The Scofflaw cocktail was created in Paris at Harry’s New York Bar, named for a Prohibition-era term used to describe those who imbibed booze illicitly in the U.S. It’s one of several drinks tied to the legendary bar, including the Boulevardier, Between the Sheets, and possibly even the Bloody Mary.
The drink’s name came about when a temperance-supporting Boston banker, Delcevare King, held a public contest to create a new derogatory term that could be used to shame those who flouted Prohibition and continued to drink illicitly. King offered a prize of $200—in gold—to the winner.
More than 25,000 entries were submitted, including tongue-twisters like “bolshevik” and “boozocrat” but the ultimate winner was a portmanteau for one who is scoffing at Prohibition laws, or “scofflaw.”
The contest gained considerable press, eventually leading a bartender named Jock at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris to sarcastically create an alcoholic cocktail poking fun at the newly minted American term. The Scofflaw became a hit, partly due to its tongue-in-cheek title, and was eventually canonized in owner Harry MacElhone’s seminal recipe book, ABC of Mixing Cocktails.
While the cocktail’s formula was groundbreaking, it is an early example of a tradition that persists today: bartenders spend as much time coming up with funny names for drinks as they do the recipes themselves.
What’s in a Scofflaw cocktail?
The Scofflaw consists of rye or bourbon, dry vermouth, grenadine, and lemon juice. Early printed variations went lighter on the grenadine and lemon. Still, modern variations like the one below tend to go heavier on these ingredients to bring out the classic sour profile of the drink and balance the whiskey’s heat. Dry vermouth acts as a binding ingredient that softens the drink’s overall profile.
While you can use pre-bottled store-bought grenadine, the classic pomegranate syrup is incredibly easy to make at home and will create a much better drink. We’ve included a simple homemade grenadine recipe below.
On the whole, the Scofflaw comes together as a tart, remarkably easy-drinking cocktail that remains one of the most refreshing ways to mix and drink whiskey.
How to make a Scofflaw cocktail
Time/Servings
Serving Size – 1
Ingredients
2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
½ ounce dry vermouth
¾ ounce grenadine
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
Orange twist, for garnish
Directions
Combine all ingredients except garnish in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with an orange or lemon twist.
Homemade Grenadine Recipe
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 4 cups unsweetened pomegranate juice with 4 cups sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool. Optionally, add the juice of 1 lime and one teaspoon of orange flower water. Stir well, and store in an airtight container.
Refrigerated, grenadine will keep for one month.
