A toasted caramel new fashioned differs slightly, but significantly from the classic old fashioned. Is it better? Is it an improvement upon the classic preparation? Let’s talk about the differences between them.
Old Fashioned vs. Toasted Caramel New Fashioned
An “old” fashioned is made with granulated sugar and Julian Van Winkle III makes one that is downright decadent. He uses his 115 proof 15 year old bourbon and you can find the recipe here. Good luck finding the Pappy’s without selling your first born.
The new fashioned uses syrup instead of granulated sugar and departs from the original with a myriad of optional flavorings. It also substitutes flavored instead of traditional aromatic bitters. These changes create a drink that’s very different from the original.
Syrups integrate quickly with the bourbon and bitters to give you a homogenous flavored drink from first sip to last. Use the instructions for mixing everything before pouring for this flavor profile. The “old” fashioned changes whilst you imbibe, yielding more nuanced flavor. It’s initially bourbon forward, becoming sweeter as you drink. Use the instructions that divide the bourbon to more closely create the original old fashioned flavor profile. Which you prefer is a matter of taste, but either way you will love that toasted caramel!
Toasted Caramel New Fashioned
Bourbon with house-made toasted caramel syrup and bitters
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/2 oz toasted caramel syrup – get the recipe HERE
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Twist of orange – garnish
Instructions
For the “New Fashioned” Flavor Profile
- Use a mixing glass to stir the ingredients together
- Pour over a rocks glass filled with rocks and garnish
For the “Old Fashioned” Flavor Profile
- Pour the toasted caramel syrup, bitters and 1 oz of bourbon over a large ice rock in a double rocks glass and briefly stir
- Pour over the second ounce of bourbon
- Express an orange twist over it and garnish