IWSA Scofflaw - Irish Whiskey Cocktail

The Scofflaw is a famous Prohibition era whiskey cocktail created in direct response to the controversial anti-drinking law. Prohibition went into effect on January 17, 1919, making the USA "dry" until its appeal in 1933. Ironically, it has now become trendy for some to participate in "dry" January, not as an ode to Prohibition, but as a" break from holiday over-indulgence. Those who like to go against trend and imbibe in January should gladly enjoy this cocktail for what it represents.

Despite its intentions, Prohibition did not eliminate drinking and instead spawned organized crime and speakeasies. Led by anti-saloon league and temperance movement leader Delcevare King, a Boston banker,  a public contest sponsored by the Boston Herald newspaper was held to shame violators of Prohibition. A $200 prize was rewarded for the creation of the best derogatory term, resulting in "scofflaw". While the term may not have achieved its desired intent, it did receive national attention (25,000 submissions) leading to the invention of a new cocktail in its honor. Created at legendary Harry's New York Bar in Paris, the Scofflaw became a popular whiskey cocktail during Prohibition. The IWSA version uses Irish Rye as the whiskey base.