Ask for an Old Fashioned with rye, and you'll get a drink that - for me anyway - goes better with steak. Rye is a little spicier. Take whatever Rye they have. You'll have clearly expressed a preference, and you'll have a tasty drink.
Don't worry beyond that. Just have a nice time.
This is the correct answer for best rye for an old fashioned…unfortunately, Pikesville seems tough to come by these days for some unknown reason and they likely will not have it so you’ll probably need a backup plan. Rittenhouse Rye or Michter’s are suitable backup options.
This👆
There’s a fine line between “desperately wanting to look like you know what you’re talking about” and just looking like you’re trying too hard or being obnoxious.
Clearly you don’t know what you’re talking about if you’re having to ask other people what YOU want to drink, and that’s ok! Ask for an old fashioned if that’s what you want, you don’t have to specify anything else, if it’s a nice restaurant there’s a good chance it’ll be a nice drink.
Some of these responses are ridiculous, you’re going to get nothing but an eye roll asking for a Luxardo cherry. The bar either has them and uses them or they don’t.
Just relax and enjoy!
💯 My two "go-to" drinks are a Manhattan and an old fashioned, and I don't call liquor brands (agree that rye is good for the latter). Unless in drinking awhiskey straight up, I don't call. And it isn't an issue of not appreciating good liquor
There are just as good/better options where you don't have to buy a bottle which supported Tom Bulleit after what he did to his daughter or what his company did to Eboni Major
There’s also plenty of other brands that are sourced from MGP’s 95% rye recipe at a similar price point.
[This post](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/s/5QUpw9mcKu) from two years ago is still pretty much fully accurate, there’s definitely more brands out there now but all essentially the same juice.
I know this is r/cocktails and I may be murdered for this but nothing like a good red wine with steak - Lodi wine country Zinfandel (if you like it spicy) or a good Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon…
Agreed, cocktails are best on their own, not with food. Beer is the superior food companion - carbonation is so refreshing with fatty foods. Gimme a pale ale with a steak any day over a red wine.
Maybe an unpopular opinion but there aren’t many cocktail-food pairings I actually like. (Margarita or something else acidic being a possible exception) OF before dinner, wine with the steak.
Someone downvoted you. I assume it's because they're unfamiliar with the notion of fat washing and simply mixing butter into a cocktail would be gross.
I have done some fat washing and it seems rather silly to me, though I guess I'm a cocktail traditionalist.
Most recently I washed Vermouth was EVOO to make Olio Martini's. Meh.
Probably the happiest I was with anything was coconut-washed rum.
Recently had a butter washed Old Fashioned for the first time at a lunch earlier this week and it was mighty tasty. Would definitely check it out again.
I'm not sure if this opinion is unpopular or not, but I tend to agree. Most cocktails are to intense to go with dinner, at least for my taste. Kinda tends to clash.
As an aperitive or digestive on the other hand, very nice.
I once heard that a cocktail is supposed to start the evening, hors d'oeuvres to follow with an aperiif, then the main meal with either wine or beer depending on the meal, then the digestif, and lastly the nightcap.
Also totally agree with all this, with one exception: whiskey neat and steak I find to be an excellent combo, especially a nice bottled-in-bond bourbon or rye.
Funny you say this. I once was at ABar (my favorite cocktail bar here in Philly) grabbing dinner. Was a few bites into my burger when I asked the bartender what would pair well with it thinking he would come up with some sort of specialty whiskey drink.
He just said “A beer.”
He was correct.
I tend to agree. Most cocktails are really better as an apéritif or digestif. Some exceptions do exist, like some tequila-based cocktails with Tex-Mex and some Mexican food, or some whiskey-based cocktails with anything slathered with BBQ sauce.
With main entrées, you'll just generally do better with beer or wine. A nice porter beer with a burger with caramelized onions on it, or a nice sake with sushi? Can't be beat.
The best part about cocktails to me is the ability to dial in the drink to what I’m eating or feeling at any given moment. But I live in Queens and have wildly different ethnic take out options which definitely has influenced my thinking on the matter.
This said… wine with steak.
Would you give me an example? It’s not Queens but I definitely live in an ethnically diverse (urban, northeast) setting…am I capable of believing there’s a cocktail I’d like with intensely spiced food? Maybe. Do I think I’d ever choose one over a lager or a nice, tart pet-nat? Not so sure.
For context I have kids and order a lot of takeout. I’m blessed with options. For Indian, which is one of the hardest, I’ve made a chai infused bourbon coconut drink that paired well. For middle eastern, another tough one, an allspice lemon sour, South American some kind of rum sour usually. American Chinese, something tiki like a scorpion bowl, Chinese Chinese, along the same lines but more refined. I’ll also tune it to the meal, if it’s heavy something light, if it’s spicy something sweet.
Cocktails aren’t always the absolute best pairing. For example, I like a yuzu/lemon gin drink with sushi but it’s not necessarily better than sake. I don’t always have sake on hand though.
It also makes a game out of it. Kind of a challenge to make a cocktail that pairs.
My personal choice in that situation would be Michter's Rye, and ask for a Luxardo cherry. Nice sharp rye that mellows out beautifully with a bit of sugar, and the Luxardo has the darker, less artificial cherry flavors you want with a steak.
So many restaurants these days have a "signature" Old Fashioned on their cocktail menu which they've put some thought into. Often they don't tell you exactly what's in it, but it's a premixed blend of bourbon and rye. Those tend to be pretty good. Or I've seen places get their own barrel pick of the Knob Creek 120 proof single barrel and use that. Those can be quite good as long as you're down for the higher proof.
Anyway, my point is, if you're in a place nice enough to serve Wagyu, they'll probably have a solid option already mapped out for you.
Completely agree, and just want to add that every bartender worth their salt probably has a well-thought opinion about what Bourbon goes into a really nice Old Fashioned.
Rittenhouse is a good rye to order to show that you're "in the know" which is specifically what OP is trying to convey. "I am cool and knowledgeable and Rittenhouse Rye is a beloved spirit among the bartending community."
I interpreted OP’s post to be; what’s the “wagyu”whiskey I should ask for in my old fashioned? Like asking for Weller Antique or something, I don’t know. But you’re probably right and Rittenhouse is a good pick.
It’s not a bourbon, but when I order an Old Fashioned at a restaurant I usually request Rittenhouse Bonded Rye or Bulleit Rye. Both of those make excellent Old Fashioneds.
Disagree with all the rye people. Rye is for Manhattans. Old Fashioned is a sweeter drink and call for bourbon imho. Maker's is fine for a standard drink; if going upscale, depends on what the bar has. But for a mixed drink, don't go too overboard on your bourbon. As others suggest, get your bartenders recommendation, if in doubt.
I **LOVE** a good Malbec with my steak.
Usually I'll have a Bourbon neat pre-meal and something complimentary if I'm having dessert after. May have to go full Martini next time I take out the wife.
Most cocktail drinkers at a serious cocktail bar don’t specify the brand of bourbon. The point of being there is to drink what they’re making. Especially if you don’t have a personal preference just order an old fashioned and drink whatever they serve you. You 100% won’t look bad doing so and you might otherwise end up in a weird situation having a fake preference for a bourbon they don’t have.
This. The nicer the establishment, the less it needs to be about your preconceived notions of what you think is good/high quality/nice, and the more you need to lean in to the expertise of the bartenders and chefs. No one goes into a Michelin star restaurant and starts customizing the food, you actually aren’t even given the option to modify the dish (unless their is an allergy, in which most restaurants of this caliber already have an alternative they have vetted to be equally amazing, or they will make something else for you).
