What type of glass should I use?

A coupe or cocktail glass is traditional. Its shallow bowl accentuates the aroma and keeps the drink looking elegant and inviting.

Can I substitute the rye whiskey with bourbon?

You can use bourbon, but the drink will lose some of its characteristic spice and edge. Rye is preferred for its dryness and assertiveness, but bourbon makes for a slightly sweeter version.

What’s the difference between homemade and store-bought grenadine?

Homemade grenadine (made from pomegranate juice and sugar) delivers a fresher, more vibrant flavor and is less sweet than most commercial brands, which often contain artificial flavors and corn syrup. If possible, go homemade for the best results.

Is the Twelve Mile Limit very strong?

It’s certainly spirit-forward thanks to the trio of base liquors, but the lemon juice and grenadine keep it balanced and approachable. It’s bold, but not overpowering.

Twelve Mile Limit

Name: Twelve Mile Limit
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 1 oz Rye whiskey; 0.5 oz White rum; 0.5 oz Brandy; 0.5 oz Lemon juice; 0.5 oz Grenadine

The Twelve Mile Limit is a punchy, classic Prohibition-era cocktail that masterfully blends whiskey, rum, brandy, and grenadine for a tart, complex, and incredibly sippable drink. With a vibrant pink hue and a bold character, this cocktail is a testament to the creativity born from the roaring 1920s’ speakeasy culture.

5 minutesMedium1 serving

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Ingredients

1 serving

Rye whiskey
30 ml (1 oz)
Use a good-quality rye for spice
White rum
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Unaged rum works best
Brandy
15 ml (0.5 oz)
A mild, smooth brandy
Lemon juice
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Freshly squeezed for brightness
Grenadine
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Preferably homemade or high-quality

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Fine strainer
Hawthorne strainer
Cocktail glass (coupe or Nick & Nora)

Instructions

Chill your cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
Add rye whiskey, white rum, brandy, lemon juice, and grenadine to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
Double strain the mixture into your chilled cocktail glass to ensure a smooth pour.
Garnish and serve immediately.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Balanced blend of three spirits for a nuanced flavor
Vibrant and visually appealing
Rich history and a great conversation starter
Perfect balance of tartness and sweetness
Ideal for both adventurous beginners and seasoned cocktail lovers

History & Origin

The Twelve Mile Limit was created during Prohibition, a time when creativity in cocktails flourished out of necessity. Named after the 1920s law that extended America’s no-booze zone from three to twelve nautical miles offshore, this drink symbolizes the rebellious spirit of those who sought good times despite the restrictions. The recipe is credited to Tommy Rowe of New York’s famed Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar, and it’s considered a riff on the earlier Three Mile Limit cocktail, but with more complexity and potency.

Garnish

Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink before dropping it in. This adds a fresh citrus aroma and a pop of color that elevates the cocktail’s presentation.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 170 calories per serving. Contains alcohol, carbohydrates from grenadine, and vitamin C from lemon juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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