The Old Fashioned -- COVID-19 Takes Conferences Virtual

I’ve been away from my blog for a while, in quarantine, or socially distant during the pandemic. Many of my readers have been to various professional conferences over the years. Many of you may know that a lot of conferences have now gone virtual with a series of on-line presentations, Q&A sessions, and even virtual vendor booths.

A most difficult part to replicate from the “live” conference experience is the face-to-face networking with old friends, new friends, vendors, spouses and others. There is no replacement for that personal interaction. None-the-less, I have been recruited to bring a group together by making cocktails in a webinar format for Verity Solutions in conjunction with the 340B Coalition Virtual Summer Conference. My task is to show attendees how to make two cocktails in the comfort of your own home. The two cocktails will be the traditional Old Fashioned, and the Modern Old Fashioned.

Important Note: The perfect Old Fashioned is one made by your or your favorite bar tender to your personal liking. My two recipes are as follows:

The Traditional Old-Fashioned Recipe

·      In an Old Fashioned/Cocktail Glass:

·      One sugar cube, or approximately one-teaspoon sugar, or equivalent simple syrup

·      2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

·      Splash of Club Soda

·      Muddle above with a pestle to dissolve the sugar and make a slurry

·      Add a large cube of ice (large cubes melt more slowly and help to not water-down your drink)

·      Pour 2-3 ounces of your favorite whiskey over the ice and slurry

·      Stir the solution for about 30 revolutions

·      Cut a generous piece of orange and lemon rind and squeeze the essential oils over and into your drink

·      Slide the rind into the glass as a garnish and enjoy

The Modern Old-Fashioned Recipe

·      In a Mixing Glass:

·      Two sugar cubes, or approximately one and a half teaspoons sugar, or equivalent simple syrup

·      2-3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

·      2-3 dashes of Bitter Truth Orange Bitters

·      Two Maraschino Cherries and a little bit of cherry juice

·      A small slice of orange fruit including its rind 

·      Splash of Club Soda

·      A splash of Grand Marnier Liqueur

·      Muddle above with a pestle to dissolve the sugar and make a slurry

·      Add a large cube of ice (large cubes melt more slowly and help to not water-down your drink)

·      Pour 2-3 ounces of your favorite, whiskey, or brandy, or some other brown liquor over the ice and slurry

·      Stir the solution for about 30 revolutions

·      Strain into a cocktail glass containing a large piece of ice 

·      Cut a generous piece of orange and lemon rind and squeeze the essential oils over and into your drink

·      Slide the rind into the glass as a garnish and enjoy

Remember: The perfect Old Fashioned is the one you make (or have made) to your liking. Even when drinking at home, always remember to drink responsibly.

Life is short! Be BOLD!