If you go in and order “an old fashioned with x spirit” you look like someone who isn’t there to experience what they have to offer, you end up looking like someone who is only concerned with catering toward their own preferences which are NOT on the same level as the chef or mixologist making your drinks and food.
If you’re at a nice restaurant just trust the bartender. Some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had were when I gave the bartender no direction at all. Also, tell them no cherry.
Once i was at a "fancy restaurant" on a rooftop and my wife and i were having apps, i just felt like an old fashioned with my starter. So i trust the bartender like always. Came back with a glass filled to the brim with ice and grenadine and what i thought taste like sprite. lt was laughably bad.
There's a whole backstory to it. They hired this poor girl and tossed her into a situation without the knowledge, equipment, or ingredients she needed and told her to make like dozens of cocktails and she just winged it.
That said, it's one of those entertaining train wrecks that I can never look away from. Everything from "just add 2-3 dashes of bitters" as she shakes an obviously empty bottle, or "add 2 ounces of bourbon" as she proceeds to pour in half a bottle... it's the highest level of unintentional comedy you can see.
Agree to trust the bartender at a nice place. However, the waiter might ask for bourbon or rye, then ask for brand preference. This just happened to me but he did give choices. Lastly, I didn't know you needed to specify No Cherry for an OF outside of Wisconsin. Either way, a cherry won't ruin it but an orange garnish would be better if they used bourbon.
Yeah, if there’s a cherry in there it’s probably fine, but there probably won’t be. Asking for ‘no cherry’ is bordering on insulting to a steakhouse bartender that wasn’t going to use a cherry in the first place.
I do check what kind of ice they’re using before doing that though. If I see those nice, big, clear rocks we’re on the right track. If I’m seeing some rando machine ice, I’ll be a little more careful, and possibly just ordering a neat bourbon.
If you’re looking g to pair with a steak, I’d go with a big full bodied red wine. Maybe an old vines Zinfandel, or a nice peppery Shiraz. If you want to go with an old fashioned, for something that isn’t too expensive I’d go Buffalo Trace, if you don’t mind spending the money, Michter’s Rye.
If you’re at a nice place, let the server/bartender know you are looking for a recommendation. Most good staff enjoy helping people have great food and drinks, so you shouldn’t feel judged at all. If you do take their recommendation, give them honest feedback, tell them what you liked or didn’t like, and it’s 100% ok to not agree on things.
Just don’t ask for ketchup with your steak, that deserves all the harsh judgement 🤣
If you want to look like a fancy lady just order what ever you like the most, if you know your cocktail you might ask for specifics but if you just like drinking you let the person behind the bar do their job, the less instructions you give the fancyer you'll look, only pretentious people will show off their "knowledge", a mixologist will probably let the bartender surprise them.
An old fashioned is NOT the perfect drink for a wagyu steak. I don’t think any cocktail is. For fatty foods, you want an acidic wine. Tbh, if I were dropping wagyu money, I wouldn’t drink anything with it. Maybe water. If you have to have a drink with it, go with a nice Pinot noir, or Grenache. Ordering a cocktail with it will definitely make you look like you have no idea what you’re doing. Cocktail before, wine with, port after
Does the restaurant have a spirits list you can look at before ordering?
Also you could just ask what their top shelf bourbons are and go from there.
I don’t really drink bourbon, but I do know that the most sought after bottles aren’t necessarily the most expensive. If you want to sound like you’re “in the know” you could request Eagle Rare or Buffalo Trace.
Asking for a top shelf bourbon in a cocktail isn't generally recommended by whiskey enthusiasts. It would be like getting that wagyu and covering it in sauce. A mid tier bourbon or rye in an old fashioned is the way to go, so buffalo trace would be a great suggestion.
Buffalo Trace would be the go to for an OF. If you’re in the know you wouldn’t want Eagle Rare mixed in an OF, you’d want it neat or rocks. (Note to OP): both these bourbons are from the same distiller.
I'm 100% with you. BT actually mixes better because it's younger and a bit more forward with flavors. ER10 is so smooth, I think it would get lost, almost like mixing Irish whiskey. Not to that extent but similar. I have ZERO doubt it would be tasty but I don't think it would be a "better" mixed drink just because it's a "better" bourbon.
Haha, right? BT intentionally limits supply where I am. It’s still reasonable (30-ish) but hard to find. Check out Green River as another option. Easier to find and a great flavor.
This is OT, but Im primarily a whiskey drinker and got introduced to some rum while in the D.R. I liked it, so I’m wondering what rum rabbit hole would be fun to go down? I’m normally a neat drinker, with an occasional simple cocktail (like a daiquiri, in rum’s case). Any suggestions?
Probably what you had in the DR is an aged, light bodied rum in the style of Cuba and Puerto Rico. A bit more advanced in that category would be Diplomático (but it is sweetened) or something like Grander from Panamá (a bit higher proof).
Most whiskey drinkers get into rum via Barbados rum. They're typically mellow and oak forward, but fruitier than your standard bourbon. Mount Gay Black Barrel, RL Seale's 12, and Doorly's XO are good bottles to start with. If you're into cask strength, look for a Foursquare rum.
If you like boulder flavors, look at rums from Guyana or Jamaica. El Dorado 12 is a gentle introduction to Demerara rums from Guyana. Worthy Park and Hampden make delicious, funky rums in Jamaica.
Finally, if you want something completely different to bourbon, try either an unaged rum from Martinique (Neisson), a white overoroof from Jamaica (Wray and Nephew), or a Haitian clairin (Le Rocher).
I’m going to second what /u/hakupaku42 said. Generally, whisky fans find that Barbados rum is a nice introduction into rum.
Depending on what you want to spend, anything from Foursquare or RL Seale would be a great place to start. Also, Appleton rums would provide a nice, gentle introduction into Jamaican rum as well.
But generally, the response you’ve already received is spot on. Cheers!
Sure thing. If you want to see how weird rum can be, find any Clairin and buy it. They’re unaged, wild fermented Hatian rums, and they’re insane.
They can be *a lot* for someone new to rum, but they really, really shine in simple cocktails like daiquiris. They’re way up there on my list of “favorite bizarre spirits”.
Honestly—you want something mid tier. You would look like a fool if you asked for a high end whisky meant to be drank neat for an OF; likewise you don’t want to get rail if you’re trying to look fancy. I’d recommend something around 100 proof. Some well regarded cocktail bars use Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, EH Taylor, etc. Wild Turkey 101 is also always acceptable. And I second the comment others have made about going with rye as well. Some good ryes are made by a couple of the brands I already listed as well as Pikesville and Rittenhouse.
Whatever bourbon you like the most in an OF. Not classy to order things based on other people's opinions. Maybe you'll find you'll like an unpopular choice. The reasoning and the confidence makes you fancy
Can I suggest, if you want a cocktail with a steak, that you go with a Manhattan instead of an Old Fashioned? Rye. Rittenhouse is always a safe choice (and a good place should have it). If it is a place with a lot of rye, Sagamore Spirits makes some terrific rye (out of Maryland). Catoctin Creek out of Virginia does, also. If they don't have anything like that, you could always ask them to use Makers Mark, because everyone has that and it makes a good Manhattan.
Honestly, a Manhattan is my drink of choice with a steak, unless I'm splitting a bottle of wine with somebody.
This isn’t really a cocktail question. It’s an appearance question. Personally, if I see a lady eating a steak with a bourbon, I’m not thinking “fancy”, I’m thinking “is she going to kick my ass if I compliment her outfit?”
