Jack Daniel's Drinks: 4 Drink Ideas From a Bartender

by Myscha Theriault

For inside tips on Jack Daniel's drinks, we talked to Renato Ziraschi, the bar manager at SD26 Wine Bar and Lounge. Located near Madison Square Park in New York, SD26 is a sleek yet casual Italian eatery.

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Renato Ziraschi's Picks

Jack e Regina
Jill's Addiction
La Verita
Wise Guy

Jack e Regina

Jack e Regina Photo: Courtesy of SD26

How do you make it?

JACK E REGINA
1 1/2 ounces Jack Daniel's
3/4 ounce Tuaca (an Italian vanilla-flavored liqueur)
1/2 ounce quince lemon syrup
1 dash of lime muddled with mint

I serve it in a rocks glass over ice topped with a splash of soda water and garnished with fresh mint.

How would you describe its taste?

The Jack e Regina is a bit more complex than other cocktails. It has refreshing hints of mint, lemon-lime, marmalade and dried fruits.

When is it best to drink?

This is definitely a summer cocktail.

Who drinks it?

Anyone who enjoys mojitos will enjoy this cocktail.

Jill's Addiction

Jill's Addiction Photo: Courtesy of SD26

How do you make it?

JILL'S ADDICTION
2 ounces Jack Daniel's
1 ounce apricot nectar
1 dash tamarind syrup
Float of prosecco

Serve in a martini glass and garnish with a pear wheel.

How would you describe its taste?

Jill's Addiction is a fruity, fizzy cocktail that's refreshingly light with seasonal fruits and acidity.

When is it best to drink?

Jill's Addiction is most assuredly a springtime cocktail.

Who drinks it?

Women love it. It's definitely a ladies' drink.

La Verita

La Verita Photo: Courtesy of SD26

How do you make it?

LA VERITA
1 1/2 ounces Jack Daniel's
1/2 ounce maple syrup
1 dash bitters
1 dash black pepper

Serve this drink on the rocks with a lemon wheel.

How would you describe its taste?

Meaning "the truth" in Italian, La Verita has been the SD26 signature cocktail since we opened. It's a fruit-forward beverage with syrupy sweetness balanced by a hint of bitters and black pepper.

When is it best to drink?

La Verita is a solid, year-round cocktail.

Who drinks it?

This is definitely a masculine drink appreciated more by our male customers.

Wise Guy

Wise Guy Photo: Courtesy of SD26

How do you make it?

WISE GUY
2 ounces Jack Daniel's
1 ounce Antica formula vermouth
1/4 ounce Grand Marnier
1/4 ounce lime juice
1 dash of Fee Brothers rhubarb bitters.

Serve it in a martini glass and garnish with an orange twist.

How would you describe its taste?

The Wise Guy is citrusy and warm. It's definitely refreshing but brings a complexity as the bitters and lime juice tingle on the tongue.

When is it best to drink?

This is definitely an after-5 p.m. drink, but you can enjoy it any time of year.

Who drinks it?

Why, wise guys of course. Old or young, most men enjoy this drink.

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Photo: Renato Ziraschi

Renato Ziraschi

SD26
SD26, 19 East 26th Street, New York, NY

What are your favorite Jack Daniel's drinks?

My favorite? Neat or on the rocks. I'm a purist when it comes to spirits.

What are your customers’ favorite Jack Daniel's drinks, and has this changed at all in recent years?

The two top requests for Jack Daniel's drinks these days are Jack and Cokes and Manhattans. Whiskey cocktails are not asked for as frequently as they used to be. Dark whiskey is no longer a big seller either. Most people, young people especially, are drinking white spirits like vodka these days. My feeling is that this is caused by marketing. When people think of cocktails, they think of flavorless spirits.