Hey, Reader!
I'm always surprised at how much you all love a good old-fashioned! It's one of the recipes that comes up time and again in requests and the many variations of the drink are constantly among my top searched recipes.
Whiskey, simple syrup, orange zest, cherry and bitters come together to create this iconic boozy beverage (my favorite part is probably the cocktail cherry.) Despite the name, this classic drink is anything but old news. It's a fun one to experiment with, whether you switch up the booze, test different bitters or incorporate the flavors of the season.
Here's how to transform the recipe for summer sipping:
blackberry old-fashioned
Take advantage of blackberries while they're in season and capture their fresh flavor and touch of color. Since blackberry syrup adds sweetness and depth, it pairs well with bourbon’s caramel and vanilla undertones.
s'mores old-fashioned
If you're looking for flavors reminiscent of summer nights, this nostalgic sipper is a perfect option, with flavors of graham crackers (thanks to graham cracker-infused whiskey!), chocolate and marshmallows of course!
banana old-fashioned
Banana syrup and rum take this drink from classic cocktail to tropical escape. It keeps the slightly sweet, booze-forward vibe you love from the OG and transform it for summer.
tequila old-fashioned
Old-fashioned cocktails are spirit-forward, meaning that the majority of the cocktail is the base spirit. Making a change from whiskey to tequila, especially aged tequila, makes for a lighter, zippy drink that’s still complex.
peach old-fashioned
Peaches taste like sunshine and fun, making them the perfect addition to an old-fashioned. Homemade peach syrup and peach bitters offer a boost of that sweet flavor that is the perfect compliment to balance out the whiskey
If you'll be entertaining, or just want a quick cocktail, here's my secret: old-fashioned simple syrup. Once it's made, you just need your favorite whiskey for a drink that comes together in a snap!
I hope that one of these recipes is your new summer favorite.
Cheers!
Susannah