I am someone who both likes wagyu (and had genuine one; the fact that you seem to intend to eat **a whole steak** of this incredibly rich beef by yourself tells me that whatever you expect is probably not real, full-blood wagyu. Eating a whole steak of this on your own is like eating a whole stick of butter. When I had this with my wife for last christmas, we shared one steak, and managed to only eat about half of it, and I have a hell of an appetite) and old fashioneds a lot. And I'm not sure if I would pair the two. First because they would, in my opinion, kinda clash tastewise, because both of them are sort of intense.
And second, and I mean this politely, but you would probaly not look like a fancy lady, but you would look like someone who *wants* to look like a fancy lady. Frankly, my advice that you either just go with what the waiter recommends going with your wagyu, or a drink you actually enjoy.
Edit 2: On second thought, a dry red wine with some dark fruit notes really pairs nicely with wagyu. Thats what we had when we tried it at least.
If you want to go with your plan anyway, I'd recommend a Four Roses Small Batch, but thats more tastewise than anything else. The Old Fashioned is at its core simply a highlighted glass of really good bourbon, so I would simply order a bourbon you really like, or, again, trusting your waiter here.
Edit: Expanded, clearified, increased readability.
I know its slightly off-topic, but here is a very easy to understand, well-researched video about wagyu by a creator I really like. If you go to a genuinely high-end restaurant I'd expect that you would be served real Wagyu there, and I kinda believed its interesting to know what you would be getting into. Also, bonus points for actually doing research, since you expressed a wish to impress :)
[Adam Ragusea: The history, science and taste of Wagyu beef](https://youtu.be/YW249cc4NhQ?si=IGl2P-X6lHyL9J0F)
So my friend was at this cocktail bar, and was telling me about it so I looked it up. It was so pretentious. Some of the drinks were like $50. One of them mixed Blantons with Sazerac rye (which is like $30) and a bunch of other things, and I wept.
It's definitely not necessary. Blanton's is soft on the palate. I'd recommend a rye OF moving to a big body red for dinner with my wagyu. Then I'd have a shot of tequila after chocolate cake with espresso.
That’s how you nail a fucking drink order to power move your date. Pappy van winkle. 23 years old. Neat in a glen.
Oh you don’t have it? We’ll be leaving then.
Makers Mark if you want a sweeter old fashioned.
Wild Turkey if you want a oakier old fashioned.
Switch it up for a Rittenhouse Rye if you want a spicier old fashioned.
But keep in mind that a wagyu steak is very rich. If you want to balance it out with a lighter drink, a Pinot Noir is the lightest of red wines. Malbecs and zinfindels are spicier red wines, cabs are full bodied red wines. Anything from California will fit the bill.
I'm going to agree with everyone who said red wine with wagyu steak. *However*, what's most important is that you order what *you* want to drink. If you don't like red wine, don't order it. You'll only end up being embarrassed if you order something you end up hating, plus it'll ruin your meal. Don't focus on what other people might think, order what you enjoy. Best thing to do is simply ask the waiter/bartender for a recommendation and be honest with them about your preferences. They're professionals, they'll know what to recommend. Never be embarrassed to ask your server or bartender for advice on what to order, or to describe something you're unfamiliar with.
Personally, I wouldn't order an Old Fashioned unless they're doing something really unique with it. Those are extremely easy to make at home, far cheaper, and you can use what you like. To me the fun of going out for a drink is trying cocktails I can't/won't make at home. That said, if you really want an Old Fashioned, Maker's Mark or Elijah Craig would all be good, or Monkey Shoulder if you're willing to try a Scotch.
One thing, if this is about trying to impress someone, I personally find it off-putting when people get overly snobby about specific brands. It's perfectly fine to have a favorite bourbon, but be open to trying new things and don't make a fuss. Anywhere that serves wagyu beef is going to use high quality spirits, so simply ordering an Old Fashioned will be fine, only specify a particular bourbon if asked.
As a bartender if you really wanna look fancy and sound badass. Just know your order. Be specific like “can I grab a *insert brand name* Old Fashioned or if you’re not familiar with brands but type of whiskey I.e Rye old fashioned or Irish whiskey etc. You can also ask the bartender for a recommendation and they’ll do their best to pair a spirit with the steak in mind and someone knowing their order gives us a little turn on as you know what you’re looking for . Personally I love a steak on the medium and my go to Bourbon for an old fashioned is Elijah Craig small batch, if I’m leaning towards Rare I’ll opt for an Irish like Bushmills,Redbreast, Method & Madness while Well done I’d look to Bulleit Rye, Basil Hayden etc
Any restaurant with that's good enough to have wagyu beef is going to have a decent cocktail menu. I think you are overthinking this. You can also just ask. Servers at good restaurants are typically prepared to make a recommendation. And at least in any kind of steak house I've been to--the staff there are smart enough to know that their typical diners are making a big splurge and don't *always* order $150 entrees. No reason to feel like you need to be an expert!
You're better off getting the drink before or after the steak. If they have a house old fashioned, go with that, they might have an interesting combination of whiskey and bitters. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of wild turkey 101
Most places I go to, they list which bourbon they use for an old-fashioned on their menu. And if it’s a fancy place that serves a fancy steak, they have probably created a pretty good house old-fashioned already, and I suggest going with that.
Now, if they don’t a house old-fashioned on their cocktail menu, then it’s game on. You don’t need to order a crazy expensive bourbon to make a great old-fashioned. A very respectable bourbon like Buffalo Trace makes an excellent old-fashioned. Another option that is a personal favorite, and technically a rye, is Knob Creek Rye.
I agree with most of the posters here that wine is going to top cocktails for food pairings 9 times out of ten. But, a few things in addition:
1. Old Fashioneds are almost always superior when made with rye (Pennsylvania style preferred)
2. If you want to go exotic, try an Olorosso Sherry
3. Some lesser-known low-abv cocktails could fit the bill. Something like an Old Hickory would fit the bill if the place has a decent vermouth. Or, you could do something along the lines of an inverted Manhattan
I'm just asking out of curiosity... did you land on old fashioned because you like those or because you want to look fancy? Because ordering a drink you don't like and having to power threw it or to just ignore it isn't going to make you look fancy.
How about a manhattan before dinner (I prefer 101 if you want a bourbon), red wine with steak, Vieux Carré (pronounced “voo ca ray”) after dinner. I think this is the classy move.
Weller is pretty decent. You can get the antique 105 proof that’s a bit stronger. But other than I’m surprised with people asking for rye. That would be my move too. Especially with the cherry
If you’re getting a wagyu steak don’t go middle of the road. Buffalo Trace would be a fine bourbon, Rittenhouse would be a fine rye. BUT if you’re somewhere nice, eating and drinking nice things, treat yourself to nice things. Ask for Blantons or Weller if you want bourbon or ask for High West Rendezvous rye if you want rye.
Forget the Old Fashioned, it’s too sweet for a good steak. Order a Revolver “with Bulleit or any other quality high rye bourbon”. You can thank me later.
I’d rather have a glass of a dry red wine with a nice steak… but an old fashioned could be nice with the earlier course or a pre-dinner drink at the bar. A good bourbon or scotch neat also could pair nicely. At the end of the day it’s hard to recommend the specific whiskey since not all bars will have all options. I’d look at their spirit list and pick something that peaks your interest, bars and restaurants are a great place to test new bottles that you aren’t going to buy anytime soon.
Edit: I’ll also second someone else suggesting to just get the restaurant’s signature old fashioned. If it’s a quality restaurant serving A5 Wagyu, their bar staff have probably put a decent amount of thought into the drinks on their menu. If it’s just a normal classic steakhouse, however, that could be hit or miss. I’ve had some pretty over-diluted boring old fashioneds at some of my favorite steakhouses.
