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Ah, the Old Fashioned—a cocktail so classic it practically deserves a spot in the Smithsonian. This drink has been around longer than your great-grandparents, and it’s still a crowd-pleaser among cocktail enthusiasts and casual sippers alike. But guess what? We’re giving this old-school favorite a Colombian twist. That’s right—put down those bitters; we’re about to show you how to spice things up with some Cascara magic!

Equipment

• 1 Mixing Glass (because stirring in a solo cup just doesn’t cut it)
• 1 Standard Bar Spoon (for all your fancy stirring needs)
• 1 Bell Jigger (to measure your liquid gold like a pro)
• 1 Julep Strainer (because nobody likes an ice cube casualty)
• 2 Bitters Bottles (that you can ceremoniously toss aside because we don’t need them)
• 1 Pour Spout (to keep the spills at bay)
• 1 Cocktail Pick (for that Instagram-ready garnish)
• 1 Citrus Peeler (or your nails if you’re feeling wild)

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey (choose your poison)
• 0.5 oz Empasó Cascara Simple Syrup (the Colombian twist that’ll make you wonder why you ever went without)
• Empasó, Cascara Coffee Fruit for garnish
• Orange or brandied cherry 

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in your mixing glass—yes, toss in that glorious whiskey and our fabulous Cascara Simple Syrup.
2. Add ice cubes (the bigger, the better) and stir with your bar spoon until you can almost hear the Colombian mountains calling your name (5-7 seconds should suffice).
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Keep it classy; this isn’t a frat party.
4. Garnish with a few pieces of Cascara Coffee Fruit and an orange twist and a brandied cherry. Because every Old Fashioned deserves a little flair!

Dating back to the early 1800s, this drink was once known as the “old fashioned whiskey cocktail.” It’s about as classic as it gets—like your uncle who insists on wearing Hawaiian shirts to every family function. And now, with our Colombian interpretation, you get the added sweetness of Cascara, transforming this iconic drink into something truly special.

One of the best things about an Old Fashioned is its simplicity: just a few ingredients—whiskey, Cascara Simple Syrup, and a fancy garnish. What could be better? The hardest part? Making that Cascara simple syrup, but don’t fret; it’s a walk in the park.

Colombian Cascara No-Cook