Hercules Mulligan Mixes Rum and Rye Into an ‘Irish Old-Fashioned’

Perhaps driven by the pandemic, there has been a recent proliferation of premixed cocktail concoctions: usually canned, sometimes classic but mostly too fruity and fizzy. Occasionally something of quality stands out. To that short list add Hercules Mulligan Rum & Rye, an uncommon blend of three Caribbean rums and three American ryes infused with ginger and a splash of bitters to enjoy on the rocks or cut with soda. They’re calling it an Irish old-fashioned; garnish with a slice of fresh ginger. It sold out quickly when it was introduced in 2019 on a limited basis on Flaviar, an online spirits club, and it’s now being sold in liquor stores in New York. It was inspired by a Revolutionary War-era recipe and named for an 18th century Irishman, a tailor, who emigrated to New York and also spied on the English. He was a friend of Alexander Hamilton and is buried near him in the Trinity Church cemetery in Lower Manhattan. Aromas of toffee and ginger waft from the glass; the amber whiskey’s strong attack is tempered by a pleasantly syrupy finish.

Hercules Mulligan Rum & Rye, 750 millimeters, $36.99 from warehousewinesandspirits.com; $38 at hmulligancompany.com.

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