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.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Preparation
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
