Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week
Old Fashioned Week started as a chance for you to get together with friends and enjoy unique variations on the Old Fashioned at local bars and restaurants. Im slowly returning to visiting bars with a friend or two and finding these moments together to be even more special than before. And having someone else shake up a cocktail for me again feels like such a luxury! I visited Blackbird bar here in San Francisco in the Mission/Castro area to grab an Old Fashioned from Matt Grippo. . Blackbird has long been a favorite hangout, especially when I lived down the street in the city. It is the perfect neighborhood bar with pool tables and cozy, moody vibes alongside elevated cocktails that make it a destination, too. They have a parklet for warm sunny days and evening people-watching. Matt mixed up a smoky bacon Old Fashioned with Small Batch and Barrel Proof for an extra kick. He added a unique touch with the garnish: a little clove pocket tucked into the orange peel, that I found perfect with the clove notes I get in Elijah Craig.
So What Exactly Is An Old Fashioned
An American classic, the Old Fashioned is considered the “gold standard” of cocktails. Traditionally, the Old Fashioned is made with whisky , sugar and bitters. The cocktail is stirred and served over fresh ice in a rocks glass with an orange twist garnish.
Fun Fact: Originally the Old Fashioned cocktail was made with gin – which doesn’t sound very appealing! Happily, in about 1880, Holland gin was replaced with bourbon and the Old Fashioned Cocktail has remained pretty much unchanged since then.
Bourbon Old Fashioned Ingredients:
It’s a fairly simple cocktail to make and is easily adapted to your personal tastes. With such a short ingredient list the variations on this basic formula are almost endless!
- Bourbon or rye whisky: for this cocktail, I like using a Kentucky Straight Bourbon and have used both Woodford Reserve or Elijah Craig. I’ve also made it with Rittenhouse Rye and loved that as well. The rye version is definitely stronger and has a bit more bite, but it’s definitely a variation you should try!
- Triple sec or Cointreau – OPTIONAL but it’s an absolutely delicious addition.
- Sugar cube – I substituted Orange blossom honey which gives the drink a smoother texture and flavor.
- Orange bitters – Regan’s is my favorite, but use whatever Orange bitters you have. Don’t have orange bitters? Peychaud’s and Angostura are both used in this drink, so feel free to substitute!
In cocktails with such a short ingredient list, the quality of the ingredients makes a huge difference! Choose a high-quality bourbon or rye. Looking for the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned cocktail? check out this Huffington Post article!
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Perfect Bourbon Old Fashioned
Sweet and smooth, this Bourbon Old Fashioned is a delicious twist on the classic old-fashioned cocktail and made for fireside sipping!
First Published: November 2015 Last Updated: September 2019
Now that fall is rolling around I’m in the mood for richer and spicier cocktails like a Bourbon Martini or this kicked up Rum Mule. But my new favorite? This bourbon old fashioned cocktail! So, the Old Fashioned Cocktail has a bit of reputation for being strong and a” bit rough around the edges” – and I agree! Well, at least I did before tasting this one. With its smooth, honey, bourbon and citrus flavors .. well, it’s an entirely different matter!
I won’t lie to you, this bourbon cocktail is a bit potent – but it’s absolutely delicious and just the thing for sipping while sitting around a fire with good friends!
A Few Notes On This Old Fashioned Recipe:
- It doesnt get easier than this maple syrup old fashioned. I prefer to mix it in a separate glass for the most uniform drink, but feel free to assemble it straight in the rocks glass for an extra simple drink!
- This drink is a little on the sweeter side, so of you like your old fashioneds stiff just pull back 1/4 oz on the maple syrup. Or beef it up with a heavier pour of bourbon.
- I love to use a few dashes of orange bitters here to amplify the citrus notes, but angostura bitters are delicious too, if thats all you have.
- If you really want to take this cocktail to the next level, garnish it with a few of these brandied cherries!
