5 Greatest Old Fashioned in Shanghai
Coffee cocktails may be the new trend, but that doesn’t mean we should forget all about the original, modern cocktail --- The Old Fashioned. Made with either Whisky or Bourbon, which can sometimes create a divide between the Americans and rest of the world, it’s an elegant mix of bitters, sugar and made more welcoming with the inviting aroma of orange peels.
Created in the 1800’s, the Old Fashioned is a drink suitable for any occasion. And here are Shanghai’s 5 Best Old Fashioned, enjoy.
Sober Society
“Milk & Honey” (RMB110)
Bulleit Bourbon Whisky
Homemade Honey Syrup
(white wine, honey, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar)
Homemade Orange Liquor
Angostura Bitters
Milk
You can leave it up to Sober Company to give a new twist to the Old Fashioned. Named “Milk and Honey”, it is an Old Fashioned in every sense, the only difference is the addition of milk and the way it is prepared. Instead of a crushed sugar cube, they use homemade honey syrup. Strained and served, it is as smooth as honey nectar. The orange liquor and zest adds the citrus aroma that is the signature of this classic drink.
Address: 99 Yandang Lu, 2FL
Tel: 021 5309 8261
Union Trading Company
“Old Fashioned” (RMB50 at happy hour, RMB85)
Benchmark Bourbon Whisky
Simple Syrup
Angostura Bitter
Orange Peel
Union Trading Company’s “Old Fashioned” not exactly the smoothest blend, but certainly not one to be forgotten. With hints of leather and tobacco against the orange aroma, on first impression it comes across as assertive and coarse. However, the roughness of the drink is just enough to ruffle your feathers and keep you coming back.
Address: Fenyang Lu, Land 64, No. 2.
Tel: 021 6418 3077
El Ocho
“Rye old fashioned” (RMB114)
Town Branch Rye Whisky
Angostura Bitters
Fine brown sugar cube
Orange peel
El Ocho offers two types of Old Fashioned, made with rye or bourbon (brandy is also an option). We decided to give the rye “Old Fashioned” a try. The rye whisky added boldness, but not too risqué. The drink is full flavored, especially with the use of brown sugar instead of white to create depth and bring out all the sweet undertones. Also, unlike the other Old Fashioned that meshes or puts an orange peel in the drink, they bring out the orange aroma by rubbing the peel outside the glass. This prevents the drink from turning bitterer from the oil of the peel.
Address: 99 Taixing Lu, 3FL
Constellation
“Old Fashioned” (RMB88)
Crown Royal Whisky
Angostura Bitter
White Sugar Cube
Orange Peel
Constellation is one of the first whisky bars in Shanghai. So it is not surprising their Old Fashioned is made with whisky instead of bourbon. To add flavor, they infuse the sugar with bitters and mesh the orange peel to release the citrus aroma. Overall, the bouquet is rich with zesty aromas, but it has a significantly lighter undertone. Perfect if you enjoy a solid drink with a clean finish.
Address: Various Locations
TRIBE
“Fig Old Fashioned” (RMB78)
Makers Mark Bourbon
Coconut Sugar
Angostura Bitter
Orange Slice
This is truly a big step away from the traditional Old Fashioned. To begin with, TRIBE is an organic restaurant, so they use coconut sugar as an alternative to regular sugar cubes. To create this aromatic bouquet, they infuse the fig in the bourbon, adding a subtle but fruity aroma to the deep undertones that is signature to bourbon. To maintain the sweet taste, an orange slice is added to the drink as opposed to the orange peel. If you prefer your Old Fashioned strong, this is one place to get it.
Address: 291 Fumin Lu, 1FL
Tel: 021 6093 2982
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