Improved Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, cherished for its simple ingredients, power, and depth. With the availability of non-alcoholic whiskey, it's tempting to make an Old Fashioned mocktail the old-fashioned way, but sticking to the traditional recipe often falls short. The complexity of an Old Fashioned relies heavily on alcohol, and simply substituting non-alcoholic whiskey might not cut it.
In the 19th century, the term "improved" was used to denote cocktails—like the Whiskey Cocktail, or as we know it today, the Old Fashioned—that had been enhanced with additional ingredients like absinthe. Inspired by this historical context, we present the Improved Old Fashioned (created by Joshua James of Ocean Beach Cafe), which deviates from the standard to craft something complex and satisfying.
Three small "improvements" to the classic are made here. First, the base is split between non-alcoholic whiskey and Three Spirit Nightcap—a unique botanical spirit with a spicy, woody flavor. Then the standard sugar cube is replaced with a bit of cinnamon syrup for another layer of spice and flavor. Finally, All The Bitter Orange Bitters introduces citrus and botanical depth, ensuring each sip is as engaging as the last.
With all the flavor of an alcoholic Old Fashioned but none of the hangover, this riff on a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned really is an "improved" experience, proving that with the right ingredients, mocktails can be just as satisfying as their alcoholic counterparts.
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