A potent mix of rye whiskey or bourbon, sugar, and bitters that's stirred and served on the rocks,the old-fashionedis one of those classic cocktails that have stood the test of time, remaining a favorite through countless fads. (Does anyone else remember/regretthe orange juice-laden dive bar drinksof the 1980s?)
For this month'shouse cocktail, I set out to create a twist on the drink with cold weather and fall in mind. First, I looked to the market—but with summer fruit long gone and seasonal staples like squash and pumpkin having no place in classic cocktails, I came up short.
It turns out that I didn't need to look any further than one of my favorite brunch condiments. Drop the old-fashioned's sugar cube and add a teaspoon of maple syrup for an extra depth of flavor that adds what I can only describe as that warm, toasted-sugar flavor I usually welcome on my pancakes, but, for some reason, rarely stir into my cocktails. That is,until now．饮料是balance-equa的化身l parts boozy and bitter, with just enough rounded sweetness to mellow everything out.
Want to go the extra mile and make this a truly amazing brunch cocktail? Just substitute Bacon Fat–Washed Bourbon—yes, that's aneasy-to-make concoctionthat melds bourbon with bacon fat—for the standard-issue stuff.
Not into whiskey at brunch? Sip amaple old-fashionedwhile warming up by the fire après-ski, as a nightcap, or to shake off the day when you get home from work. Like all classic cocktails, this simple variation will never disappoint.
