Cocktail Liberty — The Sic Semper Tyrannis
Latin for “thus always to tyrants,” Sic Semper Tyrannis is the motto of the state of Virginia, where Ms. Cocktail Den and I live. It is also the name of my original creation, a finalist in the #VA250 Spirit of Virginia Cocktail Contest. The Sic Semper Tyrannis is a great way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
2 ounces American whiskey
.5 ounces applejack
.5 ounces honey syrup
.25 ounces lemon juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Combine in a shaker with ice, shake freely and energetically, and strain into a chilled glass.
Originally the base of the Sic Semper Tyrannis was composed of two Virginia spirits: KO Distilling’s Bare Knuckle Straight Wheat Whiskey and Laird’s Applejack (produced in Virginia). For the whiskey, you can use bourbon (part of my E Pluribus Unum, another American themed cocktail), rye (part of the Old Pal), or something else. Just try to use an American spirit. There’s really no substitute for the applejack, featured in cocktails such as the Hawaiian Room and the Jersey Girl. It’s easy to make or get the other ingredients. Put them all together and what do you have? A flavorful cocktail for people who hate tyrants and believe in democracy, republics, and/or democratic republics.
Free yourself from the tyranny of cocktail mediocrity, and have a Sic Semper Tyrannis.