Blinker Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

The Blinker cocktail is a tart and biting classic from yesteryear.

I used to play in a rock ‘n’ roll band. Many, in fact, and for years. In New York City, and for about as long in Los Angeles, too. A few years back, I hung up my guitars, pedals and amps, settling for a life of comfort while staving off whatever hearing loss I’ve ended up with. I can’t stay away, it seems, because my friends are always pulling me back in to play in their bands, jumping in with them, and even getting offers to join. Playing music, especially live in front of a crowd full of jumping, sweaty people, is surprisingly tempting.

I always think back to one of my very last gigs, which was at the Knitting Factory here in L.A., opening for The Dollyrots. Having time between our set and theirs, I popped outside for a breath of fresh California air. One of the roadies was standing by the back door, coughing up a storm and doubling over from the effort of gasping for air. I went over to see if he was okay, and when he noticed me, he smiled, then started laughing.

“You took a blinker, didn’t you?” I asked cheekily. He nodded and continued coughing. Rock ‘n’ roll.

Tonight’s cocktail is coincidentally called the Blinker, and has nothing to do with modern colloquialisms, despite my assumptions and personal experience. It’s actually a decades-old classic, comprised of rye whiskey, grapefruit juice and grenadine. First appearing in print in the recipe book The Official Mixer’s Manual in 1934, the drink stayed under the radar through most of the twentieth century. The Blinker had a resurgence in 2004, however, when drinks historian Ted Haigh featured it in his book Vintage Spirits & Forgotten Cocktails.

What is the best whiskey to use in a Blinker Cocktail?

A spiced and smooth American rye whiskey, such as High West, Bulleit, Rittenhouse or Wild Turkey, will bring a nice heat on the finish, along with a satisfying sting with every sip. The peppery notes of cinnamon, vanilla and oak will meld nicely with the tart and dry flavor of the grapefruit, and the sweetness that cuts through courtesy of the grenadine.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Chill a cocktail coupe in your freezer for up to 30 minutes, then prep and pour your drink in. Garnish with a twist of grapefruit, after expressing its oils over your glass.

What is the best grapefruit juice to use?

There are plenty of popular brands available at your local grocery store, along with grapefruit mixers as well. Our recipe suggests using either a pink or white variety of juice for your concoction.

Similar cocktails to the Blinker

Are you a big fan of grapefruit juice and the robust and tangy sweetness the fruity liquid offers? Do you like a tipple that favors those vibes? Then you’ll probably want to try out some of the drinks listed below, if you haven’t had the pleasure already.

• Sake Grapefruit Cocktail – Gin and sake join forces along with grapefruit juice and club soda.
• Ruby – Fresh, fruity and floral, this grapefruit-tinged drink is a refreshing favorite.
• Papa Doble – Ernest Hemingway’s preferred version of the classic Daiquiri, featuring grapefruit juice.
• Cantarito – A delicious blend of tequila, citrus and grapefruit juices.