NorthernVike 2,100 Posted yesterday at 04:43 PM My son's are looking for something to get me for Christmas so I'm looking at this mix Amazon.com: Smokeshow Cocktail Syrup - 64 Servings (16 oz, Classic Old Fashioned) : Grocery & Gourmet Food . Has anyone ever tried this mix? If so, how was it? I'm not looking at making them from scratch as I don't drink them often enough to buy all the ingredients to make them just a few times. also looking for recommendations on your favorite Bourbons for making Old Fashioneds also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron_Artest 2,392 Posted yesterday at 05:08 PM I would just get a bottle of bitters. That "cocktail syrup" is just bitters, water and sugar with preservatives. If you get a bottle of bitters for $10, you can decide if you want to add sugar or not which I'm sure you have in your kitchen, along with water. As far as bourbons for old fashioned, my go to is Jefferson's reserve. There are so many bourbons though it depends on your taste. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seafoam1 3,481 Posted yesterday at 05:24 PM 14 minutes ago, Ron_Artest said: I would just get a bottle of bitters. That "cocktail syrup" is just bitters, water and sugar with preservatives. If you get a bottle of bitters for $10, you can decide if you want to add sugar or not which I'm sure you have in your kitchen, along with water. As far as bourbons for old fashioned, my go to is Jefferson's reserve. There are so many bourbons though it depends on your taste. "TRUMP!! " 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrancieFootball 247 Posted yesterday at 05:35 PM 25 minutes ago, Ron_Artest said: I would just get a bottle of bitters. That "cocktail syrup" is just bitters, water and sugar with preservatives. If you get a bottle of bitters for $10, you can decide if you want to add sugar or not which I'm sure you have in your kitchen, along with water. As far as bourbons for old fashioned, my go to is Jefferson's reserve. There are so many bourbons though it depends on your taste. Thanks for the bourbon recommendation. I wish I knew more about bourbons. There are so many! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meglamaniac 809 Posted yesterday at 05:46 PM 58 minutes ago, NorthernVike said: My son's are looking for something to get me for Christmas so I'm looking at this mix Amazon.com: Smokeshow Cocktail Syrup - 64 Servings (16 oz, Classic Old Fashioned) : Grocery & Gourmet Food . Has anyone ever tried this mix? If so, how was it? I'm not looking at making them from scratch as I don't drink them often enough to buy all the ingredients to make them just a few times. also looking for recommendations on your favorite Bourbons for making Old Fashioneds also. All the ingredients???????????????? Simple syrup, orange bitters and bourbon, orange slice optional If you can get your hands on Buffalo Trace products the Eagle Rare makes a great OF, if not Woodford Reserve makes a fine OF as well. Also consider asking for ice ball molds, like this https://www.amazon.com/Mixologer-Antarctic-Clear-Ice-Maker/dp/B0C6CDN53X?th=1 Make a good OF feel high class Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meglamaniac 809 Posted yesterday at 05:47 PM 11 minutes ago, FrancieFootball said: Thanks for the bourbon recommendation. I wish I knew more about bourbons. There are so many! What do you want to know? Just ask Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fnord 2,626 Posted yesterday at 05:48 PM 1 hour ago, NorthernVike said: My son's are looking for something to get me for Christmas so I'm looking at this mix Amazon.com: Smokeshow Cocktail Syrup - 64 Servings (16 oz, Classic Old Fashioned) : Grocery & Gourmet Food . Has anyone ever tried this mix? If so, how was it? I'm not looking at making them from scratch as I don't drink them often enough to buy all the ingredients to make them just a few times. also looking for recommendations on your favorite Bourbons for making Old Fashioneds also. Be careful about how long that syrup will last once it's been opened. You might find that you want a cocktail in April only to find out the syrup expired in March. This has happened to me with vermouth in the past. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meglamaniac 809 Posted yesterday at 05:54 PM 5 minutes ago, Fnord said: Be careful about how long that syrup will last once it's been opened. You might find that you want a cocktail in April only to find out the syrup expired in March. This has happened to me with vermouth in the past. Store bought SS lasts for months unopened and weeks to months once opened and kept in the fridge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Fantasy 112 Posted yesterday at 06:26 PM 33 minutes ago, Fnord said: Be careful about how long that syrup will last once it's been opened. You might find that you want a cocktail in April only to find out the syrup expired in March. This has happened to me with vermouth in the past. Vermouth spoils fast after opening , “they” say 3 months but I’ve found 1-2 months. I like buying smaller bottles for this reason. Things go sideways fast once it starts