Ward Eight was a voting district in Boston notorious for political corruption. The Ward Eight cocktail creation is credited to Tom Hussion of the Locke-Ober Café in Boston circa 1898. The drink pays tribute to the café’s owner, Martin Lomasney, who ran for election in Ward Eight. Strip the recipe down to bare basics and you will see it looks much like a Whiskey Sour.

Some prefer scotch rather than bourbon or rye in this recipe. Scotch brings a bit more smoke to the drink. Other recipes call for 2 ounces whiskey and a mere teaspoon of grenadine. That will work of course, but be prepared for a prickle of tart that will make your eyes water and your toes curl. Ward Eight leans toward both sweet and sour, so be prepared to pucker up. Add a little more OJ and / or grenadine if that suits your taste buds. Either way, this drink will ready you for kissing babies just like a real politician!

Ward Eight Classic Cocktail Recipe

Ward Eight

2-1/4 ounce Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3/4 ounce Fresh Orange Juice

1/4 ounce Grenadine

Orange Slice and Cherry Place liquids in a cocktail shaker filled two-thirds with ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

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