Jigger & Joy — Secrets of the speakeasy, Spirit of the pub
Jigger & JoyCocktail Recipe← All Drinks
citrus, fruity, refreshing

Blinder

Scotch and fresh grapefruit juice make a bold, bitter pair, then a grenadine float sinks through the glass in a flash of red -- simple and striking.

scotchEasy~12% ABV
MethodBuildGlassHighball GlassIcecubedGarnishGrapefruit or orange twist
⚠ Contains: 🍷 Sulfites
Recipe
Serves1
Ingredients
  • 1½ ozscotch whisky
  • 3 ozfresh grapefruit juice
  • ½ ozgrenadine
  • Grapefruit or orange twistgarnish
Instructions
  1. 1Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. 2Add the Scotch and grapefruit juice and stir briefly to combine.
  3. 3Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a bar spoon so it drops into the centre of the drink.
  4. 4Garnish with a grapefruit or orange twist and serve.
#scotch#whisky#highball#grapefruit#refreshing#easy
Save & Rate
Log in to rate
Save

Share this page

History & Origin

The Blinder is a straightforward Scotch highball that pairs the whisky with fresh grapefruit juice and a measure of grenadine, which is traditionally added last and allowed to sink or float through the drink for visual effect. The recipe appears in multiple classic cocktail references and is consistent in its simplicity. Its name likely refers to the bright, striking look of the drink rather than any specific origin story. The combination of bitter grapefruit and sweet grenadine echoes the structure of drinks like the Paloma and makes the Blinder far more approachable than its name might suggest.

🍸
Reviewed & Verified byGayle PerreaultBar & Service Manager · 25+ Years Industry Experience · About Us

🛒 Tools for This Recipe

Everything you need to make a great Blinder at home.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Hosting a Party?
Plan a party with Blinder
Calculate bottles, build shopping lists, and plan food pairings.
Party Planner →
Which scotch should you use?
Personalised bottle recommendations for the perfect Blinder.
Find My Bottle →
More Like This
smoky
Affinity
A sophisticated blend of Scotch whisky with both sweet and dry vermouths, creating a perfectly balanced aperitif
MediumView →
fruity and smooth
Artist's Special
Scotch, dry vermouth, grenadine, and lemon — an early 20th-century formula from the aspirational cocktail naming tradition that evoked bohemian creative glamour.
EasyView →
pure
Scotch Mist
Scotch whisky poured over very finely crushed ice with a lemon twist — the mist serving style codified in American bar guides from the mid-20th century.
EasyView →
spicy
Mamie Taylor
Blended Scotch whisky, fresh lime, and ginger ale over ice — a tall, refreshing highball created in 1899 near Rochester, New York for stage star Mamie Taylor, decades before the Moscow Mule. Many modern bartenders swap in ginger beer for extra spice.
EasyView →

🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.

Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.

citrus, fruity, refreshing◆Build