On The Rocks Cocktail Of The Day: Whiskey Smash

Every day, On The Rocks--a favorite whiskey bar of mine and of Women Who Whiskey--publishes a Cocktail of the Day recipe. 

A citrus-y variation on a Mint Julep, a Whiskey Smash is the perfect refreshing drink for a hot summer evening. 

{Whiskey Smash}

The whiskey smash is one of the older cocktails in American history, appearing in Jerry Thomas' first published book on bartending in 1887. Unfortunately, this drink has been overlooked for some time. Essentially a cross between a whiskey sour and a mint julep, the whiskey smash is perfect for the summer as it is quick, easy and absolutely refreshing. Just lemon, mint, simple syrup and whiskey, even the least experienced home bartender can make a great whiskey smash. For a sweeter smash, try Makers Mark or the newer Makers 46, or if you'd prefer something a bit spicier, Old Forester Signature should work quite

Whiskey Smash

Recipe from On The Rocks

2 oz bourbon whiskey

1 oz simple syrup (1 to 1 ratio)

1/4 lemon, cut up into 2-3 pieces

3-4 full sprigs of spearmint

In a mixing glass, add mint and lemon. Muddle thoroughly to release juices and oils.

Add simple syrup and whiskey.

Add ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish with a mint sprig.

Serve

Bottoms up! 

***
On the Rocks

696 10th Ave

(between 48th and 49th Streets)
212.247.2055
***

On The Rocks Cocktail of the Day: The Waldorf

Every day, On The Rocks--a favorite whiskey bar of mine and of Women Who Whiskey--publishes a Cocktail of the Day recipe. 

The love child of a Manhattan and a Sazerac (my two favorite drinks!), The Waldorf sounds like a delightful way to unwind after a long day. 

{The Waldorf}

The Waldorf Cocktail was one of the signature drinks of the Waldorf-Astoria Bar at the beginning of the 20th Century.

The Waldorf 

Recipe from On The Rocks

2 oz rye whiskey

3/4 oz sweet vermouth

1/4 oz absinthe or substitute

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Pour the absinthe into a mixing glass and swirl it around to coat the sides. Toss out any excess. 

Add the remaining ingredients and ice. 

Stir well. 

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Bottoms up! 

***
On the Rocks

696 10th Ave

(between 48th and 49th Streets)
212.247.2055
***

Oscar Wilde

As seen at On The Rocks

On the Rocks: Gentlemen Edition

To open the Fall 2011 Season, Women Who Whiskey held it's second ever Gentlemen Edition, an expanded Women Who Whiskey event to which significant others and gentlemen friends are also invited to partake in the whiskey festivities.


Women Who Whiskey: Gentlemen Edition Part II was hosted at On The Rocks, one of my favorite new whiskey bars in town. 

On The Rocks has no pretentions, and it doesn't need them. With the second largest collection of whiskey in all of New York City (quite an impressive feat in a city with so many whiskey bars)--and a staff of friendly and very competent bartenders (although they could be, the bartenders at On The Rocks would abhor being called mixologists)--the bar is simple, friendly, welcoming, and down to earth. 

On The Rocks has twenty-five different kinds of bitters, to make your custom cocktail or to reinvent an old classic. 

A little bit like Little Branch, the bartenders take orders a la carte, giving you a base price for the whiskey you order, plus a bit for whatever kind of cocktail you order, and how you want it. 

On the rocks is where I was introduced to Michter's, Bulleit, and Buffalo Trace--all three producing delicious, but distinct, Manhattans. 

So I thought it would be the perfect place for a Women Who Whiskey event. I scoped out the bar the week prior and made friends with Howard, the owner, seemingly disgruntled at first but actually quite funny and full of great stories. He told me that if I came on a Sunday we would pretty much have the place to ourselves. 

And we did.

We chatted with the bartender--always happy to give a mini booze lesson--sampled some delicious whiskies, and tried out some tasty cocktails.

The bartender may have even given us a little sample of some newcomers.

Though a smaller event than the first Gentlemen Edition, it was nonetheless a huge success, and the bar was a fun discovery for those who had never been.

 I highly recommend On The Rocks if you want delicious, quality whiskey, well-made cocktails, and none of the pomp and circumstance that you usually find in bars with so many kinds of bitters.

***
On the Rocks

696 10th Ave

(between 48th and 49th Streets)
212.247.2055
***