How to Make an Old Fashioned

This week I’ve been gathering ideas for unique Father’s Day gifts to share with you and was pleased to accept an invitation to attend a live stream on how to make the perfect Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark and Trunk Club. My husband’s go-to cocktail is an Old Fashioned so I thought it would be fun to learn how to make his favorite drink. I think that giving Bourbon as a gift is always a great idea, but learning how to make that special Dad his favorite drink takes it the extra mile.

The lesson was hosted by Pam Wiznitzer (Master Mixologist and President of the United States Bartender’s Guild), and Trunk Club stylist David Shapiro. Pam shared all the tips and tricks for creating a classic and elevated Old Fashioned utilizing the celebrated Maker’s 46 Bourbon. David gave some excellent ideas for wrapping uniquely shaped gifts for Dad such as a bottle of Maker’s. The best part? Everything was so simple! I don’t claim much knowledge when it comes to cooking or cocktail making, nor am I extremely crafty. These simple ideas are easy for anyone to accomplish. Win! Win!

Create a Classic Old Fashioned

Pam Wiznitzer’s Old Fashioned

Created by Pamela Wiznitzer,

National President of United States Bartender’s Guild (USBG)

2 parts Maker’s 46 ( I used two shot glasses full)
3 dashes bitters of choice (i.e., Angostura or 18.21)
2 bar spoons full of Simple syrup
Citrus of choice (orange, lemon or grapefruit)

Instructions: In a rocks glass, muddle choice of syrup with choice of sliced citrus. Add ice, Maker’s 46 and bitters. Stir and enjoy!

Tips:

– Pam suggests always adding your bitters first.

– Make an easy Simple Syrup by adding equal parts sugar to water. I created mine with a cup of water and a cup of sugar and shaking it up in a closed container. So so easy!

Amy West and her first crafted Old Fashioned

Elevate It

Tips From Pamela Wiznitzer on Building an Elevated Old Fashioned:

1. Step up your syrup: Traditional simple syrup helps take the edge off any cocktail, but instead:
· Make some cinnamon-infused or tea-infused simple syrup*
· Opt for Cocktail & Sons Spiced Demerara Syrup

2. Gettin’ bitter with it: Stick with the classic Angostura, or:
· Step it up a notch with the 18.21 Barrel Aged Havanna & Hide Bitters

3. Fancy your garnish: Lemon or orange zest is great, but incorporate a different twist with:
· Star Anise

*Tea or cinnamon-infused simple syrup: Bring one part water to a boil and add equal parts sugar; stir until dissolved.
Reduce heat and simmer one cinnamon stick for 10-15 minutes. Cool for one hour, remove cinnamon stick and chill.
For tea-infused, remove water and sugar mixture from heat, add tea bags and infuse for 5 minutes.

Wrap It Up

Expert Gift Styling Ideas by David Shapiro

1. Map It – Find an adequately sized box to place your gift and wrap it in an old map.
2. Put a Bow on It – Add a little flare and buy Dad a bow tie or tie at the store. Tie it around the neck of the bottle. You can have a little more fun and add some sunglasses if you are up for some extra styling.
3. Bag It – Buy Dad a bag that suits him and place your gift inside. This could be a great weekender bag, computer bag, or a backpack for those adventurous types.

Wrap an unusually shaped gift in a new bag for Dad

This was my first time tasting Maker’s 46 and I was definitely impressed. Thanks to my husband we have a nice collection of bourbon in the cabinet so I’m not a stranger to great tasting liquor. You can taste what makes Maker’s 46 so special. Like all of Maker’s bourbon’s, 46 is aged to taste somewhere between five to seven years. Maker’s 46 then ages an additional two to three months with seared French Oak Staves which results in a bolder, smokier flavor.

Amy West with an Old Fashioned made with Maker's 46

This whole experience was so fun. Special thanks to Maker’s Mark for partnering with me on this post and providing me with everything to create an amazing Old Fashioned. David couldn’t be happier this Father’s day!