What is old almost always becomes new again. And classic is always in fashion—that goes for the Old Fashioned cocktail too. This definitive libation is made with just a few ingredients: spirit, sweetener, bitters and ice. To make a great Old Fashioned, the cocktail requires quality ingredients, technique and precise measurements. Using this timeless recipe template as inspiration, this featured cocktail incorporates a less traditional spirit and new delicious flavors.
Reminiscent of the golden age of American cocktails, Ransom Spirits’ Old Tom gin is an accurate tribute to the gin made during the 1800s and the first domestic Old Tom gin to be released since Prohibition. The Sheridan, Oregon distillery barrel-aged the spirit for three to six months, crafted with malted barley wort and combined with botanicals such as cardamom pods and coriander seed giving this gin a rich and complex flavor. House-made Spiced Bitter Lemon Syrup adds warm spice notes that dance with the aged Old Tom gin. The drunken cherries are created with Northwest dried Chukar cherries, not just for a garnish but suitable for a pairing with cheese as well.
Old Tom Fashioned
Makes 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
2 ounces Ransom Spirits Old Tom gin
¼-⅓ ounce Spiced Bitter Lemon Syrup (recipe follows)
Garnish: Drunken Plumped Cherries (recipe follows), fat lemon peel
Directions:
Measure the gin and Spiced Bitter Lemon Syrup into a mixing glass. Fill three-quarters full with ice. Stir with a bar spoon until well chilled. Strain over ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Express the lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, then twist and add to drink. Garnish with Drunken Plumped Cherries on a pick.
Spiced Bitter Lemon Syrup
Makes 14 ounces
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon finely minced lemon zest
2 tablespoons Angostura bitters
3 whole cloves
3 whole allspice
Directions:
Combine ingredients in small saucepan. On medium-high heat, bring liquid to a boil while stirring to combine well, continue to boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 1 hour. Strain and store refrigerated for up to 30 days.
Drunken Plumped Cherries
Makes 1 cup
Ingredients:
½ cup dried Chukar Cherries Northwest Bing cherries
2 tablespoons vodka or bourbon
½ cup sugar
½ cup hot water
Directions:
Put cherries, vodka and sugar in a ½ pint jar. Pour the hot water over the cherries and stir well. Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours to plump before using. Store, covered and refrigerated, for up to 2 months.
