Old Overholt Cocktail Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 15, 2023 | Last Updated on November 12, 2023

If you are looking for a classic whiskey cocktail that packs a punch, then you must try the old overholt whiskey cocktail. This cocktail is said to have been invented by legendary bartender Harry Johnson. It has stood the test of time over its 140-year history, and it’s still a favorite among whiskey lovers today.

If you want to learn how to make this classic cocktail, you have come to the right place. We will teach you how to make a perfect old overholt whiskey cocktail with just a few simple steps.

What Is an old overholt cocktail?

The old Overholt cocktail is a classic whiskey cocktail that originated in the late 1800s. It is made with rye whiskey, Angostura bitters, simple syrup, and ice cubes. The drink has a rich flavor with hints of spice from the rye whiskey and sweetness from the simple syrup.

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Where Did I First Try old overholt cocktail?

When I went to the Old Overholt Bar for the first time, I had no idea what to expect. When I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting with a classic feel that made me feel right at home. 

The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable, and the shelves behind the bar were stocked full of bottles of different whiskeys. I realized quickly that this place was going to be special.

I decided to order an old overholt cocktail and was pleasantly surprised by the flavor. The drink had a rich, smooth taste with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup that balanced out the spiciness of the rye whiskey perfectly. 

I also noticed that there were just enough Angostura bitters to give it an extra kick that really made this drink stand out. After my first drink, I was hooked. I wanted to learn more about this unique cocktail and what makes it so special. 

After talking with the bartender, he told me that the old overholt cocktail had been around for decades and was popular among bartenders. He also mentioned that because of its popularity, many variations of it have been created over the years.

I was intrigued and decided to do some research. I found out that the old overholt cocktail was created by legendary bartender Harry Johnson in 1880. The drink was created using whiskey, Angostura bitters, and simple syrup as its main ingredients. 

Since then, many variations of the original recipe have been created such as adding other liquors or liqueurs like sherry or cognac, using different types of bitters, and adding juices or syrups for extra flavor.

I was impressed by the history behind this classic cocktail as well as its versatility when it comes to experimenting with different flavors. I’ve tried many variations over the years, but I always come back to the original recipe because there is something special about it that just can’t be replicated.

Ingredients

• Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey: A must-have ingredient for the Old Overholt cocktail. It is a bold and spicy straight rye whiskey that will bring out the flavor of the other ingredients in the cocktail.
• Angostura bitters: A few dashes of Angostura bitters help to round out the flavor of this classic cocktail.
• Simple Syrup: Used to sweeten and balance the spice from the whiskey.
• Ice cubes: To make sure the drink is cold and refreshing.
• Lemon twist or cherry: Generally, this is used for garnish in this recipe.

Cooking Directions

Step 1

Add the whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir for about 10-15 seconds.

Step 2

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass or coupe glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Cooking Tips

• When making the Old Overholt cocktail, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. The flavor of this drink depends on the quality of the whiskey and syrups used.
• It is also important to stir gently. If you stir too vigorously you will add too much air into the cocktail and dilute its flavor.
• The Old Overholt cocktail should be served cold. If you are using pre-chilled glasses, fill them up with ice cubes and let them chill for a few minutes before pouring in the ingredients.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

If you don’t like rye whiskey or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it for bourbon. Other types of whiskey such as scotch or Canadian whisky will also work well in the Old Overholt cocktail.

In place of simple syrup, you can use agave nectar or honey to sweeten your drink. If you want to add some more flavor, you can replace the Angostura bitters with orange or grapefruit bitters.

Nutrition Information

How to Store Leftover old overholt Cocktails?

It is best to store any leftover cocktails in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you plan on storing them longer than two days, you should consider making a bigger batch and freezing the extra drinks.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading this recipe on how to make the old Overholt cocktail. This classic whiskey cocktail has been around for over 140 years and is still as popular today as it was back then. 

It’s an easy recipe that you can whip up in no time at all, and with its bold flavor, it’s sure to be a hit! Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results, and don’t forget to garnish your glass with a lemon twist or cherry for a classy touch.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients ready and let’s get mixing! If you like the recipe, share it with your friends and family.

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