While today we most commonly think of an Old Fashioned as being a Bourbon or American Whiskey-based drink, it was initially a cocktail that was defined as one that combined a spirit, sugar and bitters.
In fact, in 1862, in one of the first written instances of the name “Old-Fashioned” in a cocktail book, Jerry Thomas’ Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinks, Thomas includes a recipe for the Old Fashioned Holland Gin Cocktail, which, as you might guess, used Ginever.
PIN ITGianluca Pavanello Canella
Now, while Thomas may never have thought to use Tequila (especially as the first reference to a tequila cocktail wasn’t printed until the 1930s), Gianluca Pavanello Canella, UK Brand Ambassador for Patrón Tequila believes that the appeal of an Old Fashioned is in its versatility.
“The beauty of this cocktail is that you can make it to your own taste and play around with the ingredients and flavour combinations,” he explained.
Now, while you might not immediately think of Tequila when looking to mix up an Old Fashioned, it is a spirit that easily lends a sophisticated twist to the classic, resulting in a fresh, vibrant flavour profile with distinct character.
Of course, a lot of the appeal of an Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity, but as anyone who has made a simple cocktail knows, you need to ensure you are using a good spirit, as there is nowhere for the quality of the spirit to hide. Canella believes that, in particular, Patrón’s Tequila adds a rich, agave-forward profile that can present a whole new layer of complexity to this classic cocktail.
Patrón Añejo has a warmer flavour profile with the taste of cooked agave and woody, toasted dry fruits
“While it may not be the most traditional Old Fashioned,” he said, “it’s an exciting and flavourful variation that pays homage to the timeless cocktail, while introducing a touch of tequila’s elegance. Tequila is amazingly versatile, so I encourage people to try a lot of different ways of drinking it.”
The complexity that Canella refers to can be easily seen through the earthy, oaky, spiced notes that Tequila brings to the drink and the natural sweetness of the spirit that complements the sugar and bitters. While Tequila offers a slightly sweeter profile compared to traditional whiskey, Canella is quick to point out that if you swap Agave Syrup for regular sugar, that depth is further enhanced.
“The Patrón Old Fashioned uses Patrón Añejo, which is aged for 12-15 months and is soft, rich and sweet,” he explains. “Barrel ageing adds complexity and depth to the spirit, bringing out the rich, smooth flavours of Patrón Añejo, which enhances the classic cocktail, with notes of vanilla and honey, the taste of freshly cooked agave.”
With the same vanilla and toasted fruity notes traditionally found in whisky, the flavour of Patrón Añejo will be familiar to whisky drinkers. After all, one of our five varieties of oak barrels that Patrón uses to age its Añejo is an ex-Bourbon cask, so familiar notes will be transported from the whiskey into the liquid.
“Patrón Añejo uses a combination of French oak, Hungarian oak and both new and used American whiskey barrels to create naturally additive-free ultra-premium tequila,” Canella continued. “Our used American oak barrels are previously aged American Whiskey barrels, so some notes will be shared between both spirits.”
While the PATRÓN Old Fashioned is a drink that can be enjoyed all year round, the flavour of the Añejo makes it the perfect cocktail for the fall/ autumn season.
“Patrón Añejo has a warmer flavour profile with the taste of cooked agave and woody, toasted dry fruits,” Canella explains. “With notes of vanilla, honey, as well as spicy black pepper, typically associated with Fall.
So, if you are after a cocktail that has stood the test of time but want to put a more autumnal spin on it, why not look at making a Patrón Tequila yourself and truly taste the difference.
For more information on Patrón Añejo, go to patrontequila.com
or if you are after a bottle, go to Reserve Bar (affiliate link)
Patrón Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 60ml Patrón Añejo
- 7.5ml Simple Syrup
- 1 dash Bitters
- + Orange Zest
Instructions
Over a double Old-Fashioned glass, use a vegetable peeler to take off two strips of orange zest and express the oil into the glass. Add Patrón Añejo, simple syrup and bitters. Add ice – the biggest cubes you can find – and stir. Adjust sweetness to taste.
