Her Modern Kitchen

Eating & Living in Austin, Texas

old fashioned

Dirty Chai Old Fashioned

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The Dirty Chai Old Fashioned combines chai flavors with Devils River Whiskey’s Coffee Bourbon for a sophisticated, boozy coffee-chai cocktail.

Dirty Chai Old Fashioned

Devils River Whiskey provided me with complimentary bourbon in exchange for a recipe creation
but all thoughts, opinions, and images are my own.

I’m not a bourbon drinker but I seem to always concoct bourbon-based cocktails and this Dirty Chai Od Fashioned combines my love for coffee and chai with Devils River Whiskey’s Coffee Bourbon.

Dirty Chai Basics

If you aren’t familiar with a Dirty Chai, it’s a coffeehouse drink that’s made by mixing steeped chai tea with a shot of espresso and steamed milk.  It’s got that kick of caffeine wrapped in the warm hug of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger.  In short, it’s made for those of us who love fall spices but don’t want to go full-blown PSL.

Mixing up the Dirty Chai Old Fashioned

Now, when it’s 5 o’clock and you’re looking to mellow out rather than perk-up, that’s when you lean on mixing up my Dirty Chai Old Fashioned for a sophisticated, boozy coffee-chai cocktail.

My Dirty Chai Old Fashioned starts with an easy simple syrup that’s then used to steep chai tea bags.  I prefer Tazo Chai tea because personally, I think it has the best flavor.  It’s neither too gingery or cinnamony, just the perfect balance of all the traditional chai flavors.

Looking for more dirty chair inspiration? Check out my Dirty Chai Cupcakes.

Once the syrup has cooled, I use Devils River Whiskey’s new Coffee Bourbon, a cold-brew steeped bourbon, to bring in the necessary ‘shot of espresso’ expected in a Dirty Chai.  Stirred up with a squeeze of lemon and a few dashes of bitters and this cocktail is ready to go.

Dirty Chai Old Fashioned Pin

I prefer my old fashioned served with a large, ice cube that melts slowly and mellows out the drink but you can pour your Dirty Chai Old Fashioned over whatever kind of ice you’d like.

Happy sipping.

Dirty Chai Old Fashioned
 
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Prep time
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Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • For the chai tea syrup:
  • 1 cup, sugar
  • 1 cup, water
  • 4 chai tea bags

  • [b]For the cocktail:
  • [/b]1.5-ounces chai tea syrup
  • 3-ounces Devils River Coffee Bourbon
  • 1-ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 3 dashes bitters
  • cinnamon stick, star anise, optional for garnish
Instructions
  1. For the chai tea syrup: Make the chai tea syrup by bringing the water and sugar to boil over high heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and steep the tea bags in the syrup for 15 minutes. After 15-minutes, drain the tea bags, remove from the pot, and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Store unused syrup in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-months
  2. Make the cocktail: To make the cocktail, place all of the ingredients in a whiskey glass and stir clockwise 40 times until all ingredients are combined. Top with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick or star anise as desired.

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned

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A city guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioneds. It includes traditional Old Fashioneds as well as a few unique takes on the classic drink. Try them all and let me know which tops your list.

This post was updated on April 3, 2021.

Old Fashioned cocktails. Man, are they popular. They seem to be the drink every guy in Austin loves to sip and everyone else has an opinion about where to get the best one in A-Town.

Well, I’m not an Old Fashioned connoisseur myself (though I do love those whiskey soaked cherries!) but luckily for you, <3M and his gang of buddies are so I’ve enlisted their help to create a guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned.

Austin's Best Old Fashioned

Whisler’s

Ask any whiskey lover and Whisler’s is always the first bar out of their mouth when asked for a great Old Fashioned recommendation.  And unlike some bars, Whisler’s Old Fashioned is consistently good, no matter which bartender serves you. Whisler’s does it right using demerara syrup (which I personally think is their secret sauce!).  It’s served with a huge ice cube and as a balance to the sweet and bitter it’s finished with a housemade cherry. It’s smooth, classic, and everything your Old Fashioned dreams are made of. 

Happy Hour: 2-5pm daily // 1816 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702 

The Roosevelt Room

This bar’s owner, Justin Lavenue, landed on the cover of GQ and it’s not just his looks that got him there! The Roosevelt Room’s classically executed Old Fashioned which balances sweet and smokey is a testament to his bartending skills. The flavor is enhanced while sipping it in this swanky cocktail bar on 5th. The only thing missing here is a puff of a cigar.

