The Old Fashioned cocktail has endured as a classic since the early 19th century despite many changes, due to its simple yet high-quality ingredients that allow the whiskey's character to shine through. It represents a stoic, working-class dignity rather than frivolity. While minimalist in preparation, the Old Fashioned produces a smooth, balanced drink without obscuring the fine bourbon. Its vintage style still evokes the atmospheres of smoke-filled speakeasies and jazz clubs from earlier eras. As a result, it remains a staple at the bar, which aims to fuse tradition with contemporary innovation for discerning patrons.

1. An Old Fashioned never goes out of date
The eponymous Old Fashioned is indeed one of the most venerable cocktails, having
officially been coined in Louisville, Kentucky in 1881. However, the term “cocktail”
was used as far back as 1806 to describe any mixed drink that featured spirits,
sugar, water and bitters (sound familiar?) In those older days, ordering such a
libation would present the choice of having a rum, gin, brandy or whiskey drink
made for you, with only minimal garnish and flair being added beyond the basic
admixture. Unlike those other drinks, the Old Fashioned has largely withstood the
test of time in its original form despite predating the radio, the American civil war
and the confederation of Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
This staying power of the Old Fashioned can be at least partially attributed to how it
is perceived: this is an everyman’s drink that represents the stoic dignity of the
working class, eschewing frivolity in favour of enhancing and complimenting the
character of the whiskey itself. As such, its unpretentious simplicity is popular both
with patrons and bar tenders alike. Our recipe at [REDACTED] calls for 2 ounces of
Woodford Reserve Bourbon, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, half an ounce of simple
syrup and half an orange wheel. After muddling the ingredients together in a lowball
glass, the mixture is swirled slowly with a hand-carved rock of ice, and garnished
with a drunken cherry and orange zest.
The result is a no-nonsense drink that doesn’t obscure the fine qualities of the
bourbon we serve. This is not the kind of drink you’d order at a glitzy nightclub.
Instead, the blue-collar vintage of this cocktail evokes the collected demeanour of
Mad Men’s Don Draper; of smoked-filled speakeasies and gritty jazz voices healing
the souls of the night’s despondent.
It’s no wonder, then, that the Old Fashioned has remained a staple among our
patrons at [REDACTED]. Upon arrival to our establishment, you’ll be greeted by our
consummate professionals behind the bar, who have the chops to whip up a truly
astounding variety of cocktails both old and new. We know you’ll feel right at home
with us, because we strive to stand out from the typical night club fare. At
[REDACTED], you’ll find the perfect fusion of innovation and authenticity.