Ward 8
Boston's most significant contribution to classic cocktail canon - a robust whiskey sour elevated by orange juice and the sweet, ruby kiss of grenadine. Born from 19th-century political machinations, it's both refreshingly tart and subtly complex.
31%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Ward 8 was created in 1898 at Boston's venerable Locke-Ober Café to celebrate the election of Martin M. Lomasney, the powerful political boss who controlled the city's eighth ward. The drink was concocted in advance of the official results, such was the confidence in Lomasney's political machine. Ironically, the man himself was a teetotaler. The cocktail became Boston's signature drink and was named one of Esquire magazine's top ten cocktails in 1934.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker with ice
Shake vigorously until well-chilled, approximately 12-15 seconds
Double-strain into the chilled glass
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass
Garnish
High-quality cocktail cherry like Luxardo Maraschino
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use only real pomegranate grenadine - artificial versions will ruin the drink
Fresh citrus juices are paramount - bottled juices create a dull cocktail
A high-proof rye whiskey is essential to stand up to the citrus and grenadine
Double-strain for a smooth, professional presentation
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Ward 8.
Sweeter Ward 8
Increase grenadine to 1/2 oz for a more fruit-forward drink
Changes
Drier Ward 8
Reduce grenadine to a teaspoon to let the rye take center stage
Changes
Bourbon Ward 8
Substitutes bourbon for a sweeter, rounder drink with vanilla notes
Changes
Boston Sour
Adding egg white creates a silky foam head
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Ward Eight
Boston's most significant contribution to classic cocktail canon, a robust and nuanced riff on the Whiskey Sour. This testament to Gilded Age political history balances the spicy character of rye whiskey against bright citrus and the subtle complexity of real pomegranate grenadine.
Scofflaw
Prohibition Paris classic—peppery rye with dry vermouth, lemon, real grenadine, and orange bitters for a crisp, ruby sour.
Frozen Hurricane
The New Orleans storm turned slushy—rum, passion fruit, citrus, and grenadine blended with ice.