Post your favorites or discuss techniques here. Got 10 versions of the Old Fashioned you'd like to post?! Go right ahead.
12:08p, 4/17/19
Here's some good basics to remember...
Most cocktails use some variation of the 2:1:1 ratio (2 parts strong, 1 part sweet, 1 part sour).
Another... the "Golden" cocktail ratio is 3:2:1 (3 parts spirit, 2 parts liqueur, 1 part citrus).
Shaken vs. Stirred? Generally a spirit forward cocktail could be stirred as to not over dilute the spirit (think Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sazerac, etc.)
Most cocktails use some variation of the 2:1:1 ratio (2 parts strong, 1 part sweet, 1 part sour).
Another... the "Golden" cocktail ratio is 3:2:1 (3 parts spirit, 2 parts liqueur, 1 part citrus).
Shaken vs. Stirred? Generally a spirit forward cocktail could be stirred as to not over dilute the spirit (think Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Sazerac, etc.)
12:32p, 4/17/19
Why on earth does this thread not exist?? This should be fun to see people's takes on cocktails.
My drink lately:
Bourbon Manhattan
2 ounces of Belle Meade Cask Strength Bourbon (prefer this bourbon due to having more rye in the mash bill, and cask strength because I do like the taste of bourbon in the Manhattan)
1 ounce of sweet vermouth
2 dashes of cherry bitters
1 Luxardo maraschino cherry
Stirred over ice, and strained into a martini glass and garnished with the cherry.
Not far from a classic Manhattan (with rye), just specific with the whiskey and cherry.
My drink lately:
Bourbon Manhattan
2 ounces of Belle Meade Cask Strength Bourbon (prefer this bourbon due to having more rye in the mash bill, and cask strength because I do like the taste of bourbon in the Manhattan)
1 ounce of sweet vermouth
2 dashes of cherry bitters
1 Luxardo maraschino cherry
Stirred over ice, and strained into a martini glass and garnished with the cherry.
Not far from a classic Manhattan (with rye), just specific with the whiskey and cherry.
12:45p, 4/17/19
In reply to FarmersFightAg
Like a little cherry kick to your manhattan do ya?! Try this:
https://pin.it/w5hfjsedaioddj
2 ounces Maker's 46
0.5 ounces Sweet Vermouth
0.5 ounces Cherry Heering
2 dashes The Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas' Own Decanter Bitters
Cocktail cherries
Stir the above and garnish with the cherry.
https://pin.it/w5hfjsedaioddj
2 ounces Maker's 46
0.5 ounces Sweet Vermouth
0.5 ounces Cherry Heering
2 dashes The Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas' Own Decanter Bitters
Cocktail cherries
Stir the above and garnish with the cherry.
10:22p, 4/17/19
What's your Top 5 Cocktails? Mine are:
1) Satan's Circus
2) The Clover Club
3) Pistols at Dawn
4) The French Blonde
5) Mexican Martini/Margarita
1) Satan's Circus
2) The Clover Club
3) Pistols at Dawn
4) The French Blonde
5) Mexican Martini/Margarita
11:01p, 4/17/19
In reply to SpiderDude
In no particular order (depends on the night and what part of the night):
Bee's Knees
I've seen this done a couple different ways. I found my preferred recipe at Brixology in Vintage Park.
2 oz. gin (I usually use a dry gin)
3/4 oz. lemon juice
3/4 oz. honey syrup
Shaken with ice and served in a cocktail glass
Laddie Daddie (found at the same place)
2 oz. Botanist dry gin
1/2 oz. St. Germaine
2 dashes Bitterman's Boston Bittahs
Served in a lowball on the rocks.
Manhattan
Martini (boring choice, but a favorite)
Rye Old Fashioned
Bee's Knees
I've seen this done a couple different ways. I found my preferred recipe at Brixology in Vintage Park.
2 oz. gin (I usually use a dry gin)
3/4 oz. lemon juice
3/4 oz. honey syrup
Shaken with ice and served in a cocktail glass
Laddie Daddie (found at the same place)
2 oz. Botanist dry gin
1/2 oz. St. Germaine
2 dashes Bitterman's Boston Bittahs
Served in a lowball on the rocks.
Manhattan
Martini (boring choice, but a favorite)
Rye Old Fashioned
11:39p, 4/17/19
In reply to DVC2010
Add .5 oz Ancho Reyes to it and it's a Bee Sting! And good call on the Rye Old Fashioned.