Happy Hour: All night Monday & Tuesday, 5-7pm Wednesday-Saturday // 307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

Swift’s Attic

With one of my most unique takes on an Old Fashioned, Swift’s Attic does an Ice Ball Oldie made with classic Old Fashioned ingredients frozen into a giant ice ball topped with a shot of whiskey. This Old Fashioned starts strong and ends smooth and always requires a second shot to top it off. Its unique style is a huge draw for Old Fashioned fanatics. Find it on happy hour special for $8.

Happy Hour: 2-6:30pm Monday-Friday // 315 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Austin's Best Old Fashioned 6

Drink.Well.

For those hunting an Old Fashioned in Central Austin, Drink.Well is your best bet for one of Austin’s Best Old Fashioneds. This neighborhood bar has a selection of whiskeys for you to choose from and the Old Fashioned is always consistent. Pair it with the burger and you’ve got yourself a man’s meal.

Tip: Check out Drink Well’s Libation Bible School where you can take a deep dive into different spirits like whiskey, bourbon, mezcal, and other traditional favorites!

Happy Hour: 4-6pm Monday-Friday, All day Sunday, 20% off Wine & Whiskey all day Monday // 207 East 53rd Street, Austin, TX 78751

Austin's Best Old Fashioned 4

Little Darlin’

This gem of a dive bar in South Austin has mastered cocktails in a laid-back environment and offers up their Old Fashioned with one of their custom infused whiskeys. It’s great for those seeking an Old Fashioned without any pretense.

Happy Hour: See Facebook page for details // 6507 Circle S Rd Austin, TX 78745

Austin's Best Old Fashioned 3

Juniper

Yup, a rustic Italian restaurant serving up a solid Old Fashioned which lands them on the list for Austin’s Best Old Fashioned.  There’s an art to making a perfect Old Fashioned, finding the balance between smokey, sweet and bitter but Juniper’s bartenders have refined this drink. Grab it during happy hour, sit on the patio and order up a side of Puffy Potatoes to enjoy with it.

Happy Hour: 4-6pm Tuesday-Saturday // 2400 E Cesar Chavez St #304, Austin, TX 78702

Peche

Next up on our guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned is one of Austin’s essential cocktail bars, Peche. As an essential in Austin’s bar scene, Peche knows how to make a strong Old Fashioned. Their take is like a good, reliable ol’ friend.

Happy Hour: All night Sunday & Monday, 4-7pm Tuesday-Friday // 208 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

Austin's Best Old Fashioned 2

Suerte

Suerte offers a modern take on the classic Old Fashioned with their Tres Aves featuring bonded rye, becherovka, lemon, and apple. Enjoy it during Suerte’s nightly happy hour, coined their ‘Lucky Hour’ from 5pm-6pm where cocktails are just $6 !

Happy Hour: 5-6pm Daily // 1800 East 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78702 

Bar Peached Oaxacan Old Fashioned

Bar Peached

While not a classic Old Fashioned, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned from Bar Peached takes a Mexican twist on this classic drink using Mezcal in place of traditional of whiskey or bourbon along with tequila and bitters. It’s smokey, not to sweet, and pairs deliciously with the all Bar Peached has to offer.  And, while it’s not on their social hour menu, it’s definitely worth paying full price.

Social Hour: 5-6:30pm Daily, Patio Only // 1315 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78703

Here Nor There

This downtown speakeasy is serving up one of the best classic Old Fashioneds in Austin.  Each of the bartenders have perfected the cocktail and it’s served up with their signature clear square ice cube. A word of warning though, if you head to Here Nor There, you’re not only paying for cocktail perfection but also the exclusivity and experience of the speakeasy. Be ready to drop a pretty penny.

Location provided upon reservation booked through Here Nor There app.

A Guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioned was created in collaboration with the Austin Food Blogger’s Alliance City Guide. Check out the full round-up on the AFBA site  or check out my other guide for a round-up of Austin’s Prix Fixe & Tasting Menus.

ATX Best Bites City Guide 2021

 

Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned

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With a homemade curry leaf infused whiskey and a smokey cardamom sugar syrup, the Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned has a nod of traditional Old Fashioned flavors with a smokey-sweet finish.

Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned - neat

When <3M and I were in England, we visited an Indian street food restaurant, Mowgli, and had the most amazing Indian meal including a Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned that blew my mind. The meal was wonderful and I even bought the to recreate some of the delicious street food at home once we returned to the States.

Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned Overhead

But strangely, of everything I tried at Mowgli, I couldn’t stop craving the Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned.  If you recall, I’m not the Old Fashioned drinker in the family but <3M is and he’s quite the connoisseur!  He even weighed in with his friends to help me create a guide to Austin’s Best Old Fashioneds, so for me to crave this whiskey based drink, you knowit has to be good.

Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned Neat

The Mowgli cookbook offered up the Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned recipe but I made a few tweaks of my own so while this cocktail isn’t 100% the same Old Fashioned I enjoyed in Manchester, it’s very close.  In fact, <3M declared this Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned in his top 5 of all time (and on some days, if he’s craving something different, in his top 3!).  Now, THAT is saying something.

This Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned is heavy on the smoke due to the black cardamom pods. It also has a subtle sweetness from the syrup and apricot brandy. The finish is slightly earthy from the curry leaves themselves which you infuse into the whiskey, making this cocktail unique but with the traditional smokey-sweet Old Fashioned notes we’re all used to.

Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned Pinterest

Curry Infused Whiskey

You can find fresh curry leaves at most Indian markets.  If you’re in Austin, I grabbed a bag from Gandhi Bazaar on William Cannon & Brodie. You’ll need about 1 ounce of leaves for 3 cups of whiskey.  When it comes time to choose your whiskey, I’d choose a quality bourbon based whiskey at a middle of the road price point like Bulleit Bourbon.

Creating the infused whiskey is simple! Just drop the curry leaves — stems and all into a jar, pour the whiskey over it and let it steep for at least two days before you make the cocktail. I let mine sit for 5 days then removed the leaves.

Smoked Cardamom Syrup

Although this is a smoked cardamom syrup, you’re really just looking for BLACK cardamom pods.  Black cardamom pods have a naturally smoky flavor so don’t go killin’ yourself looking for smoked cardamom pods. And don’t fall for any pricey ‘smoked black cardamom pods’ you find on the internet. My advice is to again, hit up your local Indian store for this ingredient.

If you’ve ever made a simple syrup, this is that exact same process. It’s a 2:1 ratio of granulated sugar to water, heated to a boil on the stovetop and stirred until the sugar is fully dissolved.  Next, you drop about 3 ounces of black cardamom pods into a jar, pour the hot syrup over top and let it sit for at least two days.

Afterward, you can use the syrup as-is but I chose to strain out the pods over a fine mesh strainer as they released black specs into the syrup and I wanted a clean, clear syrup.

Once you have these two key ingredients, the cocktail comes together in minutes.  It’s as simple as pour, ice, & garnish. You can choose to serve the Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned over ice (I’d recommend ) or you can shake it quickly in a cocktail shaker, strain out the ice and serve it neat.  I prefer mine over ice as I enjoyed the cocktail more as the ice melted.

If you’re looking for a meal to pair your Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned with try making my Murgh Malai Tikka, an Indian-spiced grilled chicken kebab.

Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned Pinterest

5.0 from 3 reviews
Smoked Cardamom Old Fashioned
 
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Author:
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 3 ounces curry whiskey, recipe below
  • .75 ounces apricot brandy
  • .75 ounces smoked cardamom syrup
  • 4 dash Angostura bitters
  • 2-3 curry leaves, for garnish
  • 2 sugared cardamom pods, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Place all of the ingredients in a whiskey glass (or shaker if making neat)
  2. Add ice and stir (or shake and strain if making neat then pour into glass)
  3. Garnish with curry leaves and cardamom pods

5.0 from 3 reviews
Curry Whiskey & Smoked Cardamom Syrup
 
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Author:
Ingredients
  • 3 cups bourbon whiskey
  • 1-ounce curry leaves
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 ounces black cardamom pods
Instructions
  1. For the whiskey, add curry leaves, stems and all to a large mason jar
  2. Pour whiskey over top and seal with li
  3. Let steep at least 2 days
  4. Remove and discard leaves before using.
  5. Store at room temperature
  6. Now make the syrup.
  7. Place cardamom pods in a large mason jar and set aside
  8. Add sugar and water to a medium-size saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat
  9. Reduce to simmer and stir until sugar is dissolved
  10. Pour warm syrup over cardamom pods and let cool
  11. Once cool, seal with lid and let steep at least 2 days
  12. Before using, you may strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the cardamom pods
  13. Do not discard the pods, as you'll use them for garnish
  14. Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 months