Bootlegger's Handshake

The speakeasy bartenders of the 1920s were artists working with a brutally honest canvas: rotgut liquor that could strip paint. Their solution? Layer on the good stuff until something magical emerged. The Bootlegger's Handshake takes that spirit of creative desperation and turns it into something you'd actually want to drink, even with today's quality spirits. This cocktail hits you with complexity right from the first sip. Rye's peppery bite forms the backbone, while maraschino liqueur brings that distinctive cherry-almond sweetness that defined pre-Prohibition cocktails. The absinthe doesn't just whisper, it speaks up with herbal, anise-forward confidence. Then crème de violette floats in with its purple-hued floral notes, softening the edges just enough. Fresh lemon juice cuts through all that richness, keeping everything bright and balanced instead of cloying. Pour this when you want a cocktail with stories to tell. It's bold enough for a nightcap, interesting enough to impress cocktail nerds, and surprisingly approachable despite the ingredient list. Give it a shake and taste a little liquid history.