DVC2010 said:
Bee's Knees
I've seen this done a couple different ways. I found my preferred recipe at Brixology in Vintage Park.
2 oz. gin (I usually use a dry gin)
3/4 oz. lemon juice
3/4 oz. honey syrup
Shaken with ice and served in a cocktail glass
Add .5 oz Ancho Reyes to it and it's a Bee Sting! And good call on the Rye Old Fashioned.
7:47a, 4/18/19
Loving this new thread. Lots that we'll be trying!
We had an Old Fashioned at at Lebanese restaurant that was really, really good. We tried to watch it being made - there are no seats at the bar - and got pretty close at home.
2 oz Bourbon (we liked E H Taylor Single Barrel until it got hard to get - now using Eagle Rare)
1 oz Honey Syrup (1:1 ish)
Dash each of Black Walnut Bitters & Angostura
Orange peel squeeze/twist over & then wiped on rim, dropped in
Garnish with a lightly crushed sprig of oregano
Love a good Pisco Sour, too. Tommy's Margarita is simple and delicious.
One thing we do is juice lemons & limes and freeze them in small cubes - easy to use & always available.
We had an Old Fashioned at at Lebanese restaurant that was really, really good. We tried to watch it being made - there are no seats at the bar - and got pretty close at home.
2 oz Bourbon (we liked E H Taylor Single Barrel until it got hard to get - now using Eagle Rare)
1 oz Honey Syrup (1:1 ish)
Dash each of Black Walnut Bitters & Angostura
Orange peel squeeze/twist over & then wiped on rim, dropped in
Garnish with a lightly crushed sprig of oregano
Love a good Pisco Sour, too. Tommy's Margarita is simple and delicious.
One thing we do is juice lemons & limes and freeze them in small cubes - easy to use & always available.
8:03a, 4/18/19
In reply to SpiderDude
I like a black manhattan over the original, mainly because I prefer amaro to vermouth, and amaro keeps longer.
8:25a, 4/18/19
I do more highballs during the week mainly because that last thing I want to do when I get home from work is gather 5-6 ingredients to make a drink. That said, here are my spring and summer go-to drinks.
Gin & Tonic
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 1.5 ounce Ford's gin, and squeeze a lime wedge. Top with Fever Tree tonic (it's worth the price, and it's less sweet).
Moscow Mule
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka. Squeeze in half a lime, and drop in the spent lime shell. Top with ginger beer (use something good like Maine Root).
Ranch Water
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 1 ounce blanco tequila (I use El Jimador, but anything that comes in a glass bottle is fine). Squeeze in a lime wedge, and top with Topo Chico. This results in about a 6:1 water:tequila ratio, which is perfect for day drinking. Cut it in half if you want to get your party on.
I don't know what this one is called, but it's a great brunch cocktail. Pour 1 ounce St. Germain into a champagne flute. Top with rose sparkling wine.
Gin & Tonic
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 1.5 ounce Ford's gin, and squeeze a lime wedge. Top with Fever Tree tonic (it's worth the price, and it's less sweet).
Moscow Mule
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of vodka. Squeeze in half a lime, and drop in the spent lime shell. Top with ginger beer (use something good like Maine Root).
Ranch Water
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 1 ounce blanco tequila (I use El Jimador, but anything that comes in a glass bottle is fine). Squeeze in a lime wedge, and top with Topo Chico. This results in about a 6:1 water:tequila ratio, which is perfect for day drinking. Cut it in half if you want to get your party on.
I don't know what this one is called, but it's a great brunch cocktail. Pour 1 ounce St. Germain into a champagne flute. Top with rose sparkling wine.
9:40a, 4/18/19
I love a good well made drink, however I won't be preparing them very often at home. At the house here is what I make all 1:1 ratios
vodka/club soda
vodka/sparkling water of some kind
gin/diet tonic water
lime may be applied to all above, but not necessary
At a steakhouse or nicer place out and about I usually roll with an old fashioned
I enjoy whiskey, but I'd rather drink it straight than make a cocktail with one at home.
vodka/club soda
vodka/sparkling water of some kind
gin/diet tonic water
lime may be applied to all above, but not necessary
At a steakhouse or nicer place out and about I usually roll with an old fashioned
I enjoy whiskey, but I'd rather drink it straight than make a cocktail with one at home.