- For more fun variations on old fashioned cocktails, try our rum old fashioned and applejack old fashioned!
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The Hard Day: Knob Creek Single Barrel
At 120 proof, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve is perfect for making a strong old-fashioned. The deep and complex flavors of vanilla, nuts and oak will stand up to the robustness of the whiskey, while the long and full finish will make for easy drinking.
Whether youre winding down after a long day or just enjoying a leisurely evening, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve has the kick and flavor that crafts an excellent cocktail.
Knob Creek Single Barrel can be purchased at ReserveBar.
History Of The Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is often the entry point cocktail for many people mixing drinks at home and ordering at bars. Its approachable with only 3 ingredients while still having a lot of flavor and complexity. The combination of whiskey, aromatic bitters, and sugar creates a beautiful drink that has stood the test of time. As the name implies, The Old Fashioned has a lot of history. Credited with being the first spirited beverage labeled as a cocktail, the Old Fashioned is the archetype for all cocktail recipes. The first printed mention of the drink is believed to be 1806 and hit its initial sipping stride in the 1880s.
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Classic Old Fashioned Recipe
The Old Fashioned is one of the earliest whiskey cocktails in modern record, thought to be developed in the early 1800s. Though countless modern variations have popped up in the centuries since, the classic Old Fashioned is understood as a simple combination of whiskey , sugar and bitters.
Its hard to nail down exact historical proportions, as the strength and quality of distilled spirits, or even which spirits were used, have varied over time. In Jerry Thomass Bar-Tenders Guide , the first cocktail book published in the United States in 1862, liquid volumes are often measured in wineglasses, which has been taken to mean around two ounces of spirit. Early iterations of what would become this whiskey-based drink instead used Holland gin, and many modern purists claim bourbon is the only option, despite rye having been an early favorite.
Regardless of complicated backstories and historical bartender peacocking, the Old Fashioned itself remains one of the easiest to make, three-ingredient drinks in the modern cocktail canon.
The Big Spicy: Bulleit
Founded in 1987, Bulleit Bourbon is one of the fastest-growing whiskeys today. The brand credits that growth to bartenders and cultural partners who have adopted this whiskey as a staple in their bars. The Bulleit Frontier Whiskey portfolio is distilled and aged in the Bulleit family tradition, using a distinctive high rye recipe, which gives them a bold, spicy, yet distinctively smooth taste.
The Bourbon has a medium amber color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth, with notes of maple, oak and nutmeg. The finish is long, dry and satiny with a light toffee flavor. Bulleit Bourbon is bottled at 90 proof with a mash bill comprising 68% corn, 28% rye and 4% malted barley.
Bulleit can be purchased at ReserveBar.
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Some Popular Cocktails Containing Elijah Craig
- Saw Tooth Bourbon, Braulio, Orange bitters, Brown sugar, Lemon peel, Orange peel
- Red Eye Old Fashioned Bourbon, Virgin Islands Rum, Bitters, Coffee syrup, Orange peel
- You’re My Boy Blue Bourbon, Elderflower liqueur, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Lemon peel, Blueberry
- Emotional Tailspin Bourbon, Amaro, Cassis, Lemon juice, Lemon peel
- Gold Rush Bourbon, Honey syrup, Lemon juice
- Paper Plane Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, Lemon juice
- Pop Quiz Bourbon, Ramazzotti, Bitters, Simple syrup, Orange peel
- Left Hand Bourbon, Sweet vermouth, Campari, Bitters, Maraschino cherry
Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup
Purchase Info: This was graciously provided as part of a media kit. Pricing was not included but a google search showed it selling online for about $12.
Details: 4.06% ABV. 40 calories per 0.5 fl. oz.
Mouth: Orange, lemon, ginger, cinnamon, and a bitter note.
In an Old Fashioned: Sweet, cinnamon, ginger, Vanilla, mint. As they stated, it plays nicely with Elijah Craig in an old fashioned.
