Rye Cocktails: The 1794

Originally set for the Boulevardier, this week has taken a twist. As I began to sip the Boulevardier my mind began to wander, what if this were made with rye whisky? Being the inquisitive type I began to mix my thought inspired cocktail. Next came the research, first listening to my tongue and lips, then searching online.

Have you ever heard of a cocktail by the name of 1794? Neither had I. Somewhere between 2005 and 2016 Dominic Venegas was working at Range in San Francisco and more than likely had an experience similar to myself, only he got the credit for creating the drink. What is with the name you ask? It was named after the whisky rebellion of 1794 when a group around Pennsylvania rebelled against the taxation of distilled spirits put in place in 1791.

The 1794 is an interesting drink that truly provides an intriguing blend of sweet, tang and strength. For anyone not familiar with Campari, it has a tendency to surprise the unknowing with its’ signature tangy punch. In the hands of a well educated bar back Campari can blend excellently into a cocktail such as the 1794.

The Cocktail:

Ingredients:

2 oz. rye whisky

1 oz. Campari

1 ½ oz. sweet vermouth

Directions:

Stir all ingredients over ice in a shaker tin until adequate dilution is achieved. (About 20 -30 turns of the spoon)

Strain over ice into a rocks glass or straight into a martini glass.

Optionally garnish with orange zest or twist.

This not so well known cocktail is sure to only grow as the drink enters the minds, and mouths, of cocktail connoisseurs everywhere. A great cocktail is all about balance, and this one has it. With whisky’s growth in popularity in recent times it is only fitting that there are modern takes and mixology masters out there conjuring up new concoctions with whisky. What’s next, only time will tell.