3:56p, 4/18/19
1 part gin
1 part Giffards passion fruit liqueur
.5 part lemon juice
Cherry bitters
Lemon grass simple syrup
Fill a high ball with ice then top with tonic
1 part Giffards passion fruit liqueur
.5 part lemon juice
Cherry bitters
Lemon grass simple syrup
Fill a high ball with ice then top with tonic
6:00p, 4/18/19
Great thread
I enjoy watching YouTube videos from Bonneville Cocktails, Steve the Bartender & Educated Barfly.
Favorite cocktails right now are Gin Basil Smash and Last Word.
I enjoy watching YouTube videos from Bonneville Cocktails, Steve the Bartender & Educated Barfly.
Favorite cocktails right now are Gin Basil Smash and Last Word.
7:15p, 4/18/19
In reply to HTownAg98
I do a slight variation and call it South Texas Well Water
Instead of tequila I'll use Mezcal and garnish with a slice of fresh jalapeno and a sprig of cilantro.
HTownAg98 said:
Ranch Water
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 1 ounce blanco tequila (I use El Jimador, but anything that comes in a glass bottle is fine). Squeeze in a lime wedge, and top with Topo Chico. This results in about a 6:1 water:tequila ratio, which is perfect for day drinking. Cut it in half if you want to get your party on.
I do a slight variation and call it South Texas Well Water
Instead of tequila I'll use Mezcal and garnish with a slice of fresh jalapeno and a sprig of cilantro.
8:41p, 4/18/19
In reply to aggielax48
Good...no GREAT call! Absolutely love the Bonneville Cocktail Collection!!!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyMfA1HJzS48Fc6-QVYJkA
Have watched pretty much all of them! Love the way he does them. Refined but not over complicated cocktails. The videos are well done also.
Also love "How to Drink":
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCioZY1p0bZ4Xt-yodw8_cBQ
He does some cool techniques but I laugh my ass off at some of his monologue comedy.
aggielax48 said:
Great thread
I enjoy watching YouTube videos from Bonneville Cocktails, Steve the Bartender & Educated Barfly.
Favorite cocktails right now are Gin Basil Smash and Last Word.
Good...no GREAT call! Absolutely love the Bonneville Cocktail Collection!!!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyMfA1HJzS48Fc6-QVYJkA
Have watched pretty much all of them! Love the way he does them. Refined but not over complicated cocktails. The videos are well done also.
Also love "How to Drink":
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCioZY1p0bZ4Xt-yodw8_cBQ
He does some cool techniques but I laugh my ass off at some of his monologue comedy.
9:13p, 4/18/19
Shake: a New Perspective on Cocktails, is an excellent cocktail book. It's built on using seasonal ingredients and is written by two Brooklyn hipsters, but it's not as pretentious as you'd think it would be. The liquors you need are easily found, and relies heavily on using fresh fruits and citrus. The recipes are easy to batch, which is especially convenient if you don't want to get stuck making drinks for everyone. It's worth seeking out.
11:17p, 4/18/19
At home I typically do variations of a mule - typically bourbon, rum, or vodka. In the summer I'm partial to Deep Eddy peach and around Christmas time I like Deep Eddy cranberry. My absolute favorite ginger beer is from the Great Jamaican Ginger Beer Company.
When I'm out I prefer a Pisco sour, whiskey sour, or Manhattan.
When I'm out I prefer a Pisco sour, whiskey sour, or Manhattan.
1:53a, 4/19/19
In reply to bushytailed
Check out Culinary Dropout's (one of my favorite restaurant cocktail menus) Copper-less Mules Cocktails.
https://frc-culinarydropout.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/29073457/CulinaryDropout_Austin_11292018_WEB.pdf
Their "Pistols at Dawn" is one of my Top 5 cocktails! If you don't want to make a ginger agave syrup (you may if you love Mules) you can muddle about a 1/4" ginger slice into your spirit...in this case bourbon. Here's a close approximation of Pistols at Dawn:
1 oz Bulleit
1 oz Ancho Reyes
.75 ginger agave syrup
1 oz lemon juice
Cabernet sauvignon splash over the top (~1 oz or so)
bushytailed said:
At home I typically do variations of a mule - typically bourbon, rum, or vodka. In the summer I'm partial to Deep Eddy peach and around Christmas time I like Deep Eddy cranberry. My absolute favorite ginger beer is from the Great Jamaican Ginger Beer Company.
