Old Fashioned Cocktails: A Recipe for Fall Nights

The Maple Old Fashioned

• 2 oz bourbon
• 1/4 oz maple syrup
• 3 dashes of bitters (I love our citrus bitters)
• orange peel, for garnish

The Method

1. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, maple syrup, ice, and bitters
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Using an Old Fashioned Glass or DOF, add a super cube
4. Squeeze the orange peel over the glass to extract oils, wipe the rim of the glass with the peel, and add to the glass
5. Strain the cocktail into the garnished glass, serve, and enjoy!

Chai Old Fashioned Mocktail

• 2 oz NA whiskey (like Ritual)
• 1/2 oz chai syrup
• 3 dashes of bitters (I love our Palo Santo Bitters)
• orange peel, star anise, dried apple slice, or cinnamon stick for garnish

The Method

1. In a mixing glass, combine NA whiskey, chai syrup, ice, and bitters
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Using an Old Fashioned Glass or DOF, add a super cube
4. Squeeze the orange peel over the glass to extract oils, wipe the rim of the glass with the peel, and add to the glass
5. Strain the cocktail into the garnished glass, serve, and enjoy!

Homemade Chai Syrup

To make your own chai syrup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 chai tea bags (or 3 tsp. Herbal Chai Tea)

The Method

1. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil
2. Add the chai tea infuser basket or bags and let steep for about 5 minutes
3. Remove the tea bags and stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved
4. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
5. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool
6. Strain the syrup to remove any tea leaves
7. Transfer the chai syrup to a bottle or jar for storage

You can now use your homemade chai syrup in the Chai Old Fashioned Cocktail recipe mentioned above. This recipe yields about 8-10 oz. of chai syrup. To store any leftover syrup, simply add a lid to the jar and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days, ready for your next drink!

Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail

• 2 oz rye whiskey (for added punch)
• 3/4 oz espresso coffee liqueur (like Mr. Black)
• 3 dashes bitters (our citrus bitters are perfect for this)
• orange peel, for garnish

The Method

1. In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, coffee liqueur, ice, and bitters
2. Stir until well chilled
3. Using an Old Fashioned Glass or DOF, add a super cube
4. Squeeze orange peel over the glass to extract oils, wipe the rim of the glass with the peel, and add to the glass
5. Strain the cocktail into the garnished glass, serve, and enjoy!

Suggestions

This is a drink that deserves your creativity! Sugar is an essential ingredient for this cocktail. While I personally prefer maple syrup or brown sugar for a depth of flavor, feel free to use any sweetener of your choice to make it your own. You can use a traditional sugar cube, coconut sugar, monk fruit, or any other sweetener you prefer. There is also an opportunity to use dried apple slices, maraschino cherries, an even a sprig of rosemary or thyme as a garnish. It's all part of the experimentation process.

This classic cocktail has its own rebellious and evolutionary story. According to rumors, it originated in Louisville, KY (The Pendennis Club) before allegedly being introduced to the Waldorf-Astoria hotel bar in New York City. However, the version of the cocktail we are familiar with, featuring whiskey and a cherry, came much later. So feel free to create your own variation!

Make your own Old School Friday

I’m known for hosting Martini Fridays, which happened gradually over the years. Martini Friday started as an open house where loved ones could drop by for a visit and a cocktail without feeling like they were imposing. It’s casual hosting where anyone is welcome—come as you are. While the intention and day remain the same, there are seasons when the menu changes (though I will always make a martini upon request).

During the fall months, I like to surprise everyone with a random Old School Friday, where I have some fun with a different kind of classic cocktail. October is Old Fashioned Month! It's one of my favorite drinks—It's balanced, smooth, and feels luxurious with a fire on, a classic movie playing, and a charcuterie board. It creates a cozy state of mind in a cup.

While many of you may not be able to join me for Martini Friday geographically, I encourage you to bring out your best vintage glassware, make one of these cocktails (or mocktails), and open your doors to loved ones. This season we could all enjoy connection without the pressure of formal hosting. These drink Fridays are about maximizing time with loved ones and simplifying everything else. Enjoy!

SHOP THE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE