Classic Speakeasy Cocktail: The Scofflaw

On your next visit to your preferred speakeasy-style bar, you may consider enhancing the authenticity of your experience by ordering the beverages that were commonly consumed during the Prohibition era. And let’s not forget, during that time, the peephole on the front door had a specific function – to delay the arrival of the police and allow for the concealment of the illegal alcohol.

For those who want an authentic speakeasy beverage, the options are limited to Champagne or a Ginger Ale Highball. The notion that Prohibition-era cocktails were created to hide the taste of poorly made alcohol is false. When drinking illegally, the focus is simply on consuming the drink.

During the Prohibition era, the Scofflaw drink was not first introduced in a hidden bar in Chicago, but rather, it is believed to have originated from a bartender named Jock at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

On January 15, 1924, the term “scofflaw” gained popularity and inspired a recipe. This was due to a competition initiated by prohibitionist Delcevare King, who sought to find a term that accurately described lawless drinkers and “awakened their conscience.” While the word itself is interesting, it is uncertain how effective it was in its intended purpose.

The original recipe for the Scofflaw cocktail consisted of “1/3 rye whiskey, 1/3 French vermouth, 1/6 lemon juice, and 1/6 grenadine.” However, we have shared a slightly different one here but you can make this a few different ways.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Rye whiskey: This robust and flavorful whiskey serves as the base of the Scofflaw cocktail, providing a rich and distinctive taste.
• 1 oz Dry vermouth: The dry vermouth adds a touch of complexity and dryness to the drink, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice: The addition of fresh lemon juice brings a refreshing and tangy element to the cocktail, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
• 3/4 oz Grenadine: The grenadine syrup contributes a sweet and fruity note, complementing the other ingredients and adding a vibrant red hue to the drink.
• Orange twist, for garnish: To elevate the presentation and aroma of the Scofflaw cocktail, a simple orange twist is used as a garnish, imparting a subtle citrus essence.

Here are the instructions to make this great drink (see below).

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice: Begin by preparing a cocktail shaker and filling it with a generous amount of ice. This will ensure that the drink is properly chilled and mixed.
2. Add the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine to the shaker: Carefully measure and pour the specified amounts of rye whiskey, dry vermouth, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine into the cocktail shaker, creating the foundation of the Scofflaw cocktail.
3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold: Seal the cocktail shaker tightly and vigorously shake the mixture until the outside of the shaker becomes noticeably cold to the touch. This step is crucial in achieving the desired temperature and consistency of the cocktail.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass: Using a strainer, carefully pour the contents of the shaker into a chilled cocktail glass, ensuring that any ice or unwanted particles are left behind in the shaker.
5. Garnish with an orange twist: To add a final touch of elegance and aroma, garnish the Scofflaw cocktail with a twist of orange peel. This simple addition enhances the visual appeal and provides a subtle citrusy fragrance.

And there you have it, your very own classic Scofflaw cocktail! Take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind this timeless drink, and savor every sip as you indulge in its well-balanced flavors. Cheers to the Prohibition era and the enduring legacy of the Scofflaw cocktail!

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