Why You Should Ditch the Old-Fashioned as a Signature Cocktail
There is no denying the popularity of these two cocktails; the classic Old-Fashioned and the Paloma – especially in recent years. Arguably some of the two most popular cocktails over the last few years – as evidenced by their presence on countless cocktail menus at bars of all variety. Many have enjoyed both – especially the Old-Fashioned at a dimly-lit craft cocktail bar, at home after work, or out to dinner at your favorite restaurant.
Understandably, this means that they are going to be two of the most common Signature Drink selections for weddings – especially an Old-Fashioned. So what’s the problem with choosing an Old-Fashioned for a Signature Cocktail? Well, it all depends. Let’s break down the history a bit. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it short.
The Old-Fashioned was born out of a desire to improve the taste of whiskey. Early Americans were looking to refine the rough edges of their spirits, and they found a solution by adding a small amount of sugar, water, and bitters. This mixture was typically used to mellow the fiery character of bourbon or rye whiskey. As time went on, ice and garnishes were introduced, but the core concept remained intact: a spirit, with a pinch of sugar, a splash of water, and a dash of bitters.
Fast-forward to your wedding day. You want a cocktail that you love, and we totally get it. The only problem (for lack of better word)? Your wedding is outside, in August, with temperatures reaching anywhere from 80-100 degrees, in formalwear, drinking around 4-8 hours. Drinking a glass of whiskey, a pinch of sugar, ice, and a dash of bitters (none of which are mixers or sincere dilutants) is not always a great option, when you want something both refreshing AND “sessionable” – now multiply that by your guest list of 100+ people. That’s a recipe for someone (you or someone else) getting sloppy and possibly ruining your big day, or just not appealing on a hot, summer afternoon.
In comes the popularity of the Paloma and a solution that will allow for having the option of a classic Old-Fashioned if you want one, but giving you and your guests a delicious and refreshing alternative that will be memorable and unique to your day!
The Old-Fashioned Paloma
– Ingredients –
2oz. Bourbon
2oz. Grapefruit Juice
.75oz. Simple Syrup
2oz. Club Soda
2-3 dashes of Bitters
– Directions –
Combine all of the ingredients, except the Club Soda, into a shaking tin with ice. Shake for 10-seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda and garnish with a grapefruit or lime wedge.
Shop Ingredients and Supplies HERE.
The Old-Fashioned Paloma is guaranteed to be a big hit with everyone, help ensure responsible drinking, while being refreshing, but it still gives anyone who wants a classic version the option to do so, since you have the bourbon, the sugar via simple syrup (which is the better method anyway, in our opinion), and Angostura bitters.
Bonus Points: If you pair this drink with a tequila-based cocktail, like a Mexican Mule, as your second Signature Cocktail, anyone can swap spirits to create SEVEN cocktail options while only purchasing the ingredients for two! Now anyone can enjoy a Kentucky Mule, a Classic Old-Fashioned, a Classic Paloma, a Tequila Soda, Whiskey Soda, along with the original Old-Fashioned Paloma and Mexican Mule menu listings.
Not only does it maximize your budget, while offering options, but also creates a fun and interactive Signature Cocktail menu that will keep your costs way down, and fits a wide variety of taste preferences, tolerance levels, and dietary restrictions.
In conclusion, we want you to enjoy what you love – but as Bartenders who have served over 600 weddings, we also want you and your guests to have a delicious cocktail, while still having fun, staying safe, and that saves you money.
Have you tried this cocktail? It has definitely been a big hit at the multiple events we’ve served it at over the last few years. Comment below if you’ve tried it at an event or made it yourself, and let us know what you think.
