This cocktail was first made on a Tuesday with the namesake song from the Rolling Stones playing in the background. When the drink was strained into a cocktail glass and its vibrant ruby beauty came to life, we said in unison, “Ruby Tuesday.” This cocktail combines 101-proof straight rye whiskey, Benedictine, fresh black cherry purée, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Rye whiskey is the native spirit of the northern United States, where rye grains grow in abundance. The spirit was traditionally matured in new American oak barrels and bottled at least 50 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) or 100-proof. Its raw nature, combined with slightly sweet overtones and the herbal infusion of Benedictine, give this cocktail a beautiful long, lingering finish. It is a perfect representative of such classy whiskey cocktails as the Frisco Sour.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　1 1/2 ounces Wild Turkey 101-proof rye whiskey

　　1 ounce Benedictine

　　3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

　　1/2 ounce simple syrup (page 154)

　　3/4 ounce Boiron black cherry purée or 5 ripe black cherries, muddled

　　1 lemon twist, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Pour the whiskey, Benedictine, juice, syrup, and purée into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the lemon twist.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: ripe black cherries with a whiskey nose

　　

Step 3

Body: full, rich mouthfeel

　　

Step 4

Dryness: medium

　　

Step 5

Complexity: medium

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: bold contrasts among fruit, whiskey, and Benedictine’s honey and herbs

　　

Step 7

Finish: long, honeyed with tannic cherry skin overtones

　　

Step 8

Glass: cocktail

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.