Complex, compelling, and with more than a bit of contrarian attitude evident in the ingredient list, Honest John Sarsaparilla Bitters recall dusty mining town boardwalks, swinging saloon doors, and brassy barkeeps of yore. This crazy-like-a-fox combination of various roots (sassafras, sarsaparilla, licorice, and dandelion, to name a few) is the foundation for a surprisingly versatile bitters with notes of spearmint, wild cherry, ginger, and star anise. Some might even say it has sweet base notes recalling raisin and dried stone fruits, but we’re not ones to quibble over such details. Sarsaparilla Bitters are best paired with similarly audacious spirits, such as rye whiskey, bourbon, or rum.

Made With Organic Herbs & Spices Sourced From Our Home—The Mountain West

Suggested Cocktail

While we’d like to think that the original “scofflaw” came from the wild, wild West, the term didn’t actually arise until Prohibition. When celebrating Repeal Day (December 5, 1933), we raise a glass to those “lawless drinkers” who kept their spirits up during The Noble Experiment by imbibing the cocktail coined in their honor.  

Scofflaw

1.5 oz. Rye Whiskey

1 oz. Dry Vermouth

0.5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

0.5 oz. Grenadine

2 dashes Honest John Sarsaparilla Bitters

Garnish Pomegranate Arils (optional, not traditional)

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake until tin is frosty. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a few pomegranate arils.