Ward Eight: Boston’s Political Power Drink

In 1898, as political boss Martin Lomasney clinched a controversial victory in Boston’s eighth ward, the Locke-Ober Café unveiled a drink to match the era’s intrigue—the Ward Eight. This crimson-hued cocktail became liquid shorthand for raw political power.

The Ward Eight is a Whiskey Sour variation that marries Boston’s political history with bold flavors. Named after the city’s eighth voting district—a Democratic stronghold where Martin Lomasney ruled for decades—it combines Rye Whiskey, Fresh Lemon Juice, Fresh Orange Juice, and Grenadine into a drink as complex as the backroom deals that inspired it.

Visually striking with its ruby-red colour (courtesy of pomegranate-based grenadine), it’s traditionally served in a Coupe Glass garnished with Maraschino Cherries. The taste profile swings from sharp lemon tang to orange sweetness, grounded by rye’s peppery warmth and grenadine’s berry depth. At 20-25% ABV, it’s stronger than a Cosmopolitan but smoother than a straight Bourbon.

Preparation requires moderate skill: balancing citrus juices against grenadine’s sweetness while letting Rye Whiskey shine. Originally made with homemade grenadine, modern versions often use artisanal syrups. Served straight-up without ice, it’s ideal for election night parties, historical reenactments, or autumnal gatherings paired with roasted meats.

Though absent from the IBA’s official list, it’s Boston’s undisputed cocktail ambassador. Its cultural footprint includes a 1949 film cameo where a character orders it with the line: ‘Three fingers of bourbon and a beer chaser.’