Buzz
While most old fashioneds feature a bit of sugar—whether a cube or syrup—it's not typically considered a 'sweet' cocktail. (That is, unless we’re discussing the Wisconsin old fashioned, which is a whole different story.) If you’re eager to explore bourbon-based cocktails with a bit of southern flair, why not look to the 1930s Kentucky River for inspiration?
Although there’s no confirmed account of who or where this cocktail was first created, it shows up in at least one cocktail book from the 1930s. It’s just as easy to prepare as any old fashioned, but the sugar is swapped for crème de cacao, and traditional angostura bitters are replaced with peach bitters. It’s a bit more dessert-like than the original, yet still strong and incredibly tasty. To make it, you’ll need:
2 ounces bourbon
1/2 ounce crème de cacao
3 dashes of peach bitters
Combine all the ingredients in a lowball glass with a large ice cube and give it a gentle stir. If you feel like adding a garnish, use a strip of lemon zest (and be prepared to increase your ingredient count).
