Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1 oz Light Cream
- Cola
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a glass filled with ice, pour the vodka, coffee liqueur, and light cream.
Add Cola:
- Top off the glass with cola.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Smith and Wesson cocktail is a more modern creation, or at least its popularity surged in the late 20th century. While some sources might attribute it to specific bars, its exact origin story isn't as clear cut as pre-Prohibition classics. It's a testament to the ongoing evolution of cocktail craft, likely emerging from American bars looking to expand on established whiskey templates.
This drink slots comfortably into the whiskey sour family, albeit with a Manhattan twist. Think of it as a cousin to a Scofflaw or a slightly sweeter, brighter Manhattan. The combination of rye, sweet vermouth, lemon, and grenadine sets it apart from simpler whiskey sours, adding layers of herbal notes and a rich fruitiness that most don't possess. It's a complex build that delivers on all fronts.
You'd find this in a good cocktail bar that appreciates a well-balanced rye drink, or certainly make it at home when you want something more interesting than a basic Old Fashioned. It's a solid choice for an evening drink, perhaps after dinner, or as a sophisticated starter to a night out. It's not a chugger, but a contemplative sipper.
What it tastes like
The Smith and Wesson leads with the spicy, robust character of rye whiskey, immediately softened by the rich, herbal sweetness of vermouth. The lemon juice cuts through with a tart brightness, preventing it from becoming cloying, while the grenadine adds a deep, fruity sweetness and a subtle tang. It finishes with a lingering warmth and a balanced sweet and sour profile.
With 1.5 oz of rye (around 40% ABV) and 1.5 oz of sweet vermouth (around 16% ABV), plus a touch of lemon and grenadine, this drink clocks in pretty strong. It's definitely more potent than your average beer, likely sitting in the range of a strong glass of wine or a double shot. Treat it with respect, it's a sipper, not a session drink.
The technique
Building a Smith and Wesson is straightforward. Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled, usually for about 15 seconds. Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or a similar stemmed glass. No garnish is strictly necessary, but a lemon peel expressed over the top adds a nice aromatic touch.
The key to this drink is achieving the right balance of sweet and sour. Don't skimp on the shake; it needs significant dilution and aeration to properly integrate the lemon and grenadine with the spirits. Over shaking is better than under shaking here to ensure that bright, integrated flavor.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Rye Whiskey
- Use
- Rittenhouse Rye, Old Overholt, Bulleit Rye. Anything with a good spice and backbone.
- Skip
- Smooth, sweet bourbons or lighter Irish whiskeys. They'll lose the necessary kick.
- Why
- Rye's spicy character is the foundation. It stands up to the vermouth and fruit without being overwhelmed.
Sweet Vermouth
- Use
- Dolin Rouge, Carpano Antica Formula, Martini & Rossi Rosso. A good quality, rich vermouth.
- Skip
- Dry vermouth or overly sweet, syrupy options. They'll throw off the balance.
- Why
- It provides herbal complexity and a crucial layer of sweetness and body that defines the drink's character.
Grenadine
- Use
- High-quality, real pomegranate grenadine like Liber & Co. or homemade.
- Skip
- Bright red, corn syrup based "cocktail syrup" that tastes like cherry candy.
- Why
- Authentic grenadine provides a tart, deep fruit note that is essential for the drink's balance and color, not just sweetness.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Scofflaw
- The OG rye, vermouth, and lemon combo.
- Similar in structure, but uses dry vermouth instead of sweet, plus grenadine and orange bitters. It's drier and a bit more assertive.
Manhattan
- The classic spirit forward cousin.
- Omits the lemon and grenadine entirely, focusing on rye or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It's a much boozier, less bright experience.
Ward Eight
- A whiskey sour with a grenadine twist.
- This variation uses bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine. It's fruitier and lacks the herbal depth of sweet vermouth.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a high-rye bourbon or a robust Canadian whisky. It won't be quite the same, but it'll get you close.
Try a small amount of an amaro like Averna, but be prepared for a different herbal profile. Or a dash of simple syrup with a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
Fresh lime juice can work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will shift towards a more tropical tang.
A dash of raspberry syrup or even a touch of red fruit liqueur like Chambord could stand in, but adjust for sweetness.
A chilled martini glass or even a small rocks glass will do. Presentation might be different, but the drink will still taste good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Smith and Wesson?
A Smith and Wesson cocktail contains rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine.
Is the Smith and Wesson a strong drink?
Yes, it's a spirit-forward cocktail with a significant amount of rye whiskey and sweet vermouth. It's stronger than a standard beer or glass of wine.
Why is it called Smith and Wesson?
The name is likely a playful nod to the iconic firearm manufacturer, perhaps suggesting a powerful or well-crafted drink. Its exact historical naming reason is not widely documented.
What does a Smith and Wesson cocktail taste like?
It tastes like a balanced blend of spicy rye whiskey, herbal sweet vermouth, tart lemon, and fruity sweetness from the grenadine. It's complex and refreshing.
Do I have to use rye whiskey?
While rye is traditional and recommended for its spicy character, you can use a high-rye bourbon for a slightly sweeter, smoother take on the drink.
Can I make a batch of Smith and Wesson?
Yes, you can pre-batch the rye, sweet vermouth, lemon juice, and grenadine. Store it chilled and then shake individual servings with ice just before serving.
What's the best way to garnish a Smith and Wesson?
A simple lemon peel, expressed over the drink and then dropped in, is the classic and most effective garnish.
Is the Smith and Wesson a shaken or stirred drink?
Due to the presence of citrus juice, the Smith and Wesson is a shaken cocktail. This properly chills, dilutes, and aerates the drink.
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