Ward 8

The Ward 8 is a classic whiskey cocktail with a citrusy twist and a touch of sweetness. Built around rye whiskey, it gets its brightness from lemon and orange juice, and its color and soft sweetness from a splash of grenadine. It’s simple to mix and has just the right balance of bold, tart, and sweet. Whether you’re into old-school cocktails or just want something easy to sip, this one fits the bill.

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Tasting Notes

The Ward 8 has a smooth balance of rye’s bold character with a citrusy kick. The lemon and orange juices bring brightness and acidity, while the grenadine adds a soft touch of sweetness and a light red tint. It’s a little tart, slightly sweet, and has enough structure from the whiskey to keep things grounded. The drink isn’t heavy, but it’s not flimsy either it hits a nice middle ground. It’s clean, classic, and easy to drink without being dull. Perfect for people who like citrus-forward whiskey cocktails without anything too strong or syrupy.

Equipment and Glassware

To make a Ward 8, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, and a citrus juicer if you’re using fresh fruit. A coupe or Nick & Nora glass is typical, but a rocks glass also works if you prefer it over ice. Use a fine strainer for a smoother pour, especially with pulp-heavy juice. A bar spoon can help mix the grenadine evenly if layering gets tricky. If you’re batch-making, pre-chill your glassware or serve with a single large ice cube to keep it cool without watering it down too fast.

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz orange juice
• 0.25 oz grenadine
• Optional garnish: Maraschino cherry

Instructions

• Add rye whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine to a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake well for about 10–12 seconds until chilled.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh-squeezed juices for the best flavor.
• Go light on grenadine just enough for color and sweetness.
• Chill your glass ahead of time for better presentation.
• Rye gives it bite; bourbon will make it smoother.
• Don’t skip the shake it needs to be cold.
• Taste before serving and adjust with a splash more citrus if needed.
• A single large cube in a rocks glass keeps it cold longer.

When to Serve

Ward 8 is great for happy hour, dinner parties, or any time you want a whiskey drink with a bit of fruit. It works in spring and summer just as well as fall because it’s citrus-forward but still bold enough to stand on its own. It’s not too boozy for casual sipping, and it’s interesting enough for whiskey fans who want something outside the usual old-fashioned or sour.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Rye Whiskey:

• Rittenhouse
• Bulleit Rye
• Old Overholt

Grenadine:

• Liber & Co.
• Stirrings
• Homemade (pomegranate juice + sugar)

Juice:

• Fresh-squeezed lemon and orange
• Avoid bottled juice blends with added sugar

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• Mango and Papaya Swizzle
• Tiki Bunny Punch
• Rum Cobbler
• Aperol Gin Martini