The Blinker
The Blinker: A Forgotten Prohibition-Era Sour
The Blinker cocktail first appeared in Patrick Gavin Duffy's The Official Mixer's Manual in 1934, published just after Prohibition ended. The drink represents the American bartending style of the early 1930s, when grapefruit juice was becoming popular in cocktails, according to Punch.
The cocktail's name likely references the drink's pink color from the grenadine, which resembles an old automobile turn signal or "blinker" light. Some historians suggest the name could relate to the eye-squinting tartness of grapefruit juice, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Blinker belongs to the family of whiskey sours that incorporate fruit juices beyond lemon and lime. Grapefruit's bitterness and acidity pair naturally with rye's spice, while grenadine adds sweetness and color without overwhelming the citrus.
The drink fell into obscurity after the 1940s but experienced revival during the craft cocktail movement of the 2000s. Modern bartenders rediscovered the Blinker's simple formula and appreciated how fresh grapefruit juice creates a more interesting alternative to standard whiskey sours. The cocktail remains popular among enthusiasts who value pre-Prohibition and Prohibition-era recipes.
RECIPE:
2 oz rye whiskey
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 oz grenadine (preferably homemade)
Grapefruit twist for garnish (optional)
Method:
Add rye whiskey, grapefruit juice, and grenadine to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with grapefruit twist if desired.