The Updated Whiskey Sour: Blood and Sand

Perhaps you’ve never heard of this 4-part cocktail. And for good reason: The whisky is well and good, but stacked against the cloying throuple of sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering and orange juice, it loses its appeal, and the resulting mix is, to put it politely, uninspiring. 

Back in 2017 I found myself working in a bar with a Blood and Sand on the menu. I never recommended it and I rarely took an order for one. But that doesn’t mean I ignored it! In an attempt to liven up my slower moments, I began to tinker. First with the proportions. Surely if I adjusted the vermouth…? Nope. A different whisky? Nu-uh. Well, Dad didn’t raise no quitter, so I rolled up the sleeves of my white barman’s coat — achieving a very badass Miami Vice vibe, if I do say so — and threw a Hail Mary. Lemon juice. Just a dash. TOUCHDOWN! It was the Whiskey Sour I always wanted: complex, rich, f**king delicious. As my father always says, “When life gives you lemons, add the juice to a previously unbalanced cocktail to showcase the ingredients better!” Or something like that.