Southern Living
We all know and love the classic Old Fashioned. The Old Fashioned 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. This vintage 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.
How to Make It
Step 1
For the syrup: Combine all ingredients 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.
Step 2
For the cocktail: Combine first four ingredients. Fill 12 (10-oz.) old-fashioned glasses with crushed ice; pour mixture over ice. Garnish, if desired.