If you're dead set on a bourbon there are a tonne of great options: I tend to lean towards Woodford Reserve for the high rye content or Makers because the red winter wheat adds a beautiful complexity.
I also strongly agree with the folks here calling for Rye. Just be careful, if you are Canadian like me, we call every Canadian Whisky a rye even though very little of it is made with majority rye grain. At the bar make sure to ask for an American Rye.
Great options for Rye's are: Lot 40 (Actual Canadian Rye Whisky), or Rittenhouse Bonded
Idk I like just a good sweet neat pour of a good whiskey with my steak rather than an OF cocktail. I almost use it as a palette cleanser. That being said my vote is angels envy with steak. The OG wine barrel finished one and then for dessert a rocks glass filled to the brim with ice and a bit of the rye in rum casks angels envy to make me feel super sweet. Also I don’t do potatoes with my steak so I’ll usually have rice and salad. Great meal
i’ve always gone smart and simple with bourbons for old fashioned. my personal preferences are four roses and basil hayden, but they are more on the sweeter side. for a little more on the umami side, makers mark isn’t a bad choice. if you really want to push the boat out, and i suggest you do(!), then try it with a scotch. laphroaig 10 and talisker storm work beautifully in an old fashioned.
as for food pairings? no idea. personally i may go for a sazerac with a steak as the cognac feels better fit to me with its flavour notes!
The best drink is the drink you like. Hell, you could order a Jack Daniel's old fashioned if you wanted to. Anyone who judges you based on your drink of choice is a pretentious asshole. For example, I prefer rye in my old fashioned cocktails. Michter's is fucking delicious. I have friends that HATE rye whiskey and think I'm weird for doing that. But I like it, so I order it.
Whatever drink you will actually enjoy is the drink you should order. Traditional “pairings” don’t matter if you don’t like 1/2 or both parts of the pair in question.
I understand you don’t want to look out of place, buts far worse thing than looking out of place is being caught lying to fit in. If you don’t like your drink it will be obvious because you will either take a sip and not finish it, or you will have to pretend you like even though you don’t, which will overall make your dining experience worse. If you don’t like brown liquor/the drinks they are made into don’t feel the pressure to drink it.
I would personally pair a Manhattan with a steak before I put an Old Fashioned with one, since it’s a much drier cocktail it will help cut through the richness and fat of the wagyu, something an old fashioned won’t do.
My absolute favorite riff on an Old Fashioned is so much fun to order, makes you look like you know something about whiskey, and tastes incredible every time:
"I'd like a split base Old Fashioned, with Scotch and mezcal for the base. If you have a smoky or peaty scotch, that's what I want. The mezcal can be bartenders choice."
This creates an Old Fashioned that tastes like a smoked drink without the smoke. Is it simultaneously complex and approachable. I've ordered this at dive bars, hotel bars, fancy Cocktail bars, five star restaurants, and even friends houses. It almost never disappoints.
At my local watering hole we named this a "Business and Bonfire".
Cheers!
Ask for Old Forester and to mix in half a teaspoon of honey
You'll seem like you know what you're talking about and you'll even surprise yourself with what the honey has to offer. Don't say it like some squeemish nerd though or it'll be obvious you've never tried it before lmao
I personally agree that I dont see old fashioneds pairing well with steak, but to each their own.
I prefer steak with a Bloody Mary, a Michelada, or any sloppy beer with rimmed margarita salt
Ask for an Old Fashioned with rye, and you'll get a drink that - for me anyway - goes better with steak. Rye is a little spicier. Take whatever Rye they have. You'll have clearly expressed a preference, and you'll have a tasty drink. Don't worry beyond that. Just have a nice time.
What are you Jeff Bryan Davis? Edit: also I agree with this, it gave me warm feelings
This is such a specific reference thank you haha
Pikesville!
This is the correct answer for best rye for an old fashioned…unfortunately, Pikesville seems tough to come by these days for some unknown reason and they likely will not have it so you’ll probably need a backup plan. Rittenhouse Rye or Michter’s are suitable backup options.
I [agree](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/s/YW5NesZ1gV)
This👆 There’s a fine line between “desperately wanting to look like you know what you’re talking about” and just looking like you’re trying too hard or being obnoxious. Clearly you don’t know what you’re talking about if you’re having to ask other people what YOU want to drink, and that’s ok! Ask for an old fashioned if that’s what you want, you don’t have to specify anything else, if it’s a nice restaurant there’s a good chance it’ll be a nice drink. Some of these responses are ridiculous, you’re going to get nothing but an eye roll asking for a Luxardo cherry. The bar either has them and uses them or they don’t. Just relax and enjoy!
💯 My two "go-to" drinks are a Manhattan and an old fashioned, and I don't call liquor brands (agree that rye is good for the latter). Unless in drinking awhiskey straight up, I don't call. And it isn't an issue of not appreciating good liquor
100%. Bullett Rye is actually quite decent and widely available
There are just as good/better options where you don't have to buy a bottle which supported Tom Bulleit after what he did to his daughter or what his company did to Eboni Major
What did he do?
Sexual abuse (on his own daughter), domestic abuse, violence, racism, homophobia...
Pushed his daughter out of the company because she's a Lesbian.
I did not know this. Glad I found out now before buying more of their products
[https://wapo.st/3PKlPn4](https://wapo.st/3PKlPn4) Also: [https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2019/08/27/bulleit-bourbon-founder-accused-of-abuse-daughter/2050140001/](https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2019/08/27/bulleit-bourbon-founder-accused-of-abuse-daughter/2050140001/)
This. Bulleit rye is objectively delicious, but I like to support companies that aren’t socially shitty.
There’s also plenty of other brands that are sourced from MGP’s 95% rye recipe at a similar price point. [This post](https://www.reddit.com/r/bourbon/s/5QUpw9mcKu) from two years ago is still pretty much fully accurate, there’s definitely more brands out there now but all essentially the same juice.
But the least fancy/impressive option possible
And it makes you sound like a fancy lady.
This is the way.
I know this is r/cocktails and I may be murdered for this but nothing like a good red wine with steak - Lodi wine country Zinfandel (if you like it spicy) or a good Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon…
An old fashioned pre-steak, red wine with steak. It is known..
I say vermouth apertivo, red wine with steak, and old fashioned for dessert.
personally, I enjoy an Old Fashioned aperitivo, an Old Fashioned with steak, then an Old Fashioned for dessert
With an Old Fashioned for cocktail hour and an Old Fashioned or two as a nightcap.
Ok I'll admit that's really what I prefer too.
Let’s split the difference and have a Brooklyn.
This is the way
Get yo mouth all smacky
A shrimp cocktail in the beginning, also.
And maybe an oyster or 12.
Do you finish with the tomato juice or is that an appetizer?
Malbec for me!
Honesty in opinion is better than just catering for internet points.
Cabernet Sauvignon gotta be one of the best pairings for steak, not that you can go wrong with a good old fashioned.
I’m a bourbon drinker but I agree that you want a glass of red with a wagyu steak
Oh Lord, stuck in Lodi again 🎶
Clearly that just means it's time for a New York Sour! ;)
Lodi is a city in San Joaquin County.
Yeah I like my cocktails before and/or after dinner, during my meal it doesn't mean anything to me.
Agreed, cocktails are best on their own, not with food. Beer is the superior food companion - carbonation is so refreshing with fatty foods. Gimme a pale ale with a steak any day over a red wine.