When I'm out I prefer a Pisco sour, whiskey sour, or Manhattan.
Check out Culinary Dropout's (one of my favorite restaurant cocktail menus) Copper-less Mules Cocktails.
https://frc-culinarydropout.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/29073457/CulinaryDropout_Austin_11292018_WEB.pdf
Their "Pistols at Dawn" is one of my Top 5 cocktails! If you don't want to make a ginger agave syrup (you may if you love Mules) you can muddle about a 1/4" ginger slice into your spirit...in this case bourbon. Here's a close approximation of Pistols at Dawn:
1 oz Bulleit
1 oz Ancho Reyes
.75 ginger agave syrup
1 oz lemon juice
Cabernet sauvignon splash over the top (~1 oz or so)
8:41a, 4/19/19
Everyone has their take on Old Fashioned here's mine
1.5 oz Rye of your liking
1 tsp honey
4 dashes orange bitters
4 dashes bitters
Orange peel if desired twisted into the glass and rubbed on the rim
1 large chunk of ice
Paloma
2 oz silver tequila
1/2 lime juice
3 oz grapefruit juice
3 oz selzer, club soda or topo chico
pinch salt
Mix tequila, lime, salt in a highball, add ice, top with grapefruit juice and soda, stir gently.
1.5 oz Rye of your liking
1 tsp honey
4 dashes orange bitters
4 dashes bitters
Orange peel if desired twisted into the glass and rubbed on the rim
1 large chunk of ice
Paloma
2 oz silver tequila
1/2 lime juice
3 oz grapefruit juice
3 oz selzer, club soda or topo chico
pinch salt
Mix tequila, lime, salt in a highball, add ice, top with grapefruit juice and soda, stir gently.
9:20a, 4/19/19
In reply to SpiderDude
Oh, fantastic question.
1. Xoacan Antigua at Treaty House in Fredricksburg
2. Vieux Carre
3. Old Fashioned
4. Rum and cola for when I'm chillin' pool-side.
5. Something I've never tried before.
1. Xoacan Antigua at Treaty House in Fredricksburg
2. Vieux Carre
3. Old Fashioned
4. Rum and cola for when I'm chillin' pool-side.
5. Something I've never tried before.
10:17a, 4/19/19
Manhattan
Old Fashioned
Martini
Vesper
G&T
Brown liquor (from various locals) with an ice cube.
that is my normal rotation.
My summer drink is Dark Rum (not the spiced **** - think Zacapa or Flor de Cana), Tonic water and lime. Freaking great drink.
Also got into Negronis and Boulevardier's recently.
Old Fashioned
Martini
Vesper
G&T
Brown liquor (from various locals) with an ice cube.
that is my normal rotation.
My summer drink is Dark Rum (not the spiced **** - think Zacapa or Flor de Cana), Tonic water and lime. Freaking great drink.
Also got into Negronis and Boulevardier's recently.
What do you boys want for breakfast BBQ ?.....OK Chili.
11:31a, 4/19/19
Not much love for rum so far...
Mai Tai
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz orange Curaao
1/4 oz orgeat syrup
1/4 oz simple syrup
2 oz dark rum
Shake and pour over crushed ice
Mai Tai
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz orange Curaao
1/4 oz orgeat syrup
1/4 oz simple syrup
2 oz dark rum
Shake and pour over crushed ice
12:04p, 4/19/19
In reply to streetfighter2012
Yep. That's pretty close to the original recipe. I believe the original Trader Vic's recipe had 2 separate rums... neither of which I've ever personally seen on the shelf. I'm getting more into Tiki cocktails. I know I keep bringing up Culinary Dropout (only cuz I love 'em and their cocktails are bomb) but they have a Tiki style one I love called Ships in the Night. I make my riff of it with equal parts white rum, gin and cognac. That combo sounds crazy but I assure you it works!
9:23p, 4/19/19
In reply to austinag1997
Take it to the bourbon board!!!
austinag1997 said:
Old Fashioned
Whiskey Smash
Mint Julep
See a trend?
Take it to the bourbon board!!!
