Old Fashioned

[leetmode]

What does a man need to do around here to get a good old fashioned? Any recommendations? I know the guys at Sra. Martinez know what they are doing, but I usually end up taking their recommendations on something.

[Blind Mind]

For me, there's only one way to make it - sugar cube (or 1/2oz simple syrup), bitters, rye, large ice cube, orange peel twisted rimmed and tossed in. That said, places to get a good Old Fashioned:

The Dutch
Bourbon Steak
Bazaar
The Corner (Alejandra made mine and it was spot on)
Michael's Genuine

The Bulliet Proof Manhattan at Michael's Genuine is also a fantastic drink, as is the Sonny Rollins which is awesome for day drinking at brunch.

[Frodnesor]

BTS

[madtheswine]

I'll probably catch some flack for this, but I use agave syrup when I make an old-fashioned at home. I can't seem to get rid of the grittiness in a sugar cube. I've tried stirring before adding ice, but that doesn't get rid of all of it. I'll also use simple syrup in a pinch.
Will try the old fashioned when I go to the Dutch.

[leetmode]

So... all this talk about old fashioned made me thirsty. Last night after work here was my first attempt.

-Suger Cube
-Muddler
-Bitters
-Big cube ice
-Buffalo Trace Bourbon
-Orange peel

Result was pretty damn good, wasn't that hard after all to find a good Old Fashioned. :)

[Blind Mind]

you nailed it, dude!

As Frod said, The BTS is a great stop for a proper Old Fashioned. We use Angostura Orange bitters and dont do the sugar cube on the napkin because it really doesnt make much a difference. We say the combo of orange with most ryes really works in an OF. At the end of the day, it's really how YOU like a drink that makes it a good one. Keep experimenting!

@ madtheswine - getting the sugar cube to dissolve is not something that happens without a good amount of elbow grease. You gotta have a good muddler to make the magic happen. I recommend the Kegworks Cocktail Muddler found here - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001.... I also recommend adding a dash (seriously, very little amount!!) of water to the cube/bitters mix which will help the dissolving process. Work it for a bit and that sugar will be gone.

[Icantread]

good muddler. Always make sure those wooden muddlers aren't the shiny, varnished variety

[Blind Mind]

Exactly why I recommended this one.

[madtheswine]

Bourbon Steak made a pretty good one last time I was there with Maker's Mark.

[Icantread]

Bourbon Steak in general makes good cocktails and will probably make a good Old Fashioned. The Manhattan is nice, although I'm not sure how I feel about the little extra maraschino juice they throw in. Rather get a dash of the liqueur instead.

[madtheswine]

I agree on the manhattan. Was going to mention it, but didn't want to jump off-topic. Now that it is mentioned, I agree that their manhattan wasn't balanced. I know a Manhattan is normally rye, and I asked for a bourbon, so I'm not sure if that's why it came out a touch too sweet. Perhaps it was the maraschino juice. Did you order it with bourbon or rye?

[leetmode]

I guess this thread needs to turn into a "where to get a good speakeasy cocktail"... I am all ears guys. It's almost sad to say Miami hasn't caught on to this yet. Let the hunt begin!

[restless tongue]

I have the same problem ordering a Manhattan. Those few bartenders who know what to mix don't know the proper proportions for a proper drink.

[BigBonesBradley]

Try the Dutch in the W Hotel. The bartenders there seem to know what they're doing. I have had a great Old Fashioned there on several different occasions from at least two different bartenders.

[leetmode]

I appreciate that... anything in downtown / midtown? I went to the Corner but other than the drinks on the Menu, they didn't know what was going on.