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The Old Fashioned is not just a cocktail—it’s a blueprint, or “template.” At its core, it’s spirit, sugar, bitters, and water/dilution. That’s it. Swap bourbon for rye, rum, or brandy, or even aged tequila. Trade Demerara syrup for a sugar cube or honey. Dash in Angostura, orange, or chocolate bitters. The definition of an Old Fashioned is NOT in the specific ingredients used; it’s in the structure of the drink itself.

This structure stays the same, but the flavors bend in whatever direction you want. That’s why the Old Fashioned isn’t a strict recipe— it’s a style, a template, a foundation for making balanced drinks. Master the framework, and you can spin out infinite riffs while still tipping your hat to the drink that started it all.

#highproofpreacher #hppoldfashioned #oldfashioned

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Looking back on 34 years of life and 7 years of being the @highproofpreacher 🎂 I technically started the account a few days before my birthday in 2017. It’s safe to say that taking pictures of drinks and sharing them on the internet has changed my life. As some of these early photos will show you, I wouldn’t say I had much “natural talent” or some sort of knack for this: but I was committed to learning, improving, and staying consistent. Shout-out to the peeps like @apartment_bartender, @gastronomista_, @thirstytara, and others, who saw my potential early, and helped me get to where I am today. And of course, my wonderful @usually.ellie for always encouraging me and supporting me in more ways than I can say.

So much has changed in 7 years… both personally and online 📲 Whether you’ve been with me since the first awkward posts, or “the wine glass” and “Parmesan Espresso Martini,” or just now joining: thank you. Your comments, DM’s and post shares truly do mean the world, and help keep me going. Here’s to another 7 years of high-proof preaching 🥂📸

#highproofpreacher

#cocktail #bartender #bartenderlife

Pickled tequila cocktail? Hear me out 🥒 I partnered with @tresagaves and @olivemypickle for The Great Garnish Takeover. Something in the “Bloody Mary” vein would be an obvious choice here, but I wanted to go a slightly different direction: in addition to Tres Agaves Blanco, I used carrot juice, fresh lime, serrano-infused agave syrup, and yes, pickle brine. The result is a bit unexpected, but still incredibly fun and refreshing all the same.

Brine & Sunshine
–
1.5 oz @TresAgaves Blanco
¾ oz Carrot juice
½ oz Fresh lime
½ oz Serrano-infused Tres Agaves Organic Agave Nectar
½ oz pickle brine

Shake with ice, strain over fresh ice into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish appropriately (I used a Parmesan crips, pepper-stuffed olives, a spicy dill pickle slice, local carrot and a Serrano pepper) 🌶️

#TheGreatGarnishTakeover #TresAgavesTequila #OliveMyPickle #ArtOfTheGarnish #GarnishGoals

Are you into it or nah? This is one of my favorite modern classics, and quite possibly the best Mezcal cocktail 🧡🥂

#highproofpreacher

An Old Fashioned… for me? So nice of you to ask 🥃 You know I love the weird stuff (and will keep the weird stuff coming) but I keep it pretty darn classic most of the time.

Aromatic + Orange bitters.
Nothing too fancy, I usually roll with Angostura or occasionally I’ll use Regan No. 6 for the orange. No muddled fruit please, this ain’t a supper club in Wisconsin.

Rich simple syrup.
Muddling a sugar cube with water is just a lazy way of making syrup. Prepping a rich cane syrup ahead of time (or better: a rich Demerara syrup) is the way to go here.

Rye whiskey.
As you know, any spirit will do. But in general, I’m a rye guy and something at 100-proof is usually the sweet spot 👌

Ice.
I’m not a “big cube only” person. A few nicely packed 1” cubes are fine too. But these 2 x 2.5” tall cubes from @abstract_ice are perfection in an Old Fashioned.

Orange zest.
Don’t muddle fruit into your Old Fashioned. Express the oils from the peel on top, trim off the rough edges and garnish with the twist.

#highproofpreacher

Showing the BTS on a shoot used to be bonus material. Now it’s essential to prove you’re not a soulless hack job 📹📸

Big boy clear cubes are from the homies at @abstract_ice 🧊

#cocktailcamera
#highproofpreacher

It’s true: if I see a bartender pouring @lalospirits, I’m generally not too worried about their specs 😋 We can go back-and-forth about whether or not to use orange liqueur or agave nectar, or how much lime juice, etc. but ultimately the tequila you use will make or break the cocktail. Just like how a good Margarita is made from only a few, quality ingredients that are perfectly balanced together, LALO is made from just agave, water and yeast. It’s simple, clean and you can definitely taste the different.

#LALOpartner
#highproofpreacher

Curiosity and a beginner’s mindset are required. If your first instinct is “That’s not what I personally know or have experienced, so it must be wrong!” then please show yourself out 🫡Now the rest of us can enjoy some bangin’ Mai Tais together.

Rocking the @tradervicshospitality anniversary Mai Tai cup for this one 🤙

#highproofpreacher

What do you do? 👀 Seriously though, Macadamia Nut Orgeat is bangin… But don’t take my word for it. It involves some prep, and a little muscle, but it’s very much worth the labor. Simple Syrup Monthly peeps: I shared this a month ago via email, so what are you waiting for?!

Comment “Get my Nut” and I’ll send you access.

#highproofpreacher

#WhistlePigPartner Rye vs. bourbon in an Old Fashioned is one of those debates that never really ends. Personally, I reach for rye the majority of the time... that peppery spice gives the sweetness something to push against, and the whole drink just has more edge to it.

@WhistlePigWhiskey Estate Oak Rye, Aged 15 Years is a very special rye to use in your Old Fashioneds. Fifteen years in a Vermont oak barrel, but it never gets soft or sleepy on you. It’s loaded with depth and character that make it an exceptional sipping experience and it’s absolutely stunning in spirit-forward cocktails like this one.

Two builds below: one for the home bar, and one for when you want to slow down and do it properly. Both worth your time.

The Home Bartender Old Fashioned�–
2 oz WhistlePig Estate Oak Rye, Aged 15 Years
1 Sugar Cube
A splash of water
3-4 dashes Aromatic Bitters
Muddle the sugar with water and bitters. Add whiskey, stir with ice. Orange peel garnish.

The Bartender Old Fashioned�–
2 oz WhistlePig Estate Oak Rye, Aged 15 Years
1 tsp Rich Demerara Syrup (2:1)
3 dashes Aromatic Bitters
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Stir in a mixing glass until well chilled. Strain over clear ice. Expressed orange twist.

Made in partnership with @WhistlePigWhiskey�
#highproofpreacher

Spent the better part of last week in a 300 year old hacienda in Jalisco, and I genuinely didn’t want to leave. I friggin love stone archways, open courtyards, and I’m a slut for hand-painted tile 😍 So yeah, Hacienda la Gavilana is one of my favorite places.

Grateful to @volcantequila for bringing me out here once again. This is their home, and a physical manifestation of the hospitality at the center of their brand. I’m already dreaming about my return.

#highproofpreacher

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera

What started as just taking photos of cocktails in my backyard has become a full-blown career for just short of the last decade. This week, it took me back to Guadalajara with @volcantequila for Season 1 of “Distilling Stories” 🌋 I got to spend the week with friends and fellow educators @licensed_to_distill and @driftersjoint, and lead a cocktail content workshop with an absolutely fantastic crew of bartenders from all over the U.S. It was truly an unforgettable experience in many ways. Thank you to all the hospitality professionals and creatives who came out for the trip, and of course to my lovely Volcán family. The @dylanharkavy and myself will undoubtedly be back soon!

#highproofpreacher #cocktailcamera