Sweet Old Fashioned

Give the classic whiskey drink a fruity flair.

Southern Living Old Fashioned Punch Cocktail
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie cox

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
12

We all know and love the classic Old Fashioned. It is believed to have been the first drink to be labeled as a "cocktail." It was originally served at the Waldorf Astoria bar in New York.

On cold nights by the fire, there's nothing that'll warm you up like a short glass of whiskey. But for those who haven't already developed a fondness and appreciation for this Southern liquor, we found a way to introduce your palate to whiskey in a subtle, slightly-sweet way.

Southern Living Old Fashioned Punch ingredients

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

This vintage Sweet Old Fashioned recipe puts a spin on the time-tested staple, and it's an ideal cocktail for summertime porch-sipping. The addition of lemon-lime soda creates a sweeter cocktail that's approachable and great to beat the summer heat.

Let your creativity run wild with the garnishes on this cocktail. Decorate the rim of the glasses with your choice of fruit slices or citrus rinds. If you want to highlight the sweet notes of the drink, garnish with maraschino cherries. If you want to draw out the sharper, acidic flavors of the citrus, use orange rind curls and lemon slices. You can even pair it with different foods to round out those flavors.

Ingredients

Sweet Citrus Syrup

  • 1 (12-oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate

  • 1/2 cup grenadine syrup or maraschino cherry juice

  • 1 Tbsp. sugar

Cocktail

  • 6 cups lemon-lime carbonated beverage

  • 3 cups Canadian whiskey

  • 1/2 teaspoon aromatic bitters

  • Sweet Citrus Syrup

  • Crushed ice

  • Garnishes: orange, lemon, and lime slices; maraschino cherries; orange rind curls

Directions

  1. Make the syrup:

    Combine orange juice concentrate, grenadine syrup, and sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring often. Remove from heat, and let cool (about 1 hour). Pour into a container; cover and refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Makes 2 cups.

    Southern Living Old Fashioned Punch making the sweet citrus syrup

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  2. Make the cocktail:

    Combine lemon lime soda, whiskey, bitters, and Sweet Citrus Syrup. Fill 12 (10-oz.) old-fashioned glasses with crushed ice; pour mixture over ice. Garnish, if desired.

    Southern Living Old Fashioned Punch ingredients mixed together

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

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