Ward Eight Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe ⬇️

Ward Eight Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0.2g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Ward Eight cocktail is believed to have originated in Boston, Massachusetts, around the late 19th century. It was named after the city's Ward 8 district and was created to celebrate the election of a local politician. The cocktail quickly gained popularity and became a staple in many bars across the country.

  • The Ward Eight is a classic cocktail with a rich history
  • It is often enjoyed by those who appreciate whiskey-based drinks and classic American cocktails
  • The drink has a strong connection to Boston and its political scene

How Ward Eight Tastes?

The Ward Eight has a balanced taste profile, featuring a mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the lemon and orange juices add a refreshing citrus tang. The grenadine imparts a subtle sweetness and a beautiful color to the drink.

Interesting facts about Ward Eight

  • The Ward Eight is considered a variation of the Whiskey Sour, with the addition of grenadine and orange juice
  • Some variations of the Ward Eight use rye whiskey instead of bourbon
  • The cocktail is often served in a chilled coupe glass, garnished with a cherry or an orange twist

Ingredients

Bourbon

Bourbon is the backbone of this cocktail. Its caramel and vanilla notes provide warmth and depth. Use 2 oz to ensure the bourbon stands out, but not so much that it overpowers the other flavors. Without it, you don't have a Ward Eight—you have an unsolved mystery on your hands!

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

0.5 oz lemon juice is like a spark plug—it ignites the flavor profile, adding a zesty punch that balances the cocktail's sweetness. Too much, and you may pucker more than a perplexed platypus; too little, and the drink falls flatter than a pancake.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice

Just like its citrus cousin, 0.5 oz orange juice brings sweetness and a hint of tartness, rounding out the flavors. If ignored, your cocktail will miss out on a friendly flavor hug.

Alex Green

Grenadine

1 tsp grenadine is the sweet whisper in the night. It gives a rosy hue and a hint of pomegranate sweetness. Without it, the cocktail loses its charming blush. If you're fresh out, try a dash of simple syrup for sweetness, but you'll skip the signature color.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Cherry

A maraschino cherry is the jeweled crown atop this regal drink. It's not just a visual treat; it's like a final sweet note in a symphonic flavor melody. Omit it, and the show still goes on, but with less flair. Want to switch it up? Try a brandied cherry for a more sophisticated twist.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Twist

The orange twist is the final aromatic touch that garnishes and enhances the sensory experience. It's that little extra something that makes people go 'Ooh!' Forget it, and the cocktail is like a sentence without punctuation

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Ward Eight Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
    • 2 oz bourbon
    • 0.5 oz lemon juice
    • 0.5 oz orange juice
    • 1 tsp grenadine
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass
  4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange twist

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Chill the coupe glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Empanadas: The savory flavors of meat or vegetables wrapped in pastry dough complement the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, especially sharp cheddar or gouda, pairs nicely to balance the cocktail's acidity.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Pork Chops: The smoky flavors from the grill will enhance the bourbon's warm notes.
  • Roasted Duck: The rich, fatty profile of duck meats the fruit-forward elements of the Ward Eight.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: To echo the citrus notes of the cocktail.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate will contrast the drink's sweetness.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Ward Eight

  • Bourbon can be substituted with rye whiskey for a spicier flavor.
  • If you don't have grenadine, you can use a cherry syrup or a raspberry syrup.
  • Lemon juice can be replaced with lime juice for a different citrus note.

Explore all drinks starting with W here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Eight

  • Substitute bourbon with smoky Scotch whisky
  • Add a touch of maple syrup Turn the classic on its head with a dash of smoky Scotch. The maple syrup will complement the peat with its earthy sweetness. This twist is for those who enjoy a walk on the wild side of flavors.

Spicy Eight

  • Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker before mixing
  • Use honey instead of grenadine Spice it up! The jalapeño's heat will dance with the sweet honey, putting a zesty spring in your sip. This one's not for the faint of heart—it's the cocktail equivalent of a thrill ride.

Garden Eight

  • Muddle fresh basil leaves in the shaker
  • Use a splash of elderflower liqueur instead of grenadine This version takes a botanical turn, with herbal notes from the basil and a floral whisper from the elderflower. It's like a secret garden in a glass—mysterious and inviting.

In case you forgot basics how to make Ward Eight

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Ward Eight

What's the origin of the name 'Ward Eight'?

The name 'Ward Eight' originated from a district of the same name in Boston, Massachusetts. It was named to celebrate the election of a local politician.

What type of drink is the 'Ward Eight'?

The 'Ward Eight' is a whiskey-based cocktail and is often enjoyed by whiskey aficionados and lovers of classic American cocktails.

How do the ingredients in a 'Ward Eight' cocktail complement each other?

The bourbon provides a strong, warming base which is contrasted with the refreshing tang of the lemon and orange juices. These flavors are then rounded out by the subtle sweetness of the grenadine.

What are some variations of the 'Ward Eight' cocktail?

Some variations of the 'Ward Eight' cocktail include using rye whiskey instead of bourbon which gives the cocktail a spicier flavor. Also, various syrups like cherry or raspberry can be used instead of grenadine.

How is the 'Ward Eight' cocktail served?

The 'Ward Eight' cocktail is usually served in a chilled coupe glass with a cherry or an orange twist garnish.

More similar recipes to Ward Eight!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe