Frontier Justice is a tribute to Fort Smith, Arkansas, once nicknamed Hell on the Border and its colorful history as a gateway to the west. When established in 1817 whiskey was cheaper than milk, coffee or tea and consumed accordingly.
The city was a rowdy home base for U.S. Marshals tasked with bringing criminal fugitives from Oklahoma territory to justice. There, in Hanging Judge Parker’s courtroom he administered the ultimate punishment at the gallows.
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. 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