Rattlesnake

There's no snakes in Ireland, so the legend of St. Patrick says. I also think it has something to do with Irish Whiskey. There are no Rattlesnakes because the people drank them all.

This specific recipe is a Rattlesnake #1 of maybe five very similar concoctions. Irish whiskey is an appropriate choice, since blended whiskey is needed to keep the flavors milder than the bite of rye or the vanilla of Bourbon. Rattlesnakes are very old American cocktails, way back in a time when almost all American whiskey was bootleg and rum and brandy were more commonly used for cocktails. Irish whiskey was available for those 18th century drinkers who knew about it, however, and it was well regarded by bartenders like Jerry Thomas.

The drinks is basically a traditional sour with egg white and flavored with anise spirit--an amazing combo if done in moderation. It is more relaxed, however, in its being served on the rocks instead of neat in a Sour glass.

• 1 1/2 oz. blended whiskey (Proper Twelve Irish whiskey used)
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. sugar syrup
• 1/2 egg white (or one whole egg white for 2 drinks)
• several dashes Pernod (Ricard used)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a chilled Old Fashioned glass.