Rich Simple Syrup  
3 dashes Cardamom Bitters Fee Brothers
1 tsp Maraschino Liqueur Luxardo
1 to 2 dashes Absinthe St. George

Notes

  • Method: Stirred
  • Pour: Julep Strain
  • Glassware: Low Ball
  • Garnish: Expressed lemon oil and peel
  • Special Prep: None