What was the liquor with the rock candy?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

Oh, rock and rye, what a peculiar drink! I remember the first time I heard its name, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. It sounded like something out of a bygone era, a concoction from a time when unique and unusual drinks were the norm. And boy, was I right!

Rock and rye is a delightful blend of citrus and rye whiskey, sweetened with crystallized sugar, or as some folks call it, rock candy. The combination of the sharp, spicy flavors of rye whiskey with the tangy citrus notes creates a truly unique taste experience.

But what really sets rock and rye apart is the addition of the crystallized sugar. It adds a touch of sweetness to the drink, balancing out the bold flavors of the whiskey and citrus. The rock candy slowly dissolves in the drink, infusing it with a subtle sweetness that lingers on the palate.

Now, I must admit, rock and rye isn’t a drink that you’ll find on every cocktail menu. It’s more of a niche drink, one that harkens back to a time when homemade remedies and tonics were all the rage. In fact, rock and rye was once touted as a medicinal elixir, believed to soothe coughs and sore throats. While I can’t vouch for its medicinal properties, I can say that it sure is a tasty treat.

I remember the first time I tried a rock and rye cocktail. The bartender mixed up a concoction of rye whiskey, fresh citrus juices, and a generous helping of rock candy. As I took my first sip, I was greeted with a burst of citrus flavors, followed by the warmth and spice of the rye whiskey. The sweetness from the rock candy was subtle, just enough to take the edge off the whiskey without overpowering the drink.

Since that first sip, I’ve come to appreciate the unique charm of rock and rye. It’s a drink that’s both nostalgic and refreshing, with a flavor profile that’s unlike anything else I’ve tried. It’s become my go-to choice when I’m looking for something a little different, a little adventurous.

Now, it’s worth noting that rock and rye isn’t something you’ll find on every liquor store shelf. It’s a bit of a specialty item, and you may need to do some searching to track it down. But trust me, it’s well worth the effort.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own rock and rye at home. Just combine your favorite rye whiskey with some freshly squeezed citrus juices, and add in a handful of rock candy. Let it all mingle together for a while, allowing the flavors to meld and the rock candy to dissolve. Then, sit back, relax, and savor the unique taste of this peculiar drink.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something a little different, why not give rock and rye a try? It’s a delightful blend of citrus and rye whiskey, sweetened with the magical touch of crystallized sugar. Cheers to the peculiar and wonderful world of rock and rye!