Our 10-day celebration is held every October in bars
and restaurants. Each year, we invite Bourbon fans to
discover creative twists on this classic cocktail, while
raising a glass for a great cause.
We’re back for Fall 2026 in Alberta!
GET IN ON
THE ACTION
Sign up your bar for our 5th annual event.
Fans of the Old Fashioned will be able to
find your location and stop
in for an
expertly-crafted cocktail.
*up to $25,000
COCKTAILS FOR
A CAUSE
As part of our celebration, we pledge to
donate $1 for every Old Fashioned sold to
bar and restaurant workers in need. Thanks to
you, we've raised $100,000 for the Bartenders
Benevolent Fund since 2022.
Mix an
old fashioned
Bring out your best all year long by
learning to mix this classic Bourbon
cocktail at home.
share your sips
Have a fresh take on this classic
cocktail? Tag @ElijahCraig in your
photos and videos for a chance to be
featured on our social channels.
HISTORY OF THE
OLD FASHIONED
In 1789, the Rev. Elijah Craig became first to char
oak barrels to make Bourbon. 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 hosts their first annual Old Fashioned Week®. The event raises $100,000 to support bar & restaurant workers' affected by COVID-19.
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reminders on Old Fashioned Week 2026.