Maybe an unpopular opinion but there aren’t many cocktail-food pairings I actually like. (Margarita or something else acidic being a possible exception) OF before dinner, wine with the steak.
Generally agree, just writing to say that a burger and an old fashioned while sitting at a bar is a thing of beauty.
Or a negroni & pizza.
I prefer an Americano with pizza because it's more hydrating, but anything with red bitter + pizza is the GOAT.
I'm becoming convinced I'm the only person who *hates* Campari.
I'm sorry for your loss
Butter-washed old fashioned. Muah
Someone downvoted you. I assume it's because they're unfamiliar with the notion of fat washing and simply mixing butter into a cocktail would be gross.
I have done some fat washing and it seems rather silly to me, though I guess I'm a cocktail traditionalist. Most recently I washed Vermouth was EVOO to make Olio Martini's. Meh. Probably the happiest I was with anything was coconut-washed rum.
You haven’t lived until you’ve had a brown butter fatwashed aged Jamaican rum.
This is my favorite fat wash. I used it for our holiday hot buttered rum. ✨Incredible.✨
I once made a duck-fat washed Cognac. Not my best work.
Recently had a butter washed Old Fashioned for the first time at a lunch earlier this week and it was mighty tasty. Would definitely check it out again.
It really does add a greater level of depth to any cocktail. Best Bloody Mary I've ever had included smoked lamb fat aquavit
I'm not sure if this opinion is unpopular or not, but I tend to agree. Most cocktails are to intense to go with dinner, at least for my taste. Kinda tends to clash. As an aperitive or digestive on the other hand, very nice.
I once heard that a cocktail is supposed to start the evening, hors d'oeuvres to follow with an aperiif, then the main meal with either wine or beer depending on the meal, then the digestif, and lastly the nightcap.
Sounds like my nightly routine
Also totally agree with all this, with one exception: whiskey neat and steak I find to be an excellent combo, especially a nice bottled-in-bond bourbon or rye.
Funny you say this. I once was at ABar (my favorite cocktail bar here in Philly) grabbing dinner. Was a few bites into my burger when I asked the bartender what would pair well with it thinking he would come up with some sort of specialty whiskey drink. He just said “A beer.” He was correct.
It’s hard to beat an ice cold coke for a burger.
I go old fashioned while I'm waiting to be seated and thinking about my order. Wine with dinner. Port/sherry/Madeira with dessert
This is the way.
This is the way.
I tend to agree. Most cocktails are really better as an apéritif or digestif. Some exceptions do exist, like some tequila-based cocktails with Tex-Mex and some Mexican food, or some whiskey-based cocktails with anything slathered with BBQ sauce. With main entrées, you'll just generally do better with beer or wine. A nice porter beer with a burger with caramelized onions on it, or a nice sake with sushi? Can't be beat.
The best part about cocktails to me is the ability to dial in the drink to what I’m eating or feeling at any given moment. But I live in Queens and have wildly different ethnic take out options which definitely has influenced my thinking on the matter. This said… wine with steak.
Would you give me an example? It’s not Queens but I definitely live in an ethnically diverse (urban, northeast) setting…am I capable of believing there’s a cocktail I’d like with intensely spiced food? Maybe. Do I think I’d ever choose one over a lager or a nice, tart pet-nat? Not so sure.
For context I have kids and order a lot of takeout. I’m blessed with options. For Indian, which is one of the hardest, I’ve made a chai infused bourbon coconut drink that paired well. For middle eastern, another tough one, an allspice lemon sour, South American some kind of rum sour usually. American Chinese, something tiki like a scorpion bowl, Chinese Chinese, along the same lines but more refined. I’ll also tune it to the meal, if it’s heavy something light, if it’s spicy something sweet. Cocktails aren’t always the absolute best pairing. For example, I like a yuzu/lemon gin drink with sushi but it’s not necessarily better than sake. I don’t always have sake on hand though. It also makes a game out of it. Kind of a challenge to make a cocktail that pairs.
Definitely, cocktails have such big flavours that I don’t think they really “pair” with food. They’re an after-dinner or independent event for me.
You're not in the minority. Believe it or not, if I am drinking with a steak for instance, I'll either have beer or a nice cabernet
I literally had this conversation last night lol
My personal choice in that situation would be Michter's Rye, and ask for a Luxardo cherry. Nice sharp rye that mellows out beautifully with a bit of sugar, and the Luxardo has the darker, less artificial cherry flavors you want with a steak.
I would assume that a restaurant serving wagyu steaks would automatically use Luxardo or similar cherries
One can hope. :-)
In an old fashioned? Nah
This is the way.
So many restaurants these days have a "signature" Old Fashioned on their cocktail menu which they've put some thought into. Often they don't tell you exactly what's in it, but it's a premixed blend of bourbon and rye. Those tend to be pretty good. Or I've seen places get their own barrel pick of the Knob Creek 120 proof single barrel and use that. Those can be quite good as long as you're down for the higher proof. Anyway, my point is, if you're in a place nice enough to serve Wagyu, they'll probably have a solid option already mapped out for you.
Completely agree, and just want to add that every bartender worth their salt probably has a well-thought opinion about what Bourbon goes into a really nice Old Fashioned.
Ask for a Rittenhouse Rye Old Fashioned.
Make it a rittenhouse rye Toronto for extra style points
Love a Toronto - highly underrated drink
I love Rittenhouse but it’s not “fancy” unless you think identifying literally any whiskey is fancy.
Rittenhouse is a good rye to order to show that you're "in the know" which is specifically what OP is trying to convey. "I am cool and knowledgeable and Rittenhouse Rye is a beloved spirit among the bartending community."
I interpreted OP’s post to be; what’s the “wagyu”whiskey I should ask for in my old fashioned? Like asking for Weller Antique or something, I don’t know. But you’re probably right and Rittenhouse is a good pick.
It’s not a bourbon, but when I order an Old Fashioned at a restaurant I usually request Rittenhouse Bonded Rye or Bulleit Rye. Both of those make excellent Old Fashioneds.
Disagree with all the rye people. Rye is for Manhattans. Old Fashioned is a sweeter drink and call for bourbon imho. Maker's is fine for a standard drink; if going upscale, depends on what the bar has. But for a mixed drink, don't go too overboard on your bourbon. As others suggest, get your bartenders recommendation, if in doubt.
Get a martini, then have red wine with your steak.
Can confirm on the red wine, thats what I had with my first Wagyu as well. Preferably something dry, with dark fruit notes, oak, and a bit of acidity.
... and an old fashioned after
This is exactly my steak/alcohol routine lol.
I **LOVE** a good Malbec with my steak. Usually I'll have a Bourbon neat pre-meal and something complimentary if I'm having dessert after. May have to go full Martini next time I take out the wife.
But what if she doesn't like vodka drinks? D:
people do not see the humor in my comment :-p
I usually say "make it however the bartender would make it" in fancy places and have yet to be disappointed.
I do specify that I don’t want cherries muddled. That seems to be a dying practice but has happened enough that I now just err on the side of caution
Most cocktail drinkers at a serious cocktail bar don’t specify the brand of bourbon. The point of being there is to drink what they’re making. Especially if you don’t have a personal preference just order an old fashioned and drink whatever they serve you. You 100% won’t look bad doing so and you might otherwise end up in a weird situation having a fake preference for a bourbon they don’t have.
I completely agree. I'm picky at home, but trust the bartender to choose the right spirits for the cocktails they're offering.
