WWDDD being the acronym for the pop culture reference to What Would Donald Draper Do?, or in this case, What Would Donald Draper Drink?
Donald Draper prefers the darker spirits like scotch, bourbon, and rye, and generally orders an Old Fashioned, but today he’s having a Whiskey Buck. An ideal cool weather cocktail, the Whiskey Buck’s big ginger flavor and bright citrus notes pairs perfectly with the sweet, warm caramel tones and deep smoky palate of aged bourbon.
Buck and mule, are slightly antiquated names for a family of historic mixed drinks that involve ginger ale or ginger beer, citrus juice, and a variety of spirits. Revived interest in “historic cocktails” may be attributed to disenchantment with the times, a desire to return to what we view as simpler days, the cultural phenomenon surrounding AMC Network’s Mad Men, baby boomer nostalgia, or simply the need for a good stiff drink.
To quote Sam Jacobs who, two years ago, wrote about Mad Men being the catalyst for proper cocktails:
“For many years bartenders got away with mixing rum and Coke, vodka and tonic, Apple-tinis, and the vile Red Bull mixed with anything, calling them cocktails, and the public accepted this. The past few years, however have given way to the term Mixologist; glorified bartenders who specialize in the resurgence of the classic, proper cocktail as well as many new classically inspired concoctions. The popularity of Mad Men has undoubtedly been a major catalyst in the cocktail revolution, and personally I couldn’t be more grateful.”
To set the mood, a vintage cocktail server from my small collection of retro barware; like Don Draper, I have no problem drinking alone – but this classy tortoise-shell circa 1960’s tray offers service for 6 – so drop by sometime 🙂
Whiskey Buck
For Ginger Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoon Meyer lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
Heat water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar, stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, add lemon juice and ginger and steep for a few minutes. Strain through cheesecloth to remove the ginger pulp. Cool mixture.
Makes 1 cup of ginger syrup, enough for several cocktails.
For the Whiskey Buck:
Old Fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass or lowball glass)
crushed or pellet ice
2 oz. Maker’s Mark or your favorite bourbon
top with ginger syrup
Garnish with slivers of lime and lemon peel
Cheers to Friday, friends! In case you haven’t seen the WWDDD flowchart by The Oatmeal, click on the screenshot – laughing is good for your health 🙂
No need to drink alone – I’ll be right over! 😉 This looks like just the drink for a chilly winter’s day, and as my addiction to Mad Men deepens I enjoy learning more and more about historic drinks.
Priscilla, you and Barb are getting me virtually plastered lol I love the gingery edge to this cocktail. It can make you happy and cure anything that ails you, all at once 🙂 It look lovely!
couldn’t of said it better myself! love the glasses, invite me over if you ever get lonely drinking alone… happy holidays
Okay, the drink sounds fantastic…but I’m coming over just to have a drink from that vintage barware. It’s gorgeous!!!!
I agree with Lisa, lol. After visiting Barb’s site and now yours…I better slow down;)Love your vintage set and this classic drink is one I’d love to try. Look delicious:)
Love that vintage drink serving set…the cocktail has a fun name.
I am not much of a whiskey drinker, but probably because I have not tried it like this…I’m in 🙂
Hope you are having a great weekend…hugs
Please tell me you know where to get those tortoishell whiskey tumblers????
Hi Justine – Thanks for admiring the tumblers 🙂 The set is a one of a kind – I’ve never seen another. It’s part of my vintage barware collection and I bought it quite awhile back in Scottsdale, AZ – I think…