This winter sipper is named after Brooklyn bar owner Alla Lapushchik’s friend’s dog. Lapushchik—who owns the horse racing themed OTB (off-track betting)—later learned that the dog was named after Ruffian, a champion American racehorse from the 1970s. Now an ode to two four-legged beasts, this cocktail is an all-American sour mix of rye whiskey, Applejack, lemon, thyme-infused syrup and a splash of absinthe.
The Ruffian
Alla Lapushchik, OTB | Brooklyn, NY
Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 ounce rye
- 3/4 ounce Applejack
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce thyme syrup (see Editor's Note)
- 1 dash absinthe (preferably Pernod)
Garnish: sprig of thyme
Directions
- Add a dash of absinthe to a rocks glass, and roll around to coat. Discard and set aside.
- Add remaining ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain over ice into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Editor's Note
Add 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water and 4 to 5 thyme sprigs to a saucepan. Simmer until sugar dissolves and discard thyme sprigs. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.