Old Fashion
The original Old Fashioned recipe would have used whiskeys available in America in the late 1800’s, either Bourbon or Rye Whiskey. The first recipe is from 1895. But in some regions, especially Wisconsin, brandy is substituted for whiskey (sometimes called a Brandy Old Fashioned). Eventually the use of other spirits became common, such as a gin recipe becoming popularized in the late 1940s. The first mention of the drink was for a Bourbon whiskey cocktail in the 1880s, at the Pendennis Club, a gentlemen’s club in Louisville, Kentucky.
Common garnishes for an Old Fashioned include an orange slice or a maraschino cherry, although these modifications came around 1930, sometime after the original recipe was invented. The practice of muddling orange and other fruit gained prevalence as late as the 1990s. In muddling the fruit make sure to muddle the fruit but try not to muddle the peel too much. You want to release the oils and fruit flavor but not a lot of the acid. As with spirit only drinks what whiskey/brandy you make this drink with matters. The fun is in trying to find which one you really like!
Monte Carlo
Why the Monte Carlo? Even if you’re not getting together for cards this weekend with the guys it goes well with any guy themed event. This is a smooth drink that goes well with fall, cards, sports, guy talk and cigars!
Bushmills Manhattan
Manhattan’s history, like most drinks, is not as clear as there are many ideas around the origin. A popular history suggests that the drink originated at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870s. The original Manhattan was a mix of American Whiskey, Italian Vermouth and Angostura bitters. Considered one of the classic drinks it is still served in bars all over the world. This drink should be mixed with the best Whiskey you can afford as combined with the bitters the flavors are sharp and very enjoyable when you move towards the high end. Ours is mixed with Bushmills and affordable Whiskey that stands up well to the bitters.
Brandy Old Fashion
Like an Old Fashion but with a lower proof, longer to drink my dear, than the classic.