The Art of Reinvention: How 5 Bartenders Put a Personal Spin on the Classic Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a timeless American whiskey cocktail that has been a staple in bars for centuries. Its classic recipe of whiskey, sugar, and bitters has been a canvas for bartenders to experiment and innovate. Recently, Elijah Craig, a renowned bourbon brand, hosted a nationwide bartending competition that challenged mixologists to put their own spin on the classic Old Fashioned. The result was a showcase of creativity, innovation, and personal storytelling that elevated the drink to new heights.

Meet the Finalists

Five bartenders were selected as finalists, each with their unique take on the Old Fashioned. They were chosen from a pool of submissions from around the country, and their cocktails were judged on creativity, flavor, and presentation.

• Briana Parra-Magaña, a bartender from California, created a drink called "Old Fashioned Compassion." Her twist on the classic recipe included using homemade sugar cubes infused with cardamom, cacao, and piloncillo.
• Danielle O'Neal, a bartender from South Carolina, created a drink called "The Great Santini." Her cocktail was inspired by the novel and film of the same name and featured a blend of Southern ingredients like peach, pecan, and thyme.
• SC Baker, a bartender from Kentucky, created a drink called "Phantom India." Their cocktail was inspired by a 1960s documentary about small communities in India and featured a blend of bourbon, damson plum, and garam masala.
• Yolanda Gregg, a bartender from North Carolina, created a drink called "Lowcountry Gold." Her cocktail was a tribute to her roots in South Carolina and featured a benne seed-infused simple syrup and charred oak flavors.
• Aaron Tran, a bartender from New York, created a drink called "Orchard Ease." His cocktail featured a homemade syrup made with amontillado sherry and apple cider, paired with Elijah Craig bourbon.

What This Means for Bartenders

The creativity and innovation displayed by these five bartenders are a testament to the art of reinvention in mixology. Here are some actionable insights that bartenders can take away from this competition:

• Experiment with unique ingredients: Don't be afraid to try new and unusual ingredients to create a unique flavor profile.
• Tell a story with your cocktail: Each of the finalists' cocktails had a personal story behind it, making the drink more meaningful and memorable.
• Pay attention to presentation: The presentation of a cocktail can elevate the drinking experience and make it more Instagram-worthy.
• Keep it simple: While innovation is key, don't forget that the classic Old Fashioned recipe is a timeless classic. Keep your ingredients simple and let the flavors shine.

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Whether you're a seasoned bartender or just starting out, there's always room for innovation and creativity behind the bar. Take a cue from these five finalists and experiment with new ingredients, techniques, and stories to elevate your cocktails and create a memorable drinking experience for your customers.

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