Paulius Musteikis
The now-famous Blinker cocktail first appeared in Patrick Gavin Duffy’s The Official Mixer’s Manual in 1934, its origin unknown. Then in 2009, drink historian Ted Haigh revived and improved the recipe. Haigh substituted raspberry syrup for grenadine, and the switch brought the drink alive — the mix of raspberry (1 teaspoon), grapefruit (1 ounce) and rye whiskey (2 ounces) is now considered classic.
The Blinker is one of the primary fruit-forward drinks that rye whiskey lovers imbibe, of a short list of combinations like the Scofflaw, the Ward 8 and the Derby. The key for rye aficionados is the spicy, assertive flavor imparted by the grain. Paired with fruit, it’s magic.
At Waypoint Public House, 320 W. Broadway in Monona, the Blinker is part of a tight cocktail list featuring other classics like the Boulevardier and the Gold Rush. It’s made with grapefruit liqueur instead of fresh juice, making the drink a bit sweet, but the appeal of the combination is the same. Try it with a burger, where the whiskey and the raspberry play off the fats in the beef to remarkable effect. The cocktail is a great segue into rich, winter flavors, and if you’re not a rye fan already, you’ll be converted.