Frontier Justice is a tribute to Fort Smith, Arkansas, once infamously dubbed Hell on the Border and its colorful history as a gateway to the west. Established in 1817 Fort Smith quickly earned a reputation as a rough-and-tumble frontier town. In those early days, whiskey flowed freely, cheaper than milk, coffee, or tea, and consumed in generous measure by its hardy inhabitants.
The city served as a gritty headquarters for U.S. Marshals charged with the dangerous task of capturing fugitives in the Oklahoma Territory. These lawmen brought their prisoners to Fort Smith, where justice awaited in the courtroom of “Hanging Judge” Isaac Parker. Known for his stern rulings, Parker presided over numerous trials, many of which ended at the gallows—a grim reminder of the law’s reach even on the edge of civilization.
Present-Day Frontier Justice
There’s only one spirit for this cocktail that fits our historical narrative, and that’s whiskey. Using that guiding principle I imagineered the first mixed drink served at Miss Laura’s Social Club in the red light district.
Distilled spirits, including applejack and whiskey were crafted in the colonial era and came along for the ride as our country grew westward. Molasses, raw sugar and apples were abundant and bitters balanced the sweetness. These flavors marry well for a bold, but delicious cocktail honoring the history of Fort Smith and Arkansas Bourbon. Print
Frontier Justice
Arkansas Bourbon, apple brandy, apple juice, molasses syrup and bitters
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rocktown Bottled in Bond 100 proof Bourbon
- 1 big pinch raw turbinado sugar
- 1/4 oz molasses syrup
- 3/4 oz apple juice
- 1/4 oz apple brandy
- 1 dash peychaud’s bitters
- Dried apple chip – Garnish
Instructions
- Place a big pinch of raw sugar in a double rocks glass and fill with ice cubes
- Combine the bourbon, molasses syrup, apple brandy, apple juice and bitters in an ice filled shaker and shake until cold
- Strain and pour over the ice filled rocks glass and garnish with a dried apple chip