The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail, celebrated for its simplicity and robust flavor. But what happens when you infuse it with a hint of smokiness and savory notes? The answer is the Benton’s Old Fashioned, a modern classic that has captivated cocktail enthusiasts around the world. This innovative take on the traditional recipe elevates the experience by incorporating the rich, smoky essence of bacon, creating a drink that’s both familiar and intriguingly different.
What is a Benton’s Old Fashioned?
The Benton’s Old Fashioned is a notable variation of the classic Old Fashioned, distinguished by its use of bacon fat-washed bourbon. This technique, pioneered at New York City’s PDT (Please Don’t Tell) bar, involves infusing bourbon with the rendered fat from bacon, adding a unique smoky and savory depth to the spirit. This infusion, combined with maple syrup instead of traditional sugar, and a dash of Angostura bitters, creates a complex and delicious cocktail that has become a favorite among cocktail connoisseurs.
The Origins of the Benton’s Old Fashioned
The Benton’s Old Fashioned was created by bartender Don Lee at PDT in 2008. This innovative cocktail quickly gained popularity for its unique twist on a classic, showcasing the creativity of modern mixology. The use of fat-washed spirits was a novel concept that helped PDT establish itself as a leader in the cocktail scene. The drink’s name, “Benton’s,” is derived from the brand of bacon used in the original recipe, Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Ham.
How to Make a Benton’s Old Fashioned
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a Benton’s Old Fashioned at home:
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bacon Fat-Washed Bourbon: This is the star of the show. The bacon fat infusion adds a smoky and savory dimension.
- 1/4 oz Maple Syrup: This replaces traditional sugar, providing a richer and more nuanced sweetness.
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters: These add complexity and depth to the cocktail.
- Orange Twist: For garnish, adding a citrusy aroma.
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Bar Spoon
- Jigger or Measuring Spoons
- Strainer
- Rocks Glass
- Large Ice Cube or Sphere
Instructions
- Chill Your Glass: Place a rocks glass in the freezer or fill it with ice while you prepare the drink.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add the bacon fat-washed bourbon, maple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
- Add Ice: Fill the mixing glass with ice.
- Stir: Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture well for about 20-30 seconds. This chills and dilutes the cocktail.
- Strain: Remove the ice from the chilled rocks glass and place a large ice cube or sphere. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish: Express the oils of an orange twist over the drink by squeezing it gently and then drop it into the glass.
- Serve: Enjoy your smoky, savory, and perfectly balanced Benton’s Old Fashioned.
Making Bacon Fat-Washed Bourbon
The key to a Benton’s Old Fashioned is the bacon fat-washed bourbon. Here’s how to make it at home:
Ingredients
- 750 ml Bourbon (Four Roses is often recommended)
- 1.5 oz Liquified Bacon Fat (from Benton’s or another high-quality bacon)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it is crispy. Reserve the rendered bacon fat.
- Combine: In a jar or container, mix the bourbon and the liquid bacon fat while still warm.
- Infuse: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Freeze: Place the container in the freezer for about 2-3 hours to solidify the fat.
- Strain: Remove the jar from the freezer. The fat will have solidified at the top. Strain the bourbon through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. You may need to do this multiple times to remove all particles and solids, leaving you with a clear, bacon-infused bourbon.
- Store: Store the bacon fat-washed bourbon in an airtight container.
Variations and Enhancements
While the classic Benton’s Old Fashioned is exceptional, there are ways to customize it to your preferences:
- Smoked Old Fashioned: For an even smokier experience, consider adding a touch of smoke using a smoking gun or cedar plank. Simply place the cocktail under a dome and fill it with smoke for a few minutes.
- Maple Syrup Alternatives: Experiment with different types of maple syrup, such as dark amber or infused maple syrups, for varying degrees of sweetness and flavor.
- Bitters: While Angostura bitters are traditional, you can experiment with other bitters such as orange or chocolate bitters to add different flavor notes.
- Garnish: Instead of just an orange twist, you could try a bacon strip or a cherry as a garnish.
- Bourbon Selection: While Four Roses is a popular choice, you can experiment with other bourbons and rye whiskeys to find your preferred flavor profile.
The Appeal of the Benton’s Old Fashioned
The Benton’s Old Fashioned’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to balance tradition with innovation. The fat-washing technique adds a layer of complexity and richness that is both surprising and delightful. The interplay of smoky, savory, and sweet notes makes it a captivating drink that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s a testament to how a classic can be reimagined while still maintaining its essence.
Serving and Enjoying
The Benton’s Old Fashioned is best enjoyed slowly, allowing the complex flavors to develop on the palate. It’s a perfect cocktail for sipping on a cool evening or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink. Serve it in a chilled rocks glass with a large ice cube to maintain its temperature and minimize dilution.
Final Thoughts
The Benton’s Old Fashioned is more than just a cocktail; it’s an experience. Its unique combination of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors makes it a standout among classic cocktails. Whether you are a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of mixology, this drink offers a delicious and innovative way to enjoy the timeless appeal of the Old Fashioned. Its legacy as a modern classic is firmly established, and it is sure to be enjoyed for many years to come.
