Italian Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

The Italian Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Its roots are in the traditional American Old Fashioned, but it has been given an Italian makeover with the addition of Amaro, an Italian herbal liqueur, and a splash of Prosecco.

• Origins: The classic Old Fashioned has been around since the early 19th century, but this Italian version is a more recent innovation.
• Popularity: It's a hit among those who appreciate a bittersweet profile and a touch of effervescence in their drinks.
• Ideal For: This cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated evening or as a refined after-dinner drink.

The Italian Old Fashioned has a complex taste profile. It's bittersweet with herbal undertones from the Amaro, the whiskey provides warmth and depth, and the Prosecco adds a light, bubbly finish.

• Amaro adds a unique Italian twist to the traditional Old Fashioned.
• The addition of Prosecco brings a celebratory feel to the drink.
• It's a cocktail that balances tradition with modern flair.

1. In a mixing glass, combine rye whiskey, Amaro, and simple syrup.
2. Fill with ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Top with Prosecco.
5. Garnish with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry. We recommend using these

• Chill the glass before serving to keep the drink colder longer.
• Use a vegetable peeler to get a wide, aromatic orange peel.
• When adding the Prosecco, pour gently to preserve the bubbles.

Appetizers

• Charcuterie and Cheese: A selection of cured meats and cheeses complement the rich and bittersweet flavors of the Italian Old Fashioned.

• Bruschetta: The fresh tomatoes and basil can provide a refreshing contrast to the depth of the cocktail.

Main Courses

• Steak: The robust flavors of a grilled steak will hold up nicely against the strong whiskey base.

• Roasted Pork: The sweetness of the simple syrup and cherry may tie in well with a slightly sweet glaze on a roast.

Desserts

• Tiramisu: The coffee flavor in this Italian dessert could be a nice follow-up to the herbal notes of the amaro.

• Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of the dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the cocktail and complements its complexity.

• Rye Whiskey: Can be substituted with Bourbon for a sweeter profile.
• Amaro: Different brands of Amaro can be used to tweak the bitterness and herbal notes.
• Prosecco: Champagne or other sparkling wines can be used as an alternative.

Smoky Italian Old Fashioned

Replace rye whiskey with a smoky Scotch whisky and omit Prosecco. Add a dash of chocolate bitters. This twist brings an alluring smokiness that pairs delightfully with the herbal notes of the amaro, elevating the drink to a cozy fireside experience. Perfect for when you want to add a bit of Highland mystery to your Milanese evening.

Venetian Spritz Old Fashioned

Use Aperol in place of Amaro and add an extra 0.5oz of Prosecco. Drop the simple syrup. The result is a lighter, more refreshing drink with the bittersweet character of Aperol shining through, reminiscent of the famous Venetian Spritz, perfect for a sunny afternoon by the canals.

Espresso Old Fashioned

Add a 0.5oz shot of espresso to the original recipe, and weave in a coffee liqueur instead of simple syrup. The deep coffee flavors will entangle with the rye and amaro to create a rich and invigorating twist that could perk up any late-night soiree. It's like inviting a barista to your cocktail party!