There are thousands of variations to one of the most iconic whiskey cocktails the Old-Fashioned. We are not debating which is better than the other or that ours is the best. It is merely another variation on a great cocktail.

The history of the old-fashioned can be traced back to the early 1800’s, Wikipedia has a good write HERE.

There is no doubt that Don Draper of Mad Men had a cultural impact on the old-fashioned, bringing it and other classics (like the Sazerac) back in style. The resurgent of the craft cocktail has led to an explosion of different recipes that include things like muddled fruit to smoked ice (which we like).

During our recent Shot of Texas Whiskey with Ty Phelps, co-founder of Andalusia Whiskey Co. we discussed his go-to whiskey cocktail when not drinking whiskey with a touch of water is old-fashioned. Like Ty, we are not a fan of muddling fruit in the drink, and while he typically makes his with rye, we are mixing it up a bit (who would have thought) to include their flagship product Stryker, which is a Texas smoked single malt whiskey.  Please note they do have a Stryker old-fashioned on their menu and it is not this.

For our version of the Stryker Old-Fashioned you need:

• 1 Sugar cube

• 3 Dashes orange bitters

• A little water

• 1 Large ice cube

• Whiskey

Instructions

Place the sugar cube in a glass, add the bitters and a little water (just enough to dissolve the sugar). Stir until you dissolve the sugar. Add the large ice cube then fill with your whiskey of choice until you reach the top of the ice cube.

When using a smoked whiskey, we do not recommend using smoked ice. The old-fashioned is an excellent cocktail because there is not a wrong way to make it.