“As the story goes, Sir Ernest Shackleton took cases of Mackinlay’s Old Rare on his 1907 expedition to the British Antarctic. He later had to abandon the ship to save himself and his crew. That same whisky was found trapped under the ice 100 years later and recreated to become Shackleton Whisky. Named after one of the 20th century’s most charismatic leaders, Shackleton Whisky embodies the spirit of a legend.”

With that introduction, I was invited to the Arlo NoMad (11 E 31st St) for cocktails and a sneak peek of the warmed “ice huts” sitting on the rooftop terrace 31 stories up, practically under the Empire State Building.

At the party, the walls were lined with Shackleton memorabilia with bottles of his eponymous whisky displayed ice-bound. The cocktail names 88 Degrees South was my favorite from the event (recipe follows). Quite simple to prepare.


Above photo credit:  Nikki Vanco

88 Degrees South

2 ounces Shackleton whisky
1 ounce lemon juice
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
3 dashes of Angostura bitters
Optional cherry garnish

Combine the whisky, juices, syrup and bitters in a shaker. Add some ice cubes and shake vigorously. Pour over ice and, if desired, garnish with a cherry.

Makes 1 serving