This is the fifth video in a weekly series showcasing the art of cocktail mixing, courtesy of 320 Main restaurant owner and bartender, Jason Schiffer.
The first known definition of the word "cocktail" appeared in an 1806 edition of The Balance and Columbia Repository. An editor explained it as "a potent concoction of spirits, bitters, water and sugar"—the cornerstones for the Old Fashioned.
Two centuries later, bartenders such as 320 Main's Jason Schiffer remain loyal to the venerable drink, but variations abound. Schiffer uses bourbon for his spirit and tops the cocktail with citrus.
"It's about aromatics. Just like a glass of wine, you want to smell it first."
Up next on Drink Tip of the Week: martini.
Sister's in the pantry bottling the suds, Father's in the cellar mixing up the hops, Johnny's on the front porch watching for the cops. -Old time Prohibition song