Whiskey Cocktails: Rye Whiskey

Improved Whiskey Cocktail

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Ingredients

2 oz. High West Double Rye Whiskey

0.5 oz. Luxardo Liqueur Maraschino

3 dashes Bitter Truth Aromatic Bitters

3 dashes Duplais Verte

Garnish

Lemon twist

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice. Stir 25-35 times. Strain into a double rocks glass and add ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Cocktail Story

The Whiskey Cocktail originally appeared in Jerry Thomas's 1887 Bartender's Guide as an "unimproved" version, optionally "improved" by Maraschino and absinthe. The improved category of drinks emerged when cocktail innovation became a prolific practice. The improved classification could be applied to any cocktail containing fancy liqueurs or spirits that elevated the standard combination of base spirit, bitters, and sugar. As bartenders grew more and more creative with their concoctions, bar patrons began clarifying whether they meant the old-fashioned or improved version of the Whiskey Cocktail. A modern recipe for the official Improved Whiskey Cocktail can be found in David Wondrich's 2007 tome, Imbibe!