The Old Fashioned is the quintessential definition of what a classic cocktail is. Simple, elegant, and flavourful. Generally made of whisk(e)y as a base spirit, it has become more common to use other aged spirits such as brandy, aged tequila, rums, and you’ve guessed it, aged gin. Top Shelf Reserve Barrel Aged Gin shares similar properties as whisk(e)ys while also boasting some delightful yet mellow botanical flavours. This makes Top Shelf Reserve Barrel Aged Gin an excellent candidate for creating a tasty yet unique variation of the Old Fashioned as we know it. This simple 3 ingredient cocktail can be modified further by simply swapping Aromatic Bitters (the classic choice) for something a bit more bold and unique, or by even using a different flavoured sweetener. In this recipe we chose rich syrup to pair and highlight the barrel flavours of caramelized sugars, but using maple, honey, or even agave can give this classic a personal touch. This is a very versatile cocktail, created with a very versatile spirit. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz Top Shelf Reserve Barrel Aged Gin
• ½ oz Rich Simple Syrup*
• 3 Dashes Top Shelf Aromatic Bitters

GARNISH

• Orange Twist
• Maraschino Cherry

GLASSWARE

Rocks Glass

DIRECTIONS

In a mixing glass, add all ingredients. Fill the mixing glass ⅔ full of ice and stir for 20 seconds. Strain into a Rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express the oils of an orange peel over the cocktail and garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.

Rich Simple Syrup

• 2 parts sugar
• 1 part water

Simmer sugar and water until sugar is fully dissolved. Bottle.Refrigerate. Keeps for 2 to 3 weeks.