If you have read my posts in the past, you may know I was born and raised in Wisconsin…and if there is one thing to know about Wisconsinites, it is that we LOVE our Old Fashioneds!

What I always knew about an Old Fashioned growing up was that:

• It included Brandy/ Whiskey/Bourbon.
• It could be either sweet, sour, or press (learned recently on trip back to Sconnie – this is half sweet and half soda water) depending on your mix preference.
• The orange and maraschino cherries are a must.

Let’s just say…I’ve grown since then. Don’t get me wrong…I still love my brother’s true Wisconsin Old Fashioned, but I’ve also branched out to try new variations of that tasty cocktail…as you have seen in prior posts.

This cocktail was found on one of those amazing impromptu moments where we stumple on a new place with fun food and a great cocktail menu. I mentioned that I have only known old fashioneds with brandy, whiskey, or bourbon. So, imagine my surprise when I see a Tequila Old Fashioned on a cocktail menu. What?! Tequila in an Old Fashioned?! And not only that, it features chai spices – which is one of the few teas I enjoy. I had to try it!

I greatly enjoyed the pairing of a chai simple syrup, bitters, tequila and I got to experience a new ingredient – Falernum – and, of course, then learn about it. Falernum is a lower volume alcohol, or it can be made in non-alcoholic version. It originates in the Caribbean and it’s used in tropical drinks. The base flavors are ginger, lime, and almond, with possible add ins of allspice or clove. That combination adds a warm playfulness to this cocktail balanced by the zip of tequila, sweetness of syrup, and punch from the bitters. This paired perfectly with the freshness of the shrimp ceviche appetizer.

You could make this cocktail with your favorite style of tequila. We have made it with both silver and respasado style tequilas. I prefer a respasado tequila, which is a longer oak barrel aged tequila, than the freshly distilled silver tequila. The respasado adds a similar depth to the cocktail as the traditional brandy, bourbon or whiskey would, only with the summery kick of tequila that we know and love. A new way to celebrate summer with this Tequila Old Fashioned – Cheers!

Tequila Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Tequila Respasado
• 1/2 oz Velvet Falurnum
• 3/4 oz Chai Cocunut Simple Syrup
• 4 dashes Angostura bitters

Preparation:

Fill a shaker with ice. Add all ingredients and shake for 30 seconds.

Pour over fun ice cube in lowball glass. Optional – Garnish with flamed lemon peel.

Makes 2 cocktails.

Happy Cocktailing!!!

**Experimental Spoon Original