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floral, smooth, aromatic, elegant

Elder Fashion

Bourbon, bitters, and St-Germain replacing sugar — the Old Fashioned given St-Germain (2007) in place of simple syrup, adding lychee, pear, and honeysuckle.

bourbonEasy~28% ABV
MethodStirGlassRocks GlassIceLarge cubeGarnishLemon twist
Recipe
Serves1
Ingredients
  • 2 ozbourbon
  • ½ ozst germain
  • 2 dashesangostura bitters
  • Lemon twistgarnish
Instructions
  1. 1Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
  2. 2Stir for 25-30 seconds until well chilled.
  3. 3Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
  4. 4Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in.
#modern-classic#bourbon#elderflower#st-germain#old-fashioned-variation#floral
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History & Origin

The Elder Fashion emerged in the late 2000s following the introduction of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, which became one of the decade's most influential cocktail ingredients. The drink simply replaces simple syrup or sugar in an Old Fashioned with St-Germain, adding floral complexity to the whiskey-forward template. The elderflower's natural sweetness balances bourbon's heat while introducing aromatic notes of lychee, pear, and honeysuckle. While no single bartender is credited with inventing it, the Elder Fashion appeared on countless bar menus during the St-Germain boom and remains popular for its approachable, aromatic character.

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Reviewed & Verified byGayle PerreaultBar & Service Manager · 25+ Years Industry Experience · About Us

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