Ward Eight Cocktail Recipe

This drink has been around since 1898, originally created to toast politician Martin Lomasney’s election win. The recipe keeps things simple yet flavorful with rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine. That splash of orange juice and grenadine not only adds a hint of fruitiness but also gives the cocktail its signature reddish glow.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference here. The brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, while the bold spice of rye whiskey brings depth you would not get from bourbon. If you have never made a Ward Eight cocktail recipe at home, now is the perfect time to try. Let’s walk through our go-to version, plus a few tricks to make it even better.

What's in a Ward Eight Cocktail?

The Ward Eight cocktail is a whiskey classic that blends citrusy brightness with a touch of sweetness. It builds on the familiar Whiskey Sour but adds orange juice and grenadine for a unique twist.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey gives this cocktail its bold, spicy character. It balances the sweet and sour elements, creating a smooth yet complex flavor.

For the best results, go with a quality rye like Rittenhouse, Bulleit, or Old Overholt. Bourbon works in a pinch but will make the drink sweeter and less spicy.

You might also like: The Best Whiskey Mixers to Try | What's the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness, making the flavors pop.

Skip bottled juice. Freshly squeezed lemon makes all the difference. Use about half an ounce per cocktail and squeeze it right before mixing.

Orange Juice

Orange juice adds a touch of fruity sweetness. The classic recipe uses equal parts lemon and orange juice for a balanced citrus flavor.

Fresh juice works best. Store-bought versions can taste dull. Blood orange juice adds a berry-like twist, while tangerine juice brings extra citrus intensity.

Grenadine

Grenadine sweetens the drink and gives it its signature ruby color. A good-quality grenadine adds depth beyond simple sugariness.

Most store-bought versions are full of corn syrup. We suggest using a quality brand or making your own with pomegranate juice and sugar. A couple of teaspoons per drink is enough.

Related: 17 Best Grenadine Cocktails to Try | Get the Recipe for Homemade Grenadine Syrup

Optional Garnishes

An orange slice and a cherry are the classic choices. They enhance both the look and aroma of the cocktail.

For a richer flavor, swap standard maraschino cherries for Luxardo. An orange twist also works, adding a burst of citrus oil.

Related: Cocktail Garnishes: A Complete Guide

How to Make a Ward Eight Cocktail

Let’s make a Ward Eight cocktail the right way with fresh ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors.

Start by gathering your ingredients: rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, and grenadine. Fresh juice makes all the difference, so skip the bottled stuff.

Pour 2 ounces of rye whiskey into a cocktail shaker. A bold, spicy rye works best to complement the citrus and grenadine.

Add ¾ ounce each of fresh lemon juice and fresh orange juice. These bring the bright, tangy flavors that make this cocktail pop.

Measure out ½ ounce of grenadine and add it in. A little goes a long way, so keep it balanced to avoid an overly sweet drink.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 15 seconds until the drink is well chilled.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Double straining helps remove any ice shards or pulp for a smooth pour.

For the final touch, garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

The Ward Eight pairs perfectly with savory bites like cheese plates or grilled meats. Check out our recipe card below for exact measurements and step-by-step details. Cheers!

Ward Eight Variations

The Ward Eight is a classic, but that does not mean we cannot have some fun with it. This cocktail is a great base for experimenting, and we have put together a few creative twists to try.

• Bourbon Ward Eight – Swaps rye for bourbon, giving the drink a smoother, sweeter flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel.
• Ward 8 Royale – Adds a splash of sparkling wine for an elegant, bubbly twist that feels perfect for celebrations.
• Tropical Ward 8 – Replaces some or all of the orange juice with pineapple juice for a fruity, island-inspired take.
• Winter Ward 8 – A few dashes of aromatic bitters or a cinnamon stick turn this into a cozy cold-weather sipper.
• No-Grenadine Ward 8 – Uses honey or simple syrup instead of grenadine for a cleaner, more subtle sweetness.

Try one of these variations or create your own. If you find a favorite, let us know and tag us in your cocktail photos.

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More Classic Whiskey Cocktails to Try

If you love the Ward Eight, you will want to add these whiskey classics to your lineup. Each one has earned its place in cocktail history, and we think they are worth a pour.

• Whiskey Sour
• Manhattan
• Old Fashioned
• Sazerac
• Brooklyn Cocktail
• Black Manhattan
• Bourbon Peach Smash
• Old Pal
• Bobby Burns
• Red Hook
• Hanky Panky

We love trying these with different whiskey brands since each bottle brings something unique to the mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a Ward 8 cocktail?

The Ward Eight got its name from Boston's eighth voting district. It honors Martin M. Lomasney's 1898 election win to the state legislature. The cocktail was created in Boston at the Locke-Ober Café to mark this political victory.

Tom Hussion, the bartender, made this drink for the celebration party. Ward Eight was Lomasney's stronghold, where he held great influence with voters.

What is the origin of the Ward Eight cocktail?

The Ward Eight was born in 1898 at the Locke-Ober Café in Boston. It stands as one of Boston's major contributions to craft cocktails.

Tom Hussion created this whiskey-based drink to celebrate a political win. The recipe has changed over time since few written records exist from that era.

Many consider it Boston's only classic cocktail that gained worldwide fame. Its mix of whiskey, citrus, and grenadine became a template for many drinks that followed.

What is the best whiskey for a Ward Eight cocktail?

Rye whiskey makes the best Ward Eight cocktail. Its spicy kick balances the sweet and sour elements perfectly.

We recommend Rittenhouse, Bulleit, or Old Overholt rye for an authentic taste. The spice notes in rye cut through the grenadine's sweetness and complement the zesty punch of lemon juice.

Canadian whisky works too if you prefer a smoother profile. Just make sure it has enough backbone to stand up to the other flavors.

Can I use bourbon instead of rye whiskey in a Ward Eight?

Yes, you can use bourbon in a Ward Eight. The drink will taste sweeter and less spicy than with rye.

If using bourbon, cut back on the grenadine slightly. This helps maintain balance since bourbon brings its own sweetness to the mix.

We suggest using a high-proof bourbon like Wild Turkey 101 or Old Grand-Dad. These hold their own against the citrus juices better than milder options.

Want more bourbon cocktail ideas? Check out our 2-Ingredient Bourbon Cocktails.

How strong is a Ward Eight cocktail?

A Ward Eight falls in the medium-strong range of cocktails. With two ounces of whiskey as the base, it packs a punch.

The citrus juices and grenadine dilute the alcohol somewhat. Following the standard recipe results in a drink that's easier to sip than a Manhattan.

We estimate the alcohol content at around 18% ABV. This makes it stronger than beer or wine but gentler than spirit-forward classics.

Ward Eight Cocktail Recipe

The Ward Eight is a classic whiskey cocktail with bright citrus notes and just the right touch of sweetness. We love how it strikes a perfect balance of bold and refreshing flavors while carrying a rich history in American cocktail culture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Citrus juicer
• Bar Spoon
• Coupe or rocks glass

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz fresh orange juice
• ½ oz grenadine
• Maraschino cherry and orange slice for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill it with ice and water to chill while you mix the cocktail.
• Pour the whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine into a shaker, then add ice until it’s about three-quarters full.
• Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Empty the ice water from your glass, then strain the cocktail in.
• Add a maraschino cherry and an orange slice for a classic finishing touch.

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