Benton’s Old FashionedCocktail recipe
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Benton’s Old Fashioned is a modern riff on the Old Fashioned template, keeping the drink’s spirit-forward backbone while swapping in a softer, more breakfast-leaning sweetness. You’ll find it sits firmly in the contemporary “improved whiskey cocktail” camp: minimal ingredients, maximal impact, and a focus on how a small tweak—here, maple in place of plain sugar—can reshape the whole experience without losing that familiar, timeless silhouette.
On the palate, bourbon leads with its natural warmth and rounded sweetness, while maple syrup deepens that sweetness into something richer and more mellow than standard sugar. A dash of aromatic bitters cuts through with spice and herbal lift, tightening the finish and keeping the drink from feeling heavy. The result is balanced and whiskey-forward, with the maple smoothing edges and the bitters adding structure.
Serve it when you want an Old Fashioned that feels a touch more indulgent and comforting, especially on cooler evenings. It’s ideal for bourbon drinkers who like their cocktails stirred, simple, and slightly sweeter, and it works beautifully as a slow-sipping nightcap or a relaxed after-dinner pour.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Bourbon leads with warm oak and vanilla, rounded by maple syrup’s deep caramel sweetness while aromatic bitters add a dry, spiced edge that keeps the sip from feeling syrupy. The bitters’ herbal bite tightens the maple’s richness and lets the bourbon stay front and center, making this a great pick for spirit-forward drinkers who want a softer, cozy sweetness.
Method
How to make a Benton’s Old Fashioned
- Bourbon 60ml, Aromatic bitters Dash, Maple syrup 7.5ml
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- This recipe calls for bacon fat-washed bourbon, which can be made by grilling four slices of bacon and adding the fat to a bottle of bourbon and leaving to infuse for a day
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- After the day place the bourbon into a freezer to solidify the fat, before clarifying the bourbon by pouring into a new bottle to separate it from the solid waste
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- In a mixing glass add the maple syrup and the bacon-washed bourbon and stir well until the syrup has properly dissolved
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- Add the bitters and stir again before straining into a rocks-filled lowball glass
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- Garnish with an orange twist and serve
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Find out more- Ensure the bacon fat used for fat-washing the bourbon is as fresh and high-quality as possible. This will maximize the smoky bacon flavor infused into the bourbon.
- When stirring the cocktail, do so with a bar spoon using long and controlled motions. This will help in diluting and chilling the drink uniformly without over-stirring.
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FAQ's
What makes Benton's Old Fashioned unique from a classic Old Fashioned?
Benton's Old Fashioned differentiates itself from the classic Old Fashioned by incorporating maple syrup instead of the traditional sugar cube or simple syrup. This substitution adds a distinctive, rich sweetness and complexity to the drink, complementing the bourbon's flavors.
Can I use a different type of whiskey in Benton's Old Fashioned?
While Benton's Old Fashioned traditionally uses bourbon, you can certainly experiment with different types of whiskey to suit your taste preferences. Rye whiskey is a popular alternative, offering a spicier profile that contrasts interestingly with the maple syrup's sweetness.
What is the significance of the alcohol content in Benton's Old Fashioned?
The alcohol content of 35.29% in Benton's Old Fashioned indicates a relatively strong drink, owing to its high bourbon content. This level of alcohol concentration contributes to the cocktail's body and flavor intensity, making it a sipping drink that can be savored slowly.
How do I properly serve Benton's Old Fashioned?
Benton's Old Fashioned should be served in a lowball glass, also known as an old fashioned glass. Ideally, it should be stirred with ice until well-chilled and then strained into the glass over a large ice cube. This method ensures a cold, dilute, and smooth drink, enhancing the cocktail's flavors.
What food pairings work well with Benton's Old Fashioned?
Benton's Old Fashioned, with its rich, sweet, and bold flavor profile, pairs well with hearty, savory dishes. Think smoked meats, grilled steaks, or charcuterie. For dessert, the cocktail complements the flavors of dark chocolate or pecan pie, providing a balanced end to a dining experience.
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