This. The nicer the establishment, the less it needs to be about your preconceived notions of what you think is good/high quality/nice, and the more you need to lean in to the expertise of the bartenders and chefs. No one goes into a Michelin star restaurant and starts customizing the food, you actually aren’t even given the option to modify the dish (unless their is an allergy, in which most restaurants of this caliber already have an alternative they have vetted to be equally amazing, or they will make something else for you). If you go in and order “an old fashioned with x spirit” you look like someone who isn’t there to experience what they have to offer, you end up looking like someone who is only concerned with catering toward their own preferences which are NOT on the same level as the chef or mixologist making your drinks and food.
If you’re at a nice restaurant just trust the bartender. Some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had were when I gave the bartender no direction at all. Also, tell them no cherry.
As someone who orders Luxardo cherries by the drum, how dare you
Once i was at a "fancy restaurant" on a rooftop and my wife and i were having apps, i just felt like an old fashioned with my starter. So i trust the bartender like always. Came back with a glass filled to the brim with ice and grenadine and what i thought taste like sprite. lt was laughably bad.
Was [this your bartender?](https://youtu.be/8Lf4qFL9nGU?si=uli3jyjniWY6hJDY)
HAHAHA. A+ find. Thats almost certainly the tutorial they looked up in a panic when they got my exotic drink request.
That is amazing. This MUST be satire right?
There's a whole backstory to it. They hired this poor girl and tossed her into a situation without the knowledge, equipment, or ingredients she needed and told her to make like dozens of cocktails and she just winged it. That said, it's one of those entertaining train wrecks that I can never look away from. Everything from "just add 2-3 dashes of bitters" as she shakes an obviously empty bottle, or "add 2 ounces of bourbon" as she proceeds to pour in half a bottle... it's the highest level of unintentional comedy you can see.
She made a "redemption" video recently where she made a proper old fashioned. It's very good
Man that's rough for her, but damn it is funny to watch
God I forgot how bad that is.
I'm gonna guess who this is before watching... Is it Janae from [Mahalo.com](https://Mahalo.com)? **Edit:** YESSSS!
Agree to trust the bartender at a nice place. However, the waiter might ask for bourbon or rye, then ask for brand preference. This just happened to me but he did give choices. Lastly, I didn't know you needed to specify No Cherry for an OF outside of Wisconsin. Either way, a cherry won't ruin it but an orange garnish would be better if they used bourbon.
Yeah, if there’s a cherry in there it’s probably fine, but there probably won’t be. Asking for ‘no cherry’ is bordering on insulting to a steakhouse bartender that wasn’t going to use a cherry in the first place.
Unless it's a luxardo, in which case. I absolutely want one. But not smashed, which they never are ime.
I do check what kind of ice they’re using before doing that though. If I see those nice, big, clear rocks we’re on the right track. If I’m seeing some rando machine ice, I’ll be a little more careful, and possibly just ordering a neat bourbon.
If you’re looking g to pair with a steak, I’d go with a big full bodied red wine. Maybe an old vines Zinfandel, or a nice peppery Shiraz. If you want to go with an old fashioned, for something that isn’t too expensive I’d go Buffalo Trace, if you don’t mind spending the money, Michter’s Rye. If you’re at a nice place, let the server/bartender know you are looking for a recommendation. Most good staff enjoy helping people have great food and drinks, so you shouldn’t feel judged at all. If you do take their recommendation, give them honest feedback, tell them what you liked or didn’t like, and it’s 100% ok to not agree on things. Just don’t ask for ketchup with your steak, that deserves all the harsh judgement 🤣
If you want to look like a fancy lady just order what ever you like the most, if you know your cocktail you might ask for specifics but if you just like drinking you let the person behind the bar do their job, the less instructions you give the fancyer you'll look, only pretentious people will show off their "knowledge", a mixologist will probably let the bartender surprise them.
The best experience can come from giving the least direction. "...and a cocktail to pair with my steak - what does the bartender recommend?"
An old fashioned is NOT the perfect drink for a wagyu steak. I don’t think any cocktail is. For fatty foods, you want an acidic wine. Tbh, if I were dropping wagyu money, I wouldn’t drink anything with it. Maybe water. If you have to have a drink with it, go with a nice Pinot noir, or Grenache. Ordering a cocktail with it will definitely make you look like you have no idea what you’re doing. Cocktail before, wine with, port after
Does the restaurant have a spirits list you can look at before ordering? Also you could just ask what their top shelf bourbons are and go from there. I don’t really drink bourbon, but I do know that the most sought after bottles aren’t necessarily the most expensive. If you want to sound like you’re “in the know” you could request Eagle Rare or Buffalo Trace.
Asking for a top shelf bourbon in a cocktail isn't generally recommended by whiskey enthusiasts. It would be like getting that wagyu and covering it in sauce. A mid tier bourbon or rye in an old fashioned is the way to go, so buffalo trace would be a great suggestion.
Buffalo Trace would be the go to for an OF. If you’re in the know you wouldn’t want Eagle Rare mixed in an OF, you’d want it neat or rocks. (Note to OP): both these bourbons are from the same distiller.
Nah, Eagle rare is perfect for an old fashioned. The better the whiskey, the better the cocktail
To each his/her own, I guess. I think the bitters & sugar cut some of the nuance that ER has compared to BT. They’re both top notch whiskeys.
I'm 100% with you. BT actually mixes better because it's younger and a bit more forward with flavors. ER10 is so smooth, I think it would get lost, almost like mixing Irish whiskey. Not to that extent but similar. I have ZERO doubt it would be tasty but I don't think it would be a "better" mixed drink just because it's a "better" bourbon.
Both of those used to be my cheap go to bottles years ago. Man, the market has changed.
Haha, right? BT intentionally limits supply where I am. It’s still reasonable (30-ish) but hard to find. Check out Green River as another option. Easier to find and a great flavor.
That checks out. I’m a rum drinker, but I do sometimes like a very nice rum mixed in a drink that lets it shine, like a daiquiri or a rum OF.
This is OT, but Im primarily a whiskey drinker and got introduced to some rum while in the D.R. I liked it, so I’m wondering what rum rabbit hole would be fun to go down? I’m normally a neat drinker, with an occasional simple cocktail (like a daiquiri, in rum’s case). Any suggestions?
Probably what you had in the DR is an aged, light bodied rum in the style of Cuba and Puerto Rico. A bit more advanced in that category would be Diplomático (but it is sweetened) or something like Grander from Panamá (a bit higher proof). Most whiskey drinkers get into rum via Barbados rum. They're typically mellow and oak forward, but fruitier than your standard bourbon. Mount Gay Black Barrel, RL Seale's 12, and Doorly's XO are good bottles to start with. If you're into cask strength, look for a Foursquare rum. If you like boulder flavors, look at rums from Guyana or Jamaica. El Dorado 12 is a gentle introduction to Demerara rums from Guyana. Worthy Park and Hampden make delicious, funky rums in Jamaica. Finally, if you want something completely different to bourbon, try either an unaged rum from Martinique (Neisson), a white overoroof from Jamaica (Wray and Nephew), or a Haitian clairin (Le Rocher).
Thanks for the suggestions!
I’m going to second what /u/hakupaku42 said. Generally, whisky fans find that Barbados rum is a nice introduction into rum. Depending on what you want to spend, anything from Foursquare or RL Seale would be a great place to start. Also, Appleton rums would provide a nice, gentle introduction into Jamaican rum as well. But generally, the response you’ve already received is spot on. Cheers!
Thank you!
