A tribute to the Old Fashioned

It’s no secret that we at Salt and Sandals are big fans of the old-fashioned. It’s one of those topics on which we and Don Draper happen to agree. In case you’re in need of a refresher, Draper’s poison of choice was invented in the 19th century as a backlash to a cocktail culture overly obsessed with drinks loaded with frills and flourishes (sound familiar?). The old-fashioned was meant as an antidote to all that: just sugar, bitters, whiskey, and a strip of lemon peel.

The first Old Fashioned can be traced to the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The bartender there created the recipe in honour of Colonel James E Pepper, a prominent bourbon distiller in 1881.

After years of being perverted by candied fruits and club soda, then languishing in obscurity, the whiskey cocktail made a dramatic return to prominence somewhere around the time of Mad Men‘s 2007 premiere. (Since then, it’s made frequent appearances on the show, whether Don is making them or having his daughter fix one for him.) Now it’s not only a staple of the serious barman, but a go-to for bar patrons just about everywhere. Thirsty yet?

One of the Old world’s classic cocktails, The Old Fashioned holds a special mention in the hearts of whiskey lovers. A drink that’s super smooth yet hits you in the right places. A colour so mesmerising that you cannot peel your eyes away from it. This is our tribute to the classic.

We list a few places in Delhi NCR to find this Whiskey Classic.

The Liquor Warehouse, DLF Star Mall, Sector 30, Gurgaon

One of the few places in Delhi NCR where you get to store your bottles of alcohol, the cocktail here is a bit high on the bitterness.

Fio Country Kitchen and Bar, The Garden of Five Senses, Saket

Fio Country Kitchen and Bar is nestled among trees and greenery in the Garden of Five Senses. A perfect place to sip your Old Fashioned on a Sunday Brunch.

Moonshine, Hauz Khas Village

One of the few drinks they get correct at this happening place in Hauz Khas Village.

Harry’s, Khan Market

The common man’s bar serves up a bit of a twist on the classic by adding some caramelised sugar instead of the regular one for that extra sweetness.

Vault Café, Connaught Place

Vault Café’s version comes with smoke pouring out of it. The orange zested smoke does tingle your tastebuds but it’s the alcohol later which drives you crazy.

World Pizza Journey, Hauz Khas Village

The Old Fashioned here is typical Viju Raj. The sweetness hovers near the bottom of the glass but the amount of alcohol can knock even the best ones out. You can probably find a similar one in Town House café.

Hungry Monkey, Safdarjung Enclave

The Hickory Smoked Old Fashioned is probably one of the best cocktails you will have in a while. Built with solid amounts of alcohol, the combination of the wood smoke and the fresh orange zest create a gustatory experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

So, this summer season where do you head to for your fix?

Picture and reference credits: Internet and Wikipedia