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The Ward 8 cocktail is as Boston as it gets. A drink with roots deeply tied to the city’s past, it’s a vibrant, flavorful tribute to the area’s rich heritage. The cocktail has a mysterious origin story and has become a symbol of Boston’s old-school charm. Made with rye whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine, the Ward 8 is a refreshing yet strong cocktail that captures the spirit of one of America’s oldest cities.
But what makes this drink truly special is the city it comes from—and the fascinating state holidays that are part of its tradition. Let’s dive into some of the unique holidays in Massachusetts that celebrate the city’s historical legacy, and how they connect to the Ward 8 cocktail.
Evacuation Day: Boston’s Unexpected Holiday
In Boston, March 17 is not only St. Patrick’s Day, but also Evacuation Day. This state holiday commemorates the day in 1776 when British troops evacuated Boston during the American Revolution. After a year of siege and conflict, the British realized they could no longer hold the city. The city celebrated its newfound freedom, and the event marks an important moment in history.
You might think Evacuation Day is celebrated with parades, but it’s much quieter than other holidays in the area. Local offices and schools close, and while the celebrations may not rival Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day, many people still take the day off to remember the sacrifice and struggle it took to free the city. Picture yourself sipping on a Ward 8 cocktail in a Boston pub on Evacuation Day, appreciating the city’s victory.
Patriot’s Day: The Beginning of the Revolution
Another major Massachusetts holiday is Patriot’s Day, celebrated on the third Monday in April. This holiday honors the start of the American Revolution, when the first battles took place at Lexington and Concord in 1775.
Patriot’s Day is a day of remembrance and celebration. It features re-enactments, parades, and even the famous Boston Marathon. For Bostonians, it’s a chance to remember the courage of the colonists who fought for freedom. During Patriot’s Day, people gather in local bars and restaurants, often enjoying a Ward 8 cocktail—a fitting tribute to the city’s revolutionary past.
Bunker Hill Day: The Battle for Boston
A lesser-known holiday in Massachusetts is Bunker Hill Day, observed on June 17. This holiday marks the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War. While the battle was technically a loss for the colonial forces, it was a significant morale boost because it showed that the colonists could stand up to the British.
In Boston, Bunker Hill Day is a time for remembrance. You’ll often find people at the Bunker Hill Monument, where they pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought there. While the holiday is mostly symbolic, it’s another example of how deeply Boston cherishes its historical roots. After a day of reflection and perhaps a visit to the monument, a Ward 8 cocktail offers a perfect way to wind down and enjoy the city.
Georgia Day: A Southern Celebration
While Boston celebrates its unique state holidays, Georgia—a state down south—has its own distinct holiday. Georgia Day on February 12 marks the day Georgia was founded in 1733. This date celebrates the founding of the state by General James Oglethorpe and the establishment of the colony that would eventually become Georgia.
Georgia Day is mostly celebrated in Savannah, the state’s oldest city. With parades, historical reenactments, and celebrations of Southern culture, the holiday has a charm all its own. While the Ward 8 cocktail might not be as popular in Georgia as in Boston, you can bet that any celebration in a historic city deserves a drink that pays tribute to the past.
Celebrating with a Ward 8 Cocktail
As you sip your Ward 8 cocktail, take a moment to appreciate the unique history behind each of these holidays. Whether you’re raising a glass on Evacuation Day in Boston, celebrating Patriot’s Day, or remembering the soldiers at Bunker Hill, the Ward 8 is a drink that’s as deeply rooted in history as these holidays.
Making the Ward 8 cocktail is simple and straightforward:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add rye whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass and garnish with a cherry or orange peel.
Conclusion: A Toast to Boston’s Legacy
Boston is a city filled with history, and the Ward 8 cocktail is a delicious reminder of that. From Evacuation Day to Patriot’s Day and Bunker Hill Day, these unique holidays offer a chance to reflect on the events that shaped the city. With a Ward 8 cocktail in hand, you’re not just sipping on a great drink—you’re connecting with Boston’s rich past and celebrating the spirit of resilience, revolution, and freedom.
So next time you’re raising a glass, think of the history behind the drink you’re holding. Whether you’re in Boston for one of these special days or just enjoying a night out, the Ward 8 cocktail is a fitting tribute to the city’s legacy.