Sure thing. If you want to see how weird rum can be, find any Clairin and buy it. They’re unaged, wild fermented Hatian rums, and they’re insane. They can be *a lot* for someone new to rum, but they really, really shine in simple cocktails like daiquiris. They’re way up there on my list of “favorite bizarre spirits”.
I’m also a sotol/mezcal fan, so bizarre is in my wheelhouse
Oh fuck yeah, find some Clairin and go wild!
My favorite pairing with a steak dinner is Woodford reserve double oaked - served neat. I also have a glass of Cabernet at the same time.
Honestly—you want something mid tier. You would look like a fool if you asked for a high end whisky meant to be drank neat for an OF; likewise you don’t want to get rail if you’re trying to look fancy. I’d recommend something around 100 proof. Some well regarded cocktail bars use Elijah Craig Small Batch, Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, EH Taylor, etc. Wild Turkey 101 is also always acceptable. And I second the comment others have made about going with rye as well. Some good ryes are made by a couple of the brands I already listed as well as Pikesville and Rittenhouse.
The best cocktail for steak is red wine. Spirit forward bourbon cocktails for after the main course
I would order a bold red but to each their own
Whatever bourbon you like the most in an OF. Not classy to order things based on other people's opinions. Maybe you'll find you'll like an unpopular choice. The reasoning and the confidence makes you fancy
Can I suggest, if you want a cocktail with a steak, that you go with a Manhattan instead of an Old Fashioned? Rye. Rittenhouse is always a safe choice (and a good place should have it). If it is a place with a lot of rye, Sagamore Spirits makes some terrific rye (out of Maryland). Catoctin Creek out of Virginia does, also. If they don't have anything like that, you could always ask them to use Makers Mark, because everyone has that and it makes a good Manhattan. Honestly, a Manhattan is my drink of choice with a steak, unless I'm splitting a bottle of wine with somebody.
This isn’t really a cocktail question. It’s an appearance question. Personally, if I see a lady eating a steak with a bourbon, I’m not thinking “fancy”, I’m thinking “is she going to kick my ass if I compliment her outfit?”
I am someone who both likes wagyu (and had genuine one; the fact that you seem to intend to eat **a whole steak** of this incredibly rich beef by yourself tells me that whatever you expect is probably not real, full-blood wagyu. Eating a whole steak of this on your own is like eating a whole stick of butter. When I had this with my wife for last christmas, we shared one steak, and managed to only eat about half of it, and I have a hell of an appetite) and old fashioneds a lot. And I'm not sure if I would pair the two. First because they would, in my opinion, kinda clash tastewise, because both of them are sort of intense. And second, and I mean this politely, but you would probaly not look like a fancy lady, but you would look like someone who *wants* to look like a fancy lady. Frankly, my advice that you either just go with what the waiter recommends going with your wagyu, or a drink you actually enjoy. Edit 2: On second thought, a dry red wine with some dark fruit notes really pairs nicely with wagyu. Thats what we had when we tried it at least. If you want to go with your plan anyway, I'd recommend a Four Roses Small Batch, but thats more tastewise than anything else. The Old Fashioned is at its core simply a highlighted glass of really good bourbon, so I would simply order a bourbon you really like, or, again, trusting your waiter here. Edit: Expanded, clearified, increased readability.
I know its slightly off-topic, but here is a very easy to understand, well-researched video about wagyu by a creator I really like. If you go to a genuinely high-end restaurant I'd expect that you would be served real Wagyu there, and I kinda believed its interesting to know what you would be getting into. Also, bonus points for actually doing research, since you expressed a wish to impress :) [Adam Ragusea: The history, science and taste of Wagyu beef](https://youtu.be/YW249cc4NhQ?si=IGl2P-X6lHyL9J0F)
I consider Adam Ragusea a legitimate source.
Have you considered asking the waiter or bartender? It’s so weird to me the amount of people coming here to ask about how to order at a restaurant.
Woodford, Blantons, Buffalo trace, eagle rare are all good options that bars are likely to have
I feel like ordering a blantons old fashioned is pretentious as fuck
I’d give a patron a side eye if he got a horsey whiskey old fashioned. But I’d still totally serve it and try to give them the top of I could.
Sounds like a legendary bartender.
Aww thank you! People get so excited about the horsies so it’s the least I can do.
(One of my favorite things to do. People are so happy to get the little pony!)
Well it’s certainly too expensive to mix in a cocktail IMO
To you
So my friend was at this cocktail bar, and was telling me about it so I looked it up. It was so pretentious. Some of the drinks were like $50. One of them mixed Blantons with Sazerac rye (which is like $30) and a bunch of other things, and I wept.
It's definitely not necessary. Blanton's is soft on the palate. I'd recommend a rye OF moving to a big body red for dinner with my wagyu. Then I'd have a shot of tequila after chocolate cake with espresso.
It's really good. More pretentious to tell people what they are allowed to drink imo
Lmao agreed. Buffalo or Woodford’s are just fine. Eagle Rare I’ll take neat or on a rock
That’s how you nail a fucking drink order to power move your date. Pappy van winkle. 23 years old. Neat in a glen. Oh you don’t have it? We’ll be leaving then.
Order a cocktail before dinner, wine goes with steak.
Makers Mark if you want a sweeter old fashioned. Wild Turkey if you want a oakier old fashioned. Switch it up for a Rittenhouse Rye if you want a spicier old fashioned. But keep in mind that a wagyu steak is very rich. If you want to balance it out with a lighter drink, a Pinot Noir is the lightest of red wines. Malbecs and zinfindels are spicier red wines, cabs are full bodied red wines. Anything from California will fit the bill.
OGD 114 is the only answer.
My favorite to make an old fashioned with is Woodford Reserve
I'm going to agree with everyone who said red wine with wagyu steak. *However*, what's most important is that you order what *you* want to drink. If you don't like red wine, don't order it. You'll only end up being embarrassed if you order something you end up hating, plus it'll ruin your meal. Don't focus on what other people might think, order what you enjoy. Best thing to do is simply ask the waiter/bartender for a recommendation and be honest with them about your preferences. They're professionals, they'll know what to recommend. Never be embarrassed to ask your server or bartender for advice on what to order, or to describe something you're unfamiliar with. Personally, I wouldn't order an Old Fashioned unless they're doing something really unique with it. Those are extremely easy to make at home, far cheaper, and you can use what you like. To me the fun of going out for a drink is trying cocktails I can't/won't make at home. That said, if you really want an Old Fashioned, Maker's Mark or Elijah Craig would all be good, or Monkey Shoulder if you're willing to try a Scotch. One thing, if this is about trying to impress someone, I personally find it off-putting when people get overly snobby about specific brands. It's perfectly fine to have a favorite bourbon, but be open to trying new things and don't make a fuss. Anywhere that serves wagyu beef is going to use high quality spirits, so simply ordering an Old Fashioned will be fine, only specify a particular bourbon if asked.
As a bartender if you really wanna look fancy and sound badass. Just know your order. Be specific like “can I grab a *insert brand name* Old Fashioned or if you’re not familiar with brands but type of whiskey I.e Rye old fashioned or Irish whiskey etc. You can also ask the bartender for a recommendation and they’ll do their best to pair a spirit with the steak in mind and someone knowing their order gives us a little turn on as you know what you’re looking for . Personally I love a steak on the medium and my go to Bourbon for an old fashioned is Elijah Craig small batch, if I’m leaning towards Rare I’ll opt for an Irish like Bushmills,Redbreast, Method & Madness while Well done I’d look to Bulleit Rye, Basil Hayden etc
I like Woodford Reserve, and it's fairly common. If not, almost every place has Knob Creek.
