3 New Takes on the Old Fashioned

February 9, 2017

When it comes to iconic cocktails, there is none more beloved than the Old Fashioned. Hell, even the name is classic sounding. According to Robert Simonson's book The Old Fashioned—a complete history of the drink that became the poster child of the modern craft cocktail movement—the drink dates back to the late 1800s, when it was known simply as "the whiskey cocktail." The combination of bourbon and bitters sweetened with sugar and citrus is hard to beat when you want an easy-to-make and tasty tipple. But that's not to say it can't be improved upon. Which is just what the best bartenders are doing these days. Here are three fresh riffs on the Old Fashioned worth trying the next time you need a drink.

American Trilogy

A few bars around New York City will make you this drink by local bartender Mickey McIlroy. A touch sweeter and smoother than your average Old Fashioned, it's made with equal parts rye and applejack, and finished with orange bitters. (All American products: get it?)

Ingredients

1oz

Rye

1oz

Applejack

1tsp

Brown sugar

Dashes orange bitters

Orange peel

Technique

In a rocks glass, add sugar and saturate with orange bitters.
Muddle to make a granulated paste.
Add whiskey and applejack to ice (preferably an oversized cube) and garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Smoking Rosemary Old Fashioned

This flashy drink, from Santa Monica's upscale 41 Ocean lounge, is served with an ethereal cloud of smoke rising from it. The end result is a potent cocktail, sweet-bitter with a balanced smoky kick.

Ingredients

2oz

Bourbon or Rye

½oz

Simple syrup

Dashes of Angostura bitters

Sprigs of rose-mary

Orange peel

Technique

Pour your spirit over ice, add your syrup and bitters, then stir.
Squeeze orange peel to expel the oils and drop into the drink.
Light your rosemary on fire and hold it over the glass (but not in the liquid) and cover with a shaker or glass. The flame will go out and the drink starts to infuse with smoke.
Remove the shaker and garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary.

Elder Fashioned

Concocted by the bartending masters at Death & Co., in New York's East Village, this is a fresher and lighter take on an old, dark drink. Bursting with bright floral and citrusy flavors, it's a thirst-quenching cocktail with a kick.