The Old Fashioned is a very flexible template to begin experimenting with flavor. The construction is “spirit, sugar, bitter”. Traditionally that means “whiskey, simple syrup, angostura bitters”. That’s what you’ll get if you order it from a bar, most of the time. But if you are a home bartender, you can have more fun with it!! Swap any element for another and you’ve got your own riff.

We first learned of the the Banana Bread Old Fashioned somewhere online, but we’ve tweaked and changed it, so the original source is lost. This is our take. Sticking with whiskey (you pick the type, just probably not scotch in this one). Then swap simple syrup for Creme de Cacao and Banana Liqueur. Ditch the banana part if you don’t like artificial fruit flavor, it’s still tasty! Then swap Angostura bitters with a combination of Chocolate and Walnut bitters. The Black Walnut is a more powerful flavor, so double up the chocolate to keep it under control.

We hope you enjoy this riff and that it inspires you to make your own variations!! Options are limitless!!