Classic Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe

If you're one to scoff at the law, or at the very least, you enjoy a good Prohibition-era cocktail, then this scofflaw cocktail recipe is the perfect fit. Recipe developer Christina Musgrave has crafted this scofflaw cocktail, and odd name aside, it's bursting with citrus and whiskey flavors. The addition of lemon juice, grenadine, and orange bitters offsets the peppery essence from the rye whiskey — but don't worry, that strong whiskey flavor is still there. "This is an excellent cocktail for Rye lovers," Musgrave describes.

If you are staying home and need an elegant and unique happy hour drink, Musgrave notes that "these are great to make at home for a happy hour." Instead of going out, you can save some money and improve your bartending skills by making a classic scofflaw. We'd recommend starting with this drink as the steps are incredibly straightforward, and you really can't go wrong with such a tasty, sippable drink.

Gather your ingredients for a classic scofflaw

To make this classic scofflaw cocktail, you will need rye whiskey, dry vermouth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grenadine, and orange bitters.

Add ingredients to a shaker

Into a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, dry vermouth, lemon juice, grenadine, and orange bitters. You'll notice that a few of these ingredients are similar to what you would find in a whiskey sour: lemon juice, bitters, and whiskey, contributing to a similar-tasting cocktail with a bit more depth of flavor. No egg white in this one, though! 

Shake and strain the cocktail

Add some ice into the shaker, then place the lid on top and shake vigorously, until the liquid is nice and chilled. Strain the liquid into a cocktail glass, and you're ready to start sipping.

What to pair with your scofflaw cocktail

So, you've got the cocktail ready to go, but what do you serve with it? "If you're making these before dinner I recommend serving with traditional bar snacks like nuts or potato chips," Musgrave suggests. If you want to level your dining up a notch, you can make these easy happy hour appetizers to enjoy alongside the cocktail. Of course, this cocktail is perfectly smooth and enjoyable on its own, so feel free to enjoy it in such a way.

Classic Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe
5 from 28 ratings
This classic scofflaw cocktail will make you feel like you're sipping in a speakeasy.
Prep Time
5
minutes
Cook Time
0
minutes
Servings
1
serving
bright red scofflaw cocktail
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2 ounces Rye Whiskey
  • 1 ounce dry Vermouth
  • ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 dashes grenadine
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
Directions
  1. Add the whiskey, Vermouth, lemon juice, grenadine, and orange bitters to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
  3. Strain the liquid into a cocktail glass and serve.
Nutrition
Calories per Serving 176
Total Fat 0.0 g
Saturated Fat 0.0 g
Trans Fat 0.0 g
Cholesterol 0.0 mg
Total Carbohydrates 2.9 g
Dietary Fiber 0.0 g
Total Sugars 1.4 g
Sodium 2.0 mg
Protein 0.1 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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