spoiling Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron_Artest 2,392 Posted yesterday at 06:27 PM A bottle of bitters doesn't go bad, FYI Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seafoam1 3,481 Posted yesterday at 06:29 PM Just now, Ron_Artest said: A bottle of bitters doesn't go bad, FYI Gutternuts knows. It's all he can afford. Bitters and water is his drink of choice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fnord 2,626 Posted yesterday at 06:34 PM 7 minutes ago, Mr Fantasy said: Vermouth spoils fast after opening , “they” say 3 months but I’ve found 1-2 months. I like buying smaller bottles for this reason. Things go sideways fast once it starts spoiling Yeah, wish I'd known this little tidbit before I tried to drink a dry martini using 3 yr old vermouth! It did indeed go sideways. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meglamaniac 809 Posted yesterday at 06:38 PM 2 minutes ago, Fnord said: Yeah, wish I'd known this little tidbit before I tried to drink a dry martini using 3 yr old vermouth! It did indeed go sideways. LOL Shaken, not stirred Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Fantasy 112 Posted yesterday at 06:53 PM 1 hour ago, NorthernVike said: My son's are looking for something to get me for Christmas so I'm looking at this mix Amazon.com: Smokeshow Cocktail Syrup - 64 Servings (16 oz, Classic Old Fashioned) : Grocery & Gourmet Food . Has anyone ever tried this mix? If so, how was it? I'm not looking at making them from scratch as I don't drink them often enough to buy all the ingredients to make them just a few times. also looking for recommendations on your favorite Bourbons for making Old Fashioneds also. Looks good , go for it. I currently have a Costco bottled Old Fashioned with bourbon/bitters/sugar when I don’t fell like making one. I just drop a nice cherry or orange slice in the glass. Also can drop a cinnamon stick or a drop of maple syrup . I’ll use a bourbon I keep at the house , buffalo trace , Elijah Craig , woodford double oaked or Old Forester 1910, same for a manhattan the ice mold was a good idea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,100 Posted yesterday at 07:13 PM 1 hour ago, Meglamaniac said: All the ingredients???????????????? Simple syrup, orange bitters and bourbon, orange slice optional If you can get your hands on Buffalo Trace products the Eagle Rare makes a great OF, if not Woodford Reserve makes a fine OF as well. Also consider asking for ice ball molds, like this https://www.amazon.com/Mixologer-Antarctic-Clear-Ice-Maker/dp/B0C6CDN53X?th=1 Make a good OF feel high class They are going to get me the whole set. Glasses, Ice Ball mold or square one. I appreciate the Bourbon recommendations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,100 Posted yesterday at 07:14 PM 1 hour ago, Fnord said: Be careful about how long that syrup will last once it's been opened. You might find that you want a cocktail in April only to find out the syrup expired in March. This has happened to me with vermouth in the past. According to their web site, It will last up to 18 months. Not that I'd use it after more than a year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 7,168 Posted yesterday at 07:16 PM I haven't used that syrup but it gets good reviews, so I'd say go for it. I make 3-4 old fashioneds a week, and my regular bourbons alternate between these two: Knob Creek 9 yr Small Batch Elijah Craig Small Batch These are 100 and 94 proof respectively, and $43 or $40 for 1.75 L bottles. Either is IMO the best deal for pretty good bourbon out there. I put Total Wine links, but Costco usually carries one or both at the identical price. Of course you can get smaller bottles if you want, but not at Costco. Otherwise, my sipping bourbons are mostly cask strength so not a good value for mixed drinks. For sweetener I used to make my own demerara 1:2 concentrate simple syrup, but I just bought the Skinny Syrups simple syrup, and while it's not bad for a sugar-free sweetener, it's not as tasty as the real stuff, of course. I may go back to the real stuff. It's easy enough to make: boil water, stir in bag, bring back to boil, let cool a little, dump in mason jar with lid and refrigerate. Demerara sugar For bitters, I use Angostura regular and orange. I also have a black walnut bitters from Fee Brothers I add sometimes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron_Artest 2,392 Posted yesterday at 07:16 PM My wife got me football shaped ice molds last year, fun gift. