When it comes to my drink of choice these days, I’m a bourbon gal, tried-and-true. It might be the geographical influence, since Texans, especially Austin dwellers, love their whiskey. To clarify: all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. If you’re a whiskey (and especially bourbon) drinker, it’s good to get educated about the (complicated) ins and outs of what that means.
By definition, whiskey is a spirit distilled from fermented grain — wheat, rye, barley, and corn — and then aged in wooden barrels. Whiskey is made all over the world, most commonly known as Scotch whisky (hailing from Scotland), Irish whiskey, and American whiskey. The most popular form of American whiskey is bourbon.
Here’s the kicker: Bourbon must be American made, and must be produced from at least 51 percent corn. Whisky does not, as it can be produced elsewhere from the aforementioned grain varieties. Bourbon also needs to be stored in new charred-oak barrels, whereas whiskey barrels do need to be oak but not new or charred. Lastly, to be called bourbon, the liquid must be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125. It also must not contain any added flavoring, coloring, or other additives. Apparently, this isn’t just common practice — it’s actual bourbon law.
Now that you’re fully up to speed, let’s get to the fun stuff: DRINKING!
I’m sharing a recipe from one of my favorite local mixologists is Jeramy Campbell, the former beverage director at Juliet Ristorante and now the current bar manager at new arrival Seven Grand (one of Los Angeles’ top whiskey-obsessed cocktail bars that just opened in Austin last week). Little does he know, I have been sipping his cocktails for years, and below he demonstrates just how easy it is to make cocktails at home with some ingredients of your own.
This playful spin on a classic Old Fashioned is one of my favorites. This cocktail has a long citrus finish, in the best way possible. You bourbon lovers will know what I’m talking about.
OLD FASHIONED RECIPE
YIELD: makes 1 cocktail
ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 oz Red-Handed Bourbon Whiskey
1⁄2 oz Simple syrup
2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Orange peel
DIRECTIONS
21 Comments
Mikayla Oelschlegel-Gonzalez
Yes! Finally another bourbon drinker! I am always looking for new drink recipes so I am definitely going to have to try this one!
Nancy
Check out Andalusia Whiskey in Blanco, they have three whiskies that they make in house and mix a pretty tasty Manhattan.
Adrienne
I’m a bourbon girl. Always have been and probably always will be. My father has always liked bourbon I think I get it from him! This old fashioned recipe sounds divine.
Stephanie
I am too a bourbon lover. This recipe sounds wonderful. It will be the first concoction I try after I have my baby! Thank for sharing the recipe and knowledge.
Jamie Bean
I adore this! I’m a scotch lover but will have to give American bourbon a try now, this recipe looks delicious.
Brilliant new blog!
Alicia
Yasss! Thanks for sharing this, I am a huge Bourbon girl as well (although, I am from Central Texas so you may be on point with that comment) and cannot wait to try this.
Monica
Nice! I’m really loving your blog, Gen! I’m a whiskey drinker but usually just with water, I don’t think I’ve even ever tried bourbon since I’ve never tried any whiskey made in the states even though i live in a florida but I’m from Venezuela and we usually drink scotch whiskey or some other kind but not american. This recipe looks really good though, I’ve tried amargo de angostura or angostura bitters before but not like this. Thanks for sharing!
mckicat
oh, how i miss bourbon! i haven’t been able to drink any whiskey in a good 20 years due to stomach issues. fingers crossed, though, after a medical procedure in august and about a year of recovery, i may be able to have a drink or two once in while! there are so many things i am looking forward to, should this work! keep posting recipes, please. i’m keeping a list of “must trys” for after i’m cleared!
Vicky
I LOVE a good Old Fashioned. Ive never tried Red Handed bourbon. I’ll have to check that out. This looks like a fast and easy version.
I was a bartender for many years, wish I could make you an Old Fashioned how I was taught as well as how I drink my own.
Katie
Is there anything better than an old fashioned?! I’ll be giving this version a try asap.
Katie xoxo
Shannon Hollifield
Interestingly enough my husband were talking about whiskey & bourbon a day or 2 ago so I found his interesting. I’m not a whiskey drinker, more of a tequila girl, but this is my new thing I learned today. I may have to break down & try your Old Fashion recipe.
Charlotte Keith
I’ve been trying all the old fashioneds in austin for the past couple of months and have been wanting to learn to make one myself. So finding a recipe on your blog is pretty exciting for me. Btw the best old fashioned I’ve found is at Old Thousand on E. 11th, a wonderful new Asian fusion restaurant with gorgeous decor. The Little Darlin’ has a great one too. Always open to hearing where the best old fashioneds are in Austin!
Danie
My mom loves whiskey/bourbon and this wil be a perfect twist for her birthday party !
Kristine
Do you think Jim Beam would work for this? I’m in Canada and don’t think I can find Red-handed here. Thanks!
Lawana Tyler
Yum! I’ve always loved whiskey of all kinds, and can’t wait to try this recipe !
Rhonda
I am not one to drink much, but this recipe sounds really good, I just may have to try it
Jess
Thank you for all the great recipes Gen! Here’s a few I absolutely love warm or cold 🙂 Pumpkin Spice Latte: 1 1/2 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1/4 C pumpkin, 1-2 teas honey (to taste) 1 1/2 teas pumpkin pie spice. Combine all ingredients in blender and it creates a foamy layer. Sprinkle with nutmeg. I found this a delicious replacement for coffee, I had to give up caffeine and gluten to eliminate migraines. Also another wonderful drink – Heat 1 1/2 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1-2 teas honey, 1/2 teas cardamom. Love it at nighttime to wind down. All the best – Jess
A Different Jess
A twist: a brown sugar or honey simple, and black walnut bitters. MAGIC.
A Different Jess
Also also, muddled Luxardo cherries. Because cherries. *nods wisely*
Rose
I’m a Bourbon gal as well. My Bourbon of choice is Angel’s Envy with Maker’s Mark Cask Strength as my stand by. Hubby and I go sparingly on the Maker’s Cask since, as far as I know, it’s only avaiable at their distillary in Kentucky and we didn’t have the chance to go to it when we were driving home from Tennessee resently. Can’t wait to make another trip that way and make a special stop there.
Brienne Michelle
YASSSS bourbon-gals UNITE! It’s the only whiskey I drink, really. I highly recommend Woodford and Larceny if you ever get the chance! They’re easily my favorite bourbons. Cheers!