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Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
Originating in 1862, the Old Fashioned Cocktail is one of those tried and true cocktails that has never gone out of style.
The 1862 version featured in in the Bartenders Bible, Jerry Thomas’s Bartender Guide: How To Make Drinks
However, as with most cocktails, changes are made to ingredients over the years, and in 1880, Waldorf-Astoria Bartender, James. E. Pepper, made the drink now considered today’s standard Old Fashioned recipe.
So get your bartending skills ready, line up your ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone with your cocktail making skills.
The Best Whiskey Or Bourbon For A Classic Old Fashioned
The answer to which is the best whiskey or bourbon for an Old Fashioned is generally whatever you prefer. Bourbon is a better choice for a sweeter drink, while rye may be preferable for those looking for drier, spicier or peppery notes. Just avoid any brands that have added sugar, like many flavored whiskeys, as it will change the balance of your drink.
If youre looking for an affordable, widely available bourbon that makes a great classic Old Fashioned, Elijah Craig Small Batch is hard to beat, and Jeffersons Very Small Batch Bourbon is a fantastic entry-level bottle from the producer. If youre looking for options in the $50 range that provide depth, the bold and dry profiles of Angels Envy Bourbon or Uncle Nearest 1856 take to the addition of sugar and bitters, while Bib & Tucker 6 Year works well for those who like a touch of natural sweetness in their whiskey.
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Father’s Day Bourbon Cocktails With Elijah Craig
Ladies and gents, Fatherâs Day is nearly upon us. And you know what that means? No, letâs hope it doesnât mean another Fatherâs Day necktie or coffee mug for you dads out there. Rather, letâs skip the necktie shelf and head straight for the bourbon shelf. Hello, Fatherâs Day cocktails.As part of my home bar series, I recently extolled the virtues of Elijah Craig Small Batch, which has long been one of my go-to bourbons. And itâs for good reason. Elijah Craig Small Batch is a classic bourbon, flavorful and with a long finish, yet plays well in classic bourbon cocktail recipes. As such, I couldnât be more stoked to be partnering with Elijah Craig this month in celebrating good taste for Fatherâs Day. Because bourbon, and bourbon cocktails, two of my favorite things.
It seems especially fitting talking Elijah Craig bourbon and cocktails for Fatherâs Day, since Elijah Craig himself has been referred to as the âFather of Bourbon,â often credited as the first to mature whiskey in charred oak casks. However, there are a number of different stories about how that came to be. This was more than 200 years ago after all. One of the most common accounts tells a story of a fire in Elijah Craigâs mill that charred the barrels, in turn changing the character of the whiskey inside.
The Bougie: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is a rich, full-flavored bourbon. Aged in new, charred oak barrels, it has a strong caramel aroma with notes of toasted oak and fruit. The Elijah Craig website describes the taste as dominated by vanilla and caramel, with a touch of butterscotch and spices like black pepper and cinnamon. The finish is nicely layered, showcasing all the flavors before fading slowly and lingering as it cools. The proof varies with each batch, but past batches have ranged from 128 to 140.2 proof.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof has also won numerous awards, including Whiskey of the Year from Whisky Advocate and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Old Fashioned is a classic drink that will never go out of style. And while there are many bourbons you could use to make this drink, weve narrowed it down to our top five favorites. Whether youre looking for something smooth and sweet or rich and smoky, weve got you covered.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof can be purchased at ReserveBar.
Here at Whiskey Raiders, we do more than write about current events in whiskey. We are the only media property reviewing whiskeys and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the whiskey world in one place. If youre interested in getting a shot of whiskey in your morning email,
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How To Participate In Old Fashioned Week At Home
IIf you prefer to celebrate milestones and events at home, you can participate in Old Fashioned Week, too! Roll up your sleeves for happy hour and try your hand at mixing up your own Old Fashioned at home . While you sip, take a pic, share, tag, and youll support the cause. You can also make a tax-deductible donation directly through their website.
