Collection: History

Bryan's Cocktail Excellence: The Simplest Way to Enjoy an Old Fashioned

After a long day, there's nothing quite like a crisp, delicious cocktail to unwind. The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic, but its preparation can be tedious if you don’t keep a bar equipped with high-quality ingredients.

To craft a homemade Old Fashioned to my liking, I would pull out cane sugar, multiple bottles of bitters, rye bourbon, slice an orange peel, and chase down the cherries (if my kids had not already consumed them all). While the ritual was satisfying, it took time I often didn't have.

I started by creating simple syrup, removing a couple of steps from the process. However, I quickly realized I had only tackled part of the problem.  I wanted a solution that would incorporate all the flavors in my ‘syrup’. The flavors of orange, cinnamon, and the astringent elements of aromatic and orange bitters needed to be combined to provide a complex, full-bodied cocktail with a single simple elixir.  Thus, my journey of making “batches” to refine the flavor profile I preferred with my rye bourbon. Perfecting this concoction brought me a simple, two-step process for enjoying a delightful Old Fashioned, and thus the Simple Elixir was born.

Maybe it's laziness, or perhaps it's just a drive for efficiency. I realized I'd rather pour two easy ingredients together and then spend my time relaxing on my back porch, drink in hand, with my family. I like hearing about my son or daughter's day, catching up with my wife about her successes in healing patients at the hospital (okay, sometimes it's a bit gross, but she loves it and makes a difference every day), or simply enjoying their company—these moments are precious.

Now, with this elixir, I can make a perfect Old Fashioned quickly and effortlessly. Just pour, mix, and enjoy. It's a simple pleasure that fits perfectly into my busy life, allowing me to spend more time with those who matter most. Whether you’re unwinding alone or catching up with loved ones, this elixir ensures you can savor the moment with a perfectly crafted cocktail in hand.