In Jerry Thomas’ Bartenders Guide, an “improved” cocktail is a simple cocktail in the traditional sense of the word (spirit, sugar and water) that is “improved” with some added liqueur and/or absinthe, and garnished with an expressed lemon peel. The Improved Whiskey Cocktail is essentially an Old Fashioned with the addition of maraschino liqueur, a dash of Peychaud’s bitters and absinthe. If you’re a fan of Sazeracs—and obviously Old Fashioneds—this enduring libation is destined to become your new favorite.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1 Sugar Cube
- 1 barspoon Maraschino Liqueur
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Bitters
- 1 dash Absinthe
- lemon peel
INSTRUCTIONS
Step one
Add the sugar cube to a lowball glass and soak it with bitters, maraschino and absinthe.
Step two
Muddle until the sugar cube is dissolved.
Step three
Add the whiskey to the glass with a large cube of ice and stir until incorporated.
Step four
Squeeze the oils of a large swath of lemon peel over the cocktail and rub it over the lip of the glass before discarding.
Contributed by Supercall
