Starting this weekend, Elijah Craig Bourbon kicked off its popular “Old Fashioned Week” from October 13th to the 22nd at participating bars nationwide. This annual 10-day event is dedicated to the perennial appreciation of the cherished Old Fashioned cocktail, a time-honored beverage loved by many.
The Old Fashioned, known for its role in pop culture and robust flavor profile, is a significant pillar of the classic cocktail canon. Famously showcased on the AMC TV series “Mad Men” and a mainstay on cocktail bar menus, this classic cocktail epitomizes sophistication and taste.
During Old Fashioned Week, participating bars nationwide will highlight diverse variations of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail using Elijah Craig Bourbon, demonstrating its versatility and timeless appeal. However, Elijah Craig Bourbon’s Old Fashioned Week celebrates more than the beloved cocktail. It champions the often-overlooked welfare of hospitality industry workers with a philanthropic pledge.
For every Elijah Craig Old Fashioned ordered at participating bars, the company commits to donate $1 to the Southern Smoke Foundation—up to $100,000. This non-profit organization provides emergency aid and mental health support to professionals in the food and beverage industry.
In 2022, Old Fashioned Week successfully raised $100,000 for the organization which in part, help funded over 80 mental health counseling sessions nationwide and allowed Southern Smoke to allocate $109,775 in emergency relief grants to support industry workers experiencing various crises.
“Restaurant and bar workers, farmers, distillers, and other food and beverage workers across the country need our support, whether they’re in crisis or want to address their mental health,” said Southern Smoke Founder Chris Shepherd. “Old Fashioned Week is a great way to give back to those individuals while raising a glass in celebration of the industry that we love. I’m grateful to Elijah Craig for getting behind Southern Smoke Foundation as we take care of our own. Cheers to a great Old Fashioned Week!”
The classic Old Fashioned cocktail, whose origins trace back to the 1800s, stands as a timeless symbol of cocktail culture despite disputes over its exact beginnings. Its rise in popularity has been steady, with Google Trends data revealing a peak of nearly 390k searches last November. This established icon of the cocktail canon retains its place on bar menus year-round.
Despite its perennial presence, consumer search interest shows a noticeable surge during the holiday season, from November to December. Usually characterized by celebration and feasting in the United States, this period is ideally mirrored by the Old Fashioned. The cocktail’s rich composition of a bourbon base, bitters, and a hint of citrus aligns with the festive spirit. Searches for this classic cocktail have climbed steadily since 2004, reflecting and contributing to its enduring status in the beverage world.
During Old Fashioned Week, each participating bar will stir up its distinctive version of this age-old cocktail—yet another testament to the drink’s alluring versatility. Interested customers can use the “Find a Bar” tool on the Elijah Craig website to discover participating venues nearby.
If there isn’t a participating bar close to you, don’t worry! Here’s how you can make the Elijah Craig Old Fashioned right at home:
The Elijah Craig Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
- .25 oz. Simple Syrup
- 3 Dashes of Bitters
- Orange Swath
- Brandied Cherry (optional)
Directions:In a mixing glass add Bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, and ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube in a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with a swath of orange and an optional brandied cherry.
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Correction 10/15/23: A previous version of this article referred to this event as an unaffiliated National Old Fashioned Week.
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