A New Take on Old Fashioneds

An old fashioned is a classic cocktail. You may be familiar with it as what Don Draper drinks when he isn't drinking straight rye. It is delicious if you like the taste of whiskey. If you don't, it is probably not the drink for you.

A traditional old fashioned is as follows:

2 parts whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)

1 part simple syrup (sugar and water)

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Ice (If desired)

Garnish with Lemon Peel, Orange Slice, and Maraschino Cherry. 

Stir the whiskey, simple syrup, bitters, orange slice and cherry in glass. Rub the rim with lemon peel and garnish (I add this part in). Add ice. Leave the stirrer in the glass if desired.

The result is a smooth, mildly sweet drink that retains the taste of the whiskey used, but gets rid of the burn. Sometimes I like to wear a nice shirt and pants, don a skinny tie and order up myself an old fashioned. 

This particular version was made at atavola restaurant in New Paltz, NY (Awesome place, great service, delicious food). They call it a No.1. It is basically an apricot version of an old fashioned. They make it with their own barrel-aged bitters. I loved it. Just a hint of sweetness, but still nice and boozy (I prefer cocktails that you can tell there is liquor). 

The point is, cocktails are kind of made to be tweaked. If you feel like experimenting, gather up some supplies and a couple of adventurous people and start fiddling around with a cocktail recipe. It is a ton of fun, but be wary, cocktails are easy to overdo. Just be careful. 

Glassware: Lowball or cocktail glass

If you want me to look at a particular beer, drink, place, or have anything to say to me, email me at monksandmalts@gmail.com. You can send me cool photos too, if you like.