She Strengthens

A Timeless Twist on the Classic Sour

The world of cocktails is home to many timeless classics, but few have stood the test of time quite like the Ward Eight. While some drinks have fallen by the wayside, and others have spawned countless variations, the Ward Eight remains a beloved and unique twist on the classic Sour.

A Colorful History

The story behind the Ward Eight is steeped in politics and intrigue. In 1898, Tom Hussion, a skilled bartender, joined the Locke-Ober Café in Boston, bringing with him a loyal following of patrons. Among them were members of the Hendrick’s Club, a political organization run by Democrat Martin Lomasney. As Lomasney campaigned for a seat in the Massachusetts General Court, representing Ward Eight, his supporters asked Hussion to create a special drink to toast his impending victory.

A Simple yet Sophisticated Recipe

Hussion’s creation was a masterstroke of simplicity. By adding a dash of grenadine to a traditional Whiskey Sour, he created a drink that was both familiar and innovative. The resulting cocktail was an instant hit, and its popularity endured even through the dark days of Prohibition. In 1934, Esquire magazine named the Ward Eight one of the top 10 cocktails of the year.

A Classic Reborn

Today, the Locke-Ober Café continues to serve up this sophisticated cocktail, shaken to perfection and garnished with a maraschino cherry. While some variations may include an orange or lemon slice, the original recipe omitted these flourishes. Over time, bourbon has become the liquor of choice, replacing the traditional rye. And for the true enthusiasts, making homemade grenadine is a must.

Easy to Make, Easy to Enjoy

With just six ingredients and a few simple steps, the Ward Eight is a cocktail that’s easy to make and enjoy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 ounces rye or bourbon
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grenadine
• Ice
• 1 maraschino cherry

To prepare, simply fill a cocktail glass with ice and chill it in the freezer. Then, combine the rye or bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine in a cocktail shaker, filling it halfway with ice. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, until the outside is frosty, and strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with the maraschino cherry, and enjoy!