The Easy Swap That Gives Your Old Fashioned A Spring Makeover

Made with whiskey, old-fashioned offers warmth and is typically enjoyed when the weather is cool. Although it isn’t ideal for spring, a simple swap can give it a springtime twist.

Swapping the rye or bourbon whiskey in an old-fashioned with gin works wonders. The gin offers plenty of alcohol and pairs well with the orange and aromatic bitters in the drink.

The orange bitters blend well with the botanicals in gin, while the herbal notes and complex aroma of gin complement aromatic bitters like Angostura without overpowering them.

To ensure the gin adds depth to the drink’s flavor, offers a comforting warmth, and captures the floral essence of spring, substitute the whiskey with a good gin using a 1:1 ratio.

Since the old-fashioned is known for its oak-infused flavor derived from whiskey, you’ll want to opt for gins that can replicate that woody essence, not the juniper-forward ones.

Barrel-finished gins from brands like Scratch Distillery, Bluecoat, and Philadelphia Distilling are ideal. They offer that classic old-fashioned vibe and a smoother flavor profile.