The Gin Old Fashioned Cocktail: A Twist on a Classic

The Gin Old Fashioned Cocktail: A Twist on a Classic
A gin-led twist on one of the all time classic cocktails!

Sometimes known as a 'Stubby Collins', this drink swaps out the whiskey for barrel-aged gin or genever (gin's older sibling). Here, the barrel-aging provides the same toasty, oaky, sweet caramel flavours found in the original Old Fashioned, but with a heavy helping of botanical goodness!

The Old Fashioned first emerged in the second half of the 19th century, as one of the first cocktails to find real widespread popularity. Whilst mostly associated with Bourbon or Rye, all manner of spirits have been used to add a twist to this spicy and sweet mixed drink.

Indeed, in Harry Craddock's 1930 seminal work, The Savoy Cocktail Book, he states “this cocktail can be made with Brandy, Gin, Rum, etc., instead of Rye Whiskey." Some sources even claim that Jerry Thomas' 1862 original called for "Holland Gin", so the drink's history as a gin-based libation is long and lustrous. With so many delicious barrel aged gins available these days, it's definitely one to explore.

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Ingredients
60ml Barrel Aged Gin or Genever
5ml Rich Sugar Syrup (2 sugar : 1 water)
2 dash Angostura or Orange Bitters

Garnish Orange peel

Ice Cubes

Glass Old Fashioned Tumbler

Equipment Checklist

Mixing Glass Mixing Spoon
Strainer Jigger

Recommended Gins

KOVAL Barreled Gin

Instructions

1. Add all your ingredients to the mixing glass/tin.

2. Fill mixing glass with cubes of ice.

3. Stir for 30 seconds - 1 minute (until the mixing glass/tin is frosty).

4. Strain over ice into an old fashioned tumbler glass.

5. Garnish with orange peel.

Bartender’s Top Tips

Remember to chill your glass and mixing glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before you fill it, to keep your drink colder and fresher for longer.

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