Banana Old Fashioned: A Surprisingly Good Twist

Got a bottle of banana liqueur gathering dust? Before you dismiss it, consider this: it makes a surprisingly good Old Fashioned. The liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and fruity depth that pairs beautifully with bourbon or rye. Seriously, give it a try.

It sounds a bit weird on paper, but the key is balance. You’re not making a banana bomb, just adding a nuanced layer to a classic.

Banana Old Fashioned Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: Choose something decent you enjoy sipping.
• ¼ oz Banana Liqueur: Quality matters here.
• 1-2 dashes Angostura Bitters: Classic choice. Feel free to experiment with chocolate or mole bitters too.
• Optional: 1 bar spoon Simple Syrup: (1:1 or 2:1 ratio). Adjust based on the sweetness of your liqueur and your personal preference. You might not need any.
• Orange Peel: For garnish.
• Large Ice Cube: For serving (or fresh regular ice).

Instructions

1. Combine: Add the whiskey, banana liqueur, bitters, and simple syrup (if using) to a mixing glass.
2. Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass generously with ice.
3. Stir: Stir continuously with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds. You want it well-chilled and slightly diluted, but not watery.
4. Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube.
5. Garnish: Take a fresh orange peel, twist it over the surface of the drink to express the oils, then drop it into the glass or run it around the rim and discard.

Enjoy this unexpectedly delicious take on a classic! Let me know what you think.