Matthew’s Old Fashioned Cocktail

It’s an updated version on a fabulous vintage cocktail with a gorgeous blend of bourbon and bitters that delivers notes of fruit and warm spices with a hint of dark brown sugar. Just perfect for weekend sipping.

The Old Fashioned is said to be one of the first “cocktails” dating back to the 1880s. It’s a beautiful bourbon drink but one that can often bite back. This is an updated version created by Matthew, my favorite son-in-law.

The classic Old Fashioned includes water, an orange slice and a maraschino cherry so the switch Matthew made on the ingredients provides a refreshing update. He starts by replacing the water in the cocktail with a splash of orange sparkling water. Then he adds a touch of grenadine, which is essentially a simple syrup with a pomegranate base to play off the fruity notes of the bourbon. Bitters add notes of spice blended with that touch of brown sugar.

Pour it up with a twist of orange and a few maraschino cherries to top it off.

Cheers!

Matthew’s Old Fashioned Cocktail

For two cocktails:

2 teaspoons dark brown sugar

6 to 8 dashes of Angostura® bitters

6 tablespoons orange sparkling water

8 tablespoons good bourbon, or to taste

1 teaspoon grenadine

1 cup ice for shaking and plus ice for serving

Orange twist or slice and Luxardo® maraschino cherries*

Muddle the dark brown sugar along with the bitters and sparkling water in the bottom of a cocktail shaker until well mixed.

Pour the bourbon and the grenadine into the shaker.

Top with 1 cup of the ice, cover and shake until the cocktail is well chilled.

Fill the highball glasses with ice and a twist of orange.

Strain the cocktails into the glasses and top with maraschino cherries.

*There is a big difference in maraschino cherries. Luxardo® maraschino cherries have a unique, rich taste. They can be found in fine food stores or most liquor stores.