I was able to check out a relatively new restaurant across the street from my apartment. Called ‘The Butcher & The Boar’ it features fantastic mixed drinks and great meats & fresh sausages. The drink that I tried is their version of the classic ‘Old Fashion’ cocktail. I ended up going back a few times to get the same drink because it was incredibly good. After watching them make it, and then experimenting at my own bar a few times – I came up with something close to what they make. Here are the instructions:
What you need:
-Knob Creek Bourbon (They use a special edition 120 proof)
-Simple Syrup (Sugar Water)
-Angostura Bitters
-Orange Peel (1 x 2-3 inch section)
-Ice
-Grenadine (optional)
Tools:
-Muddler
-Strainer
-Spoon/Stirrer
-Straws (for sampling)
Step 1a - Put 3-4 small ice cubes or 1-2 large ice cubes into a tall glass.
Step 1b - Break apart ice into smaller pieces using muddler.
Step 1c - Add 2-3 small or 1-2 large ice cubes into the glass.
Step 2 - Pour one ‘shake’ of Angostura Bitters into glass over ice, don’t over do it.
Step 3 - Pour 1 oz (one shot glass worth) of Simple Syrup over the ice.
Step 4 - Add a slow 4 second pour (about 2.0-2.5oz) of Bourbon into the glass.
Step 5 - Slowly roll the orange peel between your fingers while pressing together, pointing the crease downward into the glass to ‘shoot’ the orange oils into the mixture.
Step 6 - If you wish, you may add a TINY bit of Grenadine at this point.
Step 7a - With your spoon/stirrer stir the drink at a moderate pace to slowly melt down the ice. It will take approximately 30-40 seconds but this is where it gets tricky.
Step 7b - With the straw, dip one end into the drink and hold your finger over the other end, and release into your mouth to sample. What you’re looking for is in step 7c.
Step 7c - The key is to catch the mixture right as the burn from the bourbon fades, and the sweetness of the simple syrup takes over. You’re looking for a dilution of about 20% from the melting ice in the glass while stirring. The sample should not burn, but be smooth, slightly sweet with a rich bourbon taste.
Step 8 - Put few large, or several small ice cubes into a new drinking glass, and with a strainer pour the mixture into it.
Enjoy your awesome Old Fashion.