Our fifth annual celebration returns to bars and
restaurants nationwide. Keep it classic or
discover new twists on this iconic cocktail, while
supporting a great cause.
RAISE FUNDS BY
RAISING A GLASS
With your help, Elijah Craig donated $25,000
to the Bartenders Benevolent Fund in 2023.
This nonprofit organization assists bar and
restaurant workers across the Canadian
provinces in times of need. We look forward
to continuing our support in 2024.
*up to $25,000
learn more
Mix an
old fashioned
Celebrate Old Fashioned Week 2024 by
learning to make this classic Bourbon
cocktail at home.
HISTORY OF THE
OLD FASHIONED
In 1789, the Rev. Elijah Craig became the
first
to char oak barrels. Less than 20 years
later, the
Old Fashioned was born. Discover
the origins
of the world's first classic
cocktail with the
Father of Bourbon.
1806 THE WHISKEY COCKTAIL
The Old Fashioned was originally known
as "the whiskey cocktail" and considered
"matutinal"; that is, it was generally
consumed in the morning.
1862 The Cocktail, Defined
Jerry Thomas's book, "The Bar-Tender's Guide," describes the whiskey cocktail as "a couple dashes of Boker's bitters, twice as many dashes of gum syrup, and a ‘wine glass' of whiskey."
1880s Name Comes Into Fashion
After years of cocktail experimentation and permutation, calls for a return to "old-style drinking" give rise to the name "Old Fashioned." The term is widely adopted.
1930s Muddled Fruit Addition
Fruit becomes widely used as an ingredient versus a garnish. A 1936 New York Times letter to the editor claims the trend began during Prohibition, "to disguise the horrible taste of terrible liquor."
2010 Returning to Its Roots
Most of the country's top bartenders shun the use of fruit in their Old Fashioned cocktails, using an orange swath or brandied cherry for garnish only.
2019 Recognizing the Greatness Within
Drinks International recognizes the Old Fashioned as the World's #1 Classic Cocktail for the fifth year in a row.
2020 Celebrating the Old Fashioned
Elijah Craig host their first annual Old Fashioned Week®. The event raises $100,000 to support bar & restaurant workers' affected by COVID-19.
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your sips
Have a fresh take on this classic
cocktail? Tag @ElijahCraig in your
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featured on our social channels.
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