The Blinker

Today we take you back to 1934 and into the pages of Patrick Duffy’s The Official Mixers Manual and an all but lost cocktail, The Blinker.  It is a simple variation on a Whiskey Sour using Rye and grapefruit juice then nudged with a bit of grenadine.  It is such a delicious combination we cannot understand how it became lost in time.  Key to the results is the use of well-made grenadine syrup, so we have included our recipe for it as well.

The Blinker

In a shaker glass filled with ice add:

• 2 Ounces Rye Whiskey
• 1 Ounce Fresh Grapefruit Juice
• ¼ Ounce Real Grenadine*

Shake and strain into a stemmed cocktail coupe.  Garnish with a twist of grapefruit rind.  

*How to Make Real Grenadine

• 1 Quart Pomegranate Juice
• 2 Cups Demerara Sugar (plain white will do)
• 2 Dashes Rose Flower Water (Optional)

Bring Pomegranate Juice and Sugar (Rose Flower Water) to a Boil.  Reduce Heat, Cover and Simmer for 15 Minutes.  Let cool and put into a sealed glass bottle.  Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.