Cocktail Moment: Improved Whiskey Cocktail

[Adapted from the show script]

At the end of a stunning week, here’s how you make an Improved Whiskey Cocktail.  

This is a Jerry Thomas drink that dates back to the 1870s. A 19th century “whiskey cocktail” is what we now call an Old Fashioned: whiskey with sugar and bitters. An improved whiskey cocktail is that, but with the addition of two other sweetening agents in very small proportions.

First:

• Swirl absinthe in glass, throw out the absinthe and fill the glass with ice

In mixing glass:

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• ¼ oz. simple syrup (sugar water)
• ¼ oz. Maraschino
• 2 oz. bonded rye

Add ice to the mixing glass and stir.

Strain into your prepared glass.

Add a lemon twist to the drink as a garnish.