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,100 Posted yesterday at 07:16 PM 2 hours ago, Ron_Artest said: I would just get a bottle of bitters. That "cocktail syrup" is just bitters, water and sugar with preservatives. If you get a bottle of bitters for $10, you can decide if you want to add sugar or not which I'm sure you have in your kitchen, along with water. As far as bourbons for old fashioned, my go to is Jefferson's reserve. There are so many bourbons though it depends on your taste. Yeah, I know but they're looking for something to give me as a gift. I'm one of those "impossible" to shop for people as I buy what I want when I want it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,100 Posted yesterday at 07:19 PM 1 minute ago, jerryskids said: I haven't used that syrup but it gets good reviews, so I'd say go for it. I make 3-4 old fashioneds a week, and my regular bourbons alternate between these two: Knob Creek 9 yr Small Batch Elijah Craig Small Batch These are 100 and 94 proof respectively, and $43 or $40 for 1.75 L bottles. Either is IMO the best deal for pretty good bourbon out there. I put Total Wine links, but Costco usually carries one or both at the identical price. Of course you can get smaller bottles if you want, but not at Costco. Otherwise, my sipping bourbons are mostly cask strength so not a good value for mixed drinks. For sweetener I used to make my own demerara 1:2 concentrate simple syrup, but I just bought the Skinny Syrups simple syrup, and while it's not bad for a sugar-free sweetener, it's not as tasty as the real stuff, of course. I may go back to the real stuff. It's easy enough to make: boil water, stir in bag, bring back to boil, let cool a little, dump in mason jar with lid and refrigerate. Demerara sugar For bitters, I use Angostura regular and orange. I also have a black walnut bitters from Fee Brothers I add sometimes. They make a plain, orange, maple bacon flavors. I'm leaning towards the orange flavored one. Thanks for the tips. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 7,168 Posted yesterday at 07:20 PM Just now, NorthernVike said: They make a plain, orange, maple bacon flavors. I'm leaning towards the orange flavored one. Thanks for the tips. You're welcome! I looked at those and had the same thought, but that one wasn't on Prime delivery. Looks like it should still make it before Christmas but they should order soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,100 Posted yesterday at 07:20 PM 1 hour ago, seafoam1 said: "TRUMP!! " As far as your reply...Fock off. This isn't political one bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meglamaniac 809 Posted yesterday at 07:23 PM 2 minutes ago, jerryskids said: You're welcome! I looked at those and had the same thought, but that one wasn't on Prime delivery. Looks like it should still make it before Christmas but they should order soon. Publix carries Angostura bitters Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 7,168 Posted yesterday at 07:36 PM 12 minutes ago, Meglamaniac said: Publix carries Angostura bitters I think he was talking about the pre-mixes from his OP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seafoam1 3,481 Posted yesterday at 07:42 PM 20 minutes ago, NorthernVike said: As far as your reply...Fock off. This isn't political one bit. I made it political. Bltch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seafoam1 3,481 Posted 23 hours ago 24 minutes ago, NorthernVike said: They make a plain, orange, maple bacon flavors. I'm leaning towards the orange flavored one. Thanks for the tips. Can you afford to buy a cheap product and test it for yourself without putting you at risk financially? If not, maybe just pass on buying stuff you don't need. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Meglamaniac 809 Posted 23 hours ago 11 minutes ago, jerryskids said: I think he was talking about the pre-mixes from his OP. Oh, my bad Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fnord 2,626 Posted 23 hours ago 30 minutes ago, NorthernVike said: I buy what I want when I want it. Sooo.... you're saying you're a man. How dare you be so impossible! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 7,168 Posted 23 hours ago Seafoam is making a strong year-end run to maintain his worst poster of the year title. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fnord 2,626 Posted 23 hours ago Just now, jerryskids said: Seafoam is making a strong year-end run to maintain his worst poster of the year title. Isn't it a lifetime honor by now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seafoam1 3,481 Posted 23 hours ago 2 minutes ago, jerryskids said: Seafoam is making a strong year-end run to maintain his worst poster of the year title. Poor jerryskids needy boy. This site's charity case. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr Fantasy 112 Posted 23 hours ago “What can happen to an old fashioned “ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
supermike80 2,114 Posted 23 hours ago Bulleit makes an old fashioned pre mixed. It's not bad. A little too sweet for my tastes but it is still a decent buy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 7,168 Posted 23 hours ago 9 minutes ago, Mr Fantasy said: “What can happen to an old fashioned “ From It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. One of the greatest casts ever assembled. Awesome movie! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NorthernVike 2,100 Posted 22 hours ago 1 hour ago, jerryskids said: Seafoam is making a strong year-end run to maintain his worst poster of the year title. Who the fock is this dude? I really shouldn't assume it's gender, should I? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites