Hey, friends! Happy Friday!

Old-fashioned cocktails are a staple on cocktail menus and bar carts. An old-fashioned is a cocktail made with whiskey, with the flavors of simple syrup, orange zest, cherry and bitters added into the mix. (My favorite part is probably the cocktail cherry.)

The old-fashioned is what we call "spirit-forward," meaning it's heavy on the booze and doesn't have much added in the way of mixers. If you like whiskey on its own, you'd like an old-fashioned.

Not to brag, but I've think I finally perfected the best old-fashioned recipe. But it's also a fun drink to experiment with, which is what I want to show you today.

I've been playing around with new flavor combinations for fall (but they're tasty year-round too) that you should definitely try out:

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smoked old-fashioned

The old-fashioned cocktail is one of the best cocktails you can make in a smoked version. Strong whiskey lends itself well to the flavor of smoke, an extra layer of complexity for an already flavorful cocktail. Plus, a cocktail smoking kit with a butane torch makes a great gift for cocktail lovers!

fig old-fashioned

Figs, either fresh or dried, lend a sweet twist to the traditional old-fashioned. The fig syrup in this drink is also delicious on everything from pancakes to ice cream!

s'mores old-fashioned

For those looking to cozy up as the weather cools, a S'mores Old-Fashioned is a perfect option, with flavors of graham crackers (thanks to graham cracker-infused whiskey!), chocolate and marshmallows of course! This twist on the classic treat will take you straight back to childhood.

maple old-fashioned

This one is my husband's favorite, and how he makes 75% of his old-fashioneds. (The rest of the time he likes to try new combos.) Real maple syrup adds a delightfully sweet flavor. Using real maple syrup and spiced bitters, this cocktail tastes like autumn in a glass. Or breakfast, depending on who you ask!

chai old-fashioned

If you normally order a chai latte at the coffee shop, then you'll love this one. It is the nightcap of your dreams. Made with cardamom bitters and chai tea ice cubes, the chai spices infuse slowly as the ice melts into the whiskey, letting more flavor seep in with every sip.

I'll leave you with my final secret to a quick cocktail: old-fashioned simple syrup. You just need two ingredients for a drink when this is on hand!

I hope that one of these recipes is your new favorite this fall.

Cheers!

Susannah