Guns of the Free

This modern classic from The Dead Rabbit in NYC is a sophisticated take on a whiskey sour. It balances the spicy, fruity character of Redbreast Irish whiskey with the nutty sweetness of pistachio orgeat and the rich fruitiness of apricot liqueur. Bright lemon juice provides the sour element, while a subtle rinse of absinthe adds an intriguing aromatic complexity, creating a layered and memorable drinking experience.
Guns of the Free

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Guns of the Free is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It is a sophisticated, shaken drink that belongs to the "sour" family of cocktails, though with significant complexity and unique ingredients that set it apart.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward drink served cold and straight up in a chilled, absinthe-rinsed coupe glass. Its alcohol content is moderate but present, making for a satisfying, well-balanced sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (pre-dilution)
Alcohol content
Estimated 22-26% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled, Absinthe-rinsed

Backstory

Created by Jack McGarry at the famed New York City bar, The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, a bar renowned for its historical depth and award-winning cocktail programs. The drink's name is a reference to a slogan used by the Irish Volunteers, a nationalist military organization founded in the early 20th century. This reflects the bar's deep-rooted Irish-American theme and its practice of creating historically-inspired, intricate cocktails.
Origin
Created by Jack McGarry at The Dead Rabbit bar in New York City, USA, during the early 2010s.

Guns of the Free

The drink is consistently known by its original name, "Guns of the Free," which was bestowed upon it at its creation. There are no widely recognized alternative names or aliases for this modern classic cocktail.
Original name
Guns of the Free
Alternative name
No common alternative names

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex aroma of anise and citrus, leading to a silky-smooth palate where nutty pistachio, rich apricot, and whiskey spice are perfectly balanced. The finish is long and warming with lingering herbal and nutty notes.
Flavor
Nutty, whiskey spice, apricot, citrus, subtle anise, sweet
Aroma
Anise, lemon zest, pistachio, whiskey, orchard fruit
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Long, warming, nutty, herbal, fruity
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Hazy, pale gold, light straw
Texture
Silky, smooth, rich
Seasonality
All-season, refreshing yet complex

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense, with a harmonious balance between the sweetness of the liqueurs, the tartness of the lemon, and the distinct character of the Irish whiskey. It is a still, non-carbonated drink with a noticeable but well-integrated alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This drink requires a specific single pot still Irish whiskey, quality apricot liqueur, unique pistachio orgeat, fresh lemon juice, and an absinthe rinse. The quality of each ingredient, particularly the pistachio orgeat, is crucial to achieving the intended flavor profile.
  • Pernod Absinthe1 bar spoon (approx. 5 ml / 0.17 oz)
    For rinsing the glass. Another high-quality absinthe can be substituted.
  • Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    The original recipe calls for this specific single pot still Irish whiskey for its characteristic spice and fruit notes.
  • Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A high-quality apricot liqueur is essential; avoid overly sweet, artificial-tasting brands.
  • Pistachio Orgeat22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Can be homemade or store-bought. This is a key flavor component that distinguishes the drink.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and proper balance.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and both a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer for a smooth, ice-free texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement of liquids.
  • Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh strainer for double straining.

Instructions

The method involves first preparing the coupe glass by chilling and rinsing it with absinthe. Then, shake the main ingredients with ice, double-strain for a smooth texture, and garnish with a lemon twist.
1. Chill a coupe glass, either by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Discard the ice from the chilled glass. Pour the bar spoon of absinthe into the glass and swirl it around to coat the entire inner surface, then discard the excess liquid.
3. Add the Irish whiskey, apricot liqueur, pistachio orgeat, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice and seal it tightly. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the prepared, absinthe-rinsed coupe glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink, and squeeze it to express its citrus oils onto the surface. Place the twist on the rim of the glass for garnish.

Garnishing

The cocktail is traditionally finished with a fresh lemon twist; expressing its oils over the drink is a critical step to enhance the aroma.
  • Lemon twist to express aromatic oils over the drink's surface and place on the glass rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail contains nuts (pistachio) and is unsuitable for those with nut allergies. It may not be considered fully gluten-free due to the whiskey base, though distillation removes most gluten proteins. It is dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail carries a moderate calorie count, stemming from both the alcohol and the significant sugar content in the apricot liqueur and pistachio orgeat. It is a relatively sweet and caloric drink for its size.
Calories
Averagely 230-270 kcal / 962-1130 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 18-22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 16-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfectly suited for a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a conversation piece at a social gathering. Its unique profile also makes it an excellent choice for home bartenders looking to explore modern craft cocktails.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Social Gathering
  • Craft Cocktail Exploration

Pairing suggestions

This cocktail's complexity pairs wonderfully with savory and rich foods. It is an excellent companion to a charcuterie or cheese board, as the salty and fatty notes of cured meats and aged cheeses contrast beautifully with the drink's sweet and sour profile. Nuts and dried fruit also complement its inherent flavors.
  • Sharp aged cheeses
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats
  • Roasted nuts and dried apricots

Guns of the Free: A Modern Irish Whiskey Masterpiece

The Guns of the Free is a testament to modern craft bartending, hailing from the world-renowned Dead Rabbit bar in New York City. It masterfully reinvents the classic whiskey sour by incorporating unique, high-quality ingredients like single pot still Irish whiskey and house-made pistachio orgeat. The resulting cocktail is a beautifully balanced symphony of nutty, fruity, and spicy notes, all brought together by a haunting anise aroma from an absinthe rinse. It is an exceptional choice for discerning drinkers who appreciate layered flavors and a compelling story behind their drink.

Similar Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

The foundational template. The Guns of the Free is a complex evolution, adding apricot liqueur and pistachio orgeat instead of simple syrup, plus an absinthe rinse.

Amaretto Sour

Another famous nutty sour. An Amaretto Sour uses amaretto for its almond flavor and often lacks a base spirit, whereas this is whiskey-based with a distinct pistachio profile.

Japanese Cocktail

A classic cocktail that also combines a spirit (traditionally cognac) with orgeat and bitters. It shares the nutty, spirit-forward profile but lacks the bright citrus and apricot notes of the Guns of the Free.

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