9:28p, 4/19/19
I've fallen in love with this one and it's been my go to after work drink. It is featured on the Moonshine in Cedar Park cocktail menu:
Stockyard Pony:
2 oz bourbon (theirs uses WT 101)
1 oz Aperol
1 oz Simple
1 oz Lemon juice
Orange bitters
Shake on ice and serve in coupe.
Stockyard Pony:
2 oz bourbon (theirs uses WT 101)
1 oz Aperol
1 oz Simple
1 oz Lemon juice
Orange bitters
Shake on ice and serve in coupe.
11:57p, 4/19/19
Old Fashioned:
3 oz. 100 proof bourbon
3 dashes Angastura Bitters
2 Luxardo cherries, with a little of the syrup
Orange peel with 3- 4 cloves stuck through it
Lazy Old Fashioned:
Same as above, but substitude a splash of Grand Marnier for the orange peel.
Manhattan:
4 parts 100 proof rye
1 part dolin rouge
3-5 dashes Angastura Bitters
3 oz. 100 proof bourbon
3 dashes Angastura Bitters
2 Luxardo cherries, with a little of the syrup
Orange peel with 3- 4 cloves stuck through it
Lazy Old Fashioned:
Same as above, but substitude a splash of Grand Marnier for the orange peel.
Manhattan:
4 parts 100 proof rye
1 part dolin rouge
3-5 dashes Angastura Bitters
7:26a, 4/20/19
His and Hers Margarita.
His:
2 parts Blanco Tequila
1 part Orange Liqueur
1 part lime juice
1/2 packet sweet n low
Hers:
1 parts Blanco Tequila
1 part Orange Liqueur
1 part lime juice
1 part orange juice
1/2 packet sweet n low
Shake well with crushed ice.
His:
2 parts Blanco Tequila
1 part Orange Liqueur
1 part lime juice
1/2 packet sweet n low
Hers:
1 parts Blanco Tequila
1 part Orange Liqueur
1 part lime juice
1 part orange juice
1/2 packet sweet n low
Shake well with crushed ice.
12:42p, 4/20/19
I believe I make the best margarita. Period. But it takes time.
Fist you have to make the juice - Juice 10 limes, 1 lemon, 1 small orange, along with 2 oz of agave nectar. Mix well.
3 oz Altos Reposado (or better, but this is great, affordable margarita tequila)
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz Brandy or Cognac
4 oz of the mix.
Shake vigorously in shaker with ice, and pour over ice. No salt. Makes 2 damn fine margaritas.
Fist you have to make the juice - Juice 10 limes, 1 lemon, 1 small orange, along with 2 oz of agave nectar. Mix well.
3 oz Altos Reposado (or better, but this is great, affordable margarita tequila)
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz Brandy or Cognac
4 oz of the mix.
Shake vigorously in shaker with ice, and pour over ice. No salt. Makes 2 damn fine margaritas.
The greatest argument ever made against democracy is a 5 minute conversation with the average voter.
2:48p, 4/20/19
In reply to FbgTxAg
I'm lazy when it comes to Rita's. I typically opt to use Simply Limeade because I get equal to better results than homemade so the extra efforts not really worth it. I do add fresh squeezed OJ tho. Good call on the brandy. That's an ingredient many overlook that they shouldn't. Gives it those fruity/grapey notes that your brain may not consciously recognize but your palate will appreciate.
7:12p, 4/20/19
In reply to MAROON
It's kind of dorky, but I'm obsessed with making these crystal clear ice blocks for my old fashioned.
8:05a, 4/21/19
We've been digging this version of a Gin Basil Smash with cucumber. Perfect spring drink and will likely be enjoying these by the pool in a few short weeks.
2 slices of cucumber, chopped
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 basil leaves
2 mint leaves
1 tsp agave nectar or simple syrup
1 1/2 oz gin
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
ice cubes
In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber, basil, mint, and agave/syrup. Add ice and gin and mix well.
Pour into highball glass over ice, mix in tonic or topo chico. Garnish with lime wedge and fresh basil/mint.
2 slices of cucumber, chopped
1 tsp grated lemon zest
2 basil leaves
2 mint leaves
1 tsp agave nectar or simple syrup
1 1/2 oz gin
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
ice cubes
In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber, basil, mint, and agave/syrup. Add ice and gin and mix well.
Pour into highball glass over ice, mix in tonic or topo chico. Garnish with lime wedge and fresh basil/mint.