From what we can tell the Scofflaw Cocktail originated in the 1920’s in Paris. Some claim it to be a prohibition cocktail while others such as Liquor.com believe prohibition cocktails were more to the point. We are no expert, hell we hadn’t heard of it until we had a conversation with Houston Farris the Head Distiller at Yellow Rose Distilling.

This drink is a classic cocktail in every sense of the word, boldly boozy and not overly sweet.  Using rye (or bourbon if you want more vanilla and less spice) as the base spirit and dry vermouth. Grenadine adds a nice fruity sweetness that helps balance the whiskey.

Not sure if we followed the original, but we liked the simplicity of the Liquor.com recipe.

• 2 oz Bourbon or rye whiskey (we used Outlaw Bourbon)

• 1 oz Dry vermouth

• .25 oz Fresh lemon juice

• .5 oz Grenadine

• 2 dashes Orange bitters

Mix ingredients into a shaker filled with ice, shake well, strain into a glass, and enjoy.

The cocktail is definitely boozy, but we like it. For more on Houston Farris and Yellow Rose Distilling check out the Shot of Texas Whiskey interview.