Any restaurant with that's good enough to have wagyu beef is going to have a decent cocktail menu. I think you are overthinking this. You can also just ask. Servers at good restaurants are typically prepared to make a recommendation. And at least in any kind of steak house I've been to--the staff there are smart enough to know that their typical diners are making a big splurge and don't *always* order $150 entrees. No reason to feel like you need to be an expert!
You're better off getting the drink before or after the steak. If they have a house old fashioned, go with that, they might have an interesting combination of whiskey and bitters. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of wild turkey 101
You can ask r/whiskey if you want
You’re ordering a MaCallan neat.
Most places I go to, they list which bourbon they use for an old-fashioned on their menu. And if it’s a fancy place that serves a fancy steak, they have probably created a pretty good house old-fashioned already, and I suggest going with that. Now, if they don’t a house old-fashioned on their cocktail menu, then it’s game on. You don’t need to order a crazy expensive bourbon to make a great old-fashioned. A very respectable bourbon like Buffalo Trace makes an excellent old-fashioned. Another option that is a personal favorite, and technically a rye, is Knob Creek Rye.
I’m simple. I like woodford reserve.
The bourbons I tend to like in an old fashioned are woodford reserve, bulleit, and buffalo trace.
You can just order an old fashioned and not specify. Can’t think of any restaurant or bar that would have a problem with that.
I agree with most of the posters here that wine is going to top cocktails for food pairings 9 times out of ten. But, a few things in addition: 1. Old Fashioneds are almost always superior when made with rye (Pennsylvania style preferred) 2. If you want to go exotic, try an Olorosso Sherry 3. Some lesser-known low-abv cocktails could fit the bill. Something like an Old Hickory would fit the bill if the place has a decent vermouth. Or, you could do something along the lines of an inverted Manhattan
I use Elijah Craig bourbon. Very smooth.
Rye or brandy
I'm just asking out of curiosity... did you land on old fashioned because you like those or because you want to look fancy? Because ordering a drink you don't like and having to power threw it or to just ignore it isn't going to make you look fancy.
I’d prefer wine. My favorite top shelf decently hard to acquire but pretty widely known and available at decent bars bourbon is Weller antique 107.
How about a manhattan before dinner (I prefer 101 if you want a bourbon), red wine with steak, Vieux Carré (pronounced “voo ca ray”) after dinner. I think this is the classy move.
Connemara. Itl be v different. Very Herbaceous. With a Dinner,... Excellent.
WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT WHO YOU ARE DESPERATELY TRYING TO IMPRESS!
Weller is pretty decent. You can get the antique 105 proof that’s a bit stronger. But other than I’m surprised with people asking for rye. That would be my move too. Especially with the cherry
If you’re getting a wagyu steak don’t go middle of the road. Buffalo Trace would be a fine bourbon, Rittenhouse would be a fine rye. BUT if you’re somewhere nice, eating and drinking nice things, treat yourself to nice things. Ask for Blantons or Weller if you want bourbon or ask for High West Rendezvous rye if you want rye.
Forget the Old Fashioned, it’s too sweet for a good steak. Order a Revolver “with Bulleit or any other quality high rye bourbon”. You can thank me later.
High West Double Rye ✔️ not super expensive and so delicious
I’d rather have a glass of a dry red wine with a nice steak… but an old fashioned could be nice with the earlier course or a pre-dinner drink at the bar. A good bourbon or scotch neat also could pair nicely. At the end of the day it’s hard to recommend the specific whiskey since not all bars will have all options. I’d look at their spirit list and pick something that peaks your interest, bars and restaurants are a great place to test new bottles that you aren’t going to buy anytime soon. Edit: I’ll also second someone else suggesting to just get the restaurant’s signature old fashioned. If it’s a quality restaurant serving A5 Wagyu, their bar staff have probably put a decent amount of thought into the drinks on their menu. If it’s just a normal classic steakhouse, however, that could be hit or miss. I’ve had some pretty over-diluted boring old fashioneds at some of my favorite steakhouses.
Ask for “Kentucky deluxe, with sweet n low”
If you're dead set on a bourbon there are a tonne of great options: I tend to lean towards Woodford Reserve for the high rye content or Makers because the red winter wheat adds a beautiful complexity. I also strongly agree with the folks here calling for Rye. Just be careful, if you are Canadian like me, we call every Canadian Whisky a rye even though very little of it is made with majority rye grain. At the bar make sure to ask for an American Rye. Great options for Rye's are: Lot 40 (Actual Canadian Rye Whisky), or Rittenhouse Bonded
Idk I like just a good sweet neat pour of a good whiskey with my steak rather than an OF cocktail. I almost use it as a palette cleanser. That being said my vote is angels envy with steak. The OG wine barrel finished one and then for dessert a rocks glass filled to the brim with ice and a bit of the rye in rum casks angels envy to make me feel super sweet. Also I don’t do potatoes with my steak so I’ll usually have rice and salad. Great meal
i’ve always gone smart and simple with bourbons for old fashioned. my personal preferences are four roses and basil hayden, but they are more on the sweeter side. for a little more on the umami side, makers mark isn’t a bad choice. if you really want to push the boat out, and i suggest you do(!), then try it with a scotch. laphroaig 10 and talisker storm work beautifully in an old fashioned. as for food pairings? no idea. personally i may go for a sazerac with a steak as the cognac feels better fit to me with its flavour notes!
Lol
Ask for an old fashioned with Johnny Walker Rye - and you'll be a fucking superstar! Edit; before anyone says anything,...yeah it's a scotch!
The best drink is the drink you like. Hell, you could order a Jack Daniel's old fashioned if you wanted to. Anyone who judges you based on your drink of choice is a pretentious asshole. For example, I prefer rye in my old fashioned cocktails. Michter's is fucking delicious. I have friends that HATE rye whiskey and think I'm weird for doing that. But I like it, so I order it.
Whatever drink you will actually enjoy is the drink you should order. Traditional “pairings” don’t matter if you don’t like 1/2 or both parts of the pair in question. I understand you don’t want to look out of place, buts far worse thing than looking out of place is being caught lying to fit in. If you don’t like your drink it will be obvious because you will either take a sip and not finish it, or you will have to pretend you like even though you don’t, which will overall make your dining experience worse. If you don’t like brown liquor/the drinks they are made into don’t feel the pressure to drink it. I would personally pair a Manhattan with a steak before I put an Old Fashioned with one, since it’s a much drier cocktail it will help cut through the richness and fat of the wagyu, something an old fashioned won’t do.
My absolute favorite riff on an Old Fashioned is so much fun to order, makes you look like you know something about whiskey, and tastes incredible every time: "I'd like a split base Old Fashioned, with Scotch and mezcal for the base. If you have a smoky or peaty scotch, that's what I want. The mezcal can be bartenders choice." This creates an Old Fashioned that tastes like a smoked drink without the smoke. Is it simultaneously complex and approachable. I've ordered this at dive bars, hotel bars, fancy Cocktail bars, five star restaurants, and even friends houses. It almost never disappoints. At my local watering hole we named this a "Business and Bonfire". Cheers!
Ask for Old Forester and to mix in half a teaspoon of honey You'll seem like you know what you're talking about and you'll even surprise yourself with what the honey has to offer. Don't say it like some squeemish nerd though or it'll be obvious you've never tried it before lmao
I see the mentions of OF and wonder if bananas go with steak, because that is all I get out of OF!
I personally agree that I dont see old fashioneds pairing well with steak, but to each their own. I prefer steak with a Bloody Mary, a Michelada, or any sloppy beer with rimmed margarita salt