For celebrating Old Fashioned Week at home, grab a bottle of Elijah Craig Small Batch for mixing up your own new fashioned or classic Old Fashioned. Once its ready, snap a photo in all its golden glory and:
- Follow @ElijahCraig on Instagram and Tag them in your Old Fashioned photos and videos.
- Use the hashtag #OldFashionedWeek
- For every image that you share, Elijah Craig will donate $5 to the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation
Ill be keeping my eyes peeled on the #OldFashionedWeek hashtag on Instagram. Looking forward to bookmarking your creative variations to stir up this week!
Recognizing The Greatness Within
Drinks International recognizes the Old Fashioned as the Worlds #1 Classic Cocktail for the fifth year in a row.
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In 1789, Rev. Elijah Craig was the first to char oak barrels. Less than 20 years later, the Old Fashioned was born. Discover the origins of the world’s first classic cocktail with the Father of Bourbon.
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The Perfect Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is the OG whiskey cocktail, which is fitting, since weâre talking about the OG bourbon maker, Elijah Craig. According to cocktail historians, and most references, the drink that we now know as the Old Fashioned, likely originated in the early 1800s. But while at its core, the Old Fashioned is just three ingredients, it takes many forms, depending on the bar and bartender. Many add club soda, others use simple syrup , and still others muddle fruit in preparing it.
Iâd like to think of myself as more of a purist, however. My take on the Old Fashioned cocktail recipe begins with adding a ½ teaspoon of sugar to a mixing glass and wetting the sugar with a couple dashes of bitters and a small splash of club soda , and muddling it into a paste. I follow that with a couple pieces of ice and one ounce of bourbon, and stir for approximately 10-15 seconds. I then add more ice and the rest of the bourbon and continue to stir. Lastly, I strain it into an Old Fashioned glass over a big ice cube or sphere and add a flamed orange peel for garnish .
- 2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
- Splash of club soda
- 1/2 tsp. loose sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Flamed Orange peel for garnish
Looking For Other Easy Cocktail Recipes These Drinks Are Sure To Wet Your Whistle
- Gin and Ginger Ale – A bright and refreshing combo with lemon and mint!
- Vodka Martini – the classic with a “dirty” little twist!
- Key lime Martini – a perfectly balanced lime and coconut cocktail!
- Gin Fizz – all gussied up with pomegranate and lime!
- Cosmopolitan Cocktail – grapefruit vodka takes this one over the top!
- Bourbon Manhattan – how to make the best Manhattan ever!
If you enjoyed this old fashioned bourbon recipe, I would love for you to leave a comment and rate it!! Cheers! Nancy
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Charred Pineapple Old Fashioned Riff
My recipe, like the Old Fashioned itself, is a call back to firsts. Elijah Craig was the first to char new oak barrels for aging his whiskey. This changed the game and led to what was eventually known as Bourbon. Barrel-aging plays a pivotal role in giving whiskey the characteristics that are essential for Bourbon. Elijah Craig Bourbon is made from 78% corn, a higher percentage than some others on the market. The smaller amount of rye in the mash lends a sweeter, less spice-heavy Bourbon. Its then aged in level char 3 barrels for years. Vanilla, caramel, nutty, chocolate and baking spices notes make you want to savor each sip.
The charred pineapple syrup I whipped up for this Old Fashioned is a nod to the ingenuity of using new charred barrels for aging whiskey back in the day. It also adds beautiful caramelized notes. I find coffee and pineapple to be a delightful culinary combination, but coffee can dominate and overwhelm other nuanced flavors in a drink. To let the notes from Elijah Craig shine through more, but still get a subtle toasty coffee flavor, I added whole coffee beans right into the mixing glass This adds a slight hint of coffee to your Old Fashioned. The smokey, caramelized pineapple plays off of the caramel, chocolate and nutty notes of the Bourbon and coffee beautifully. Cheers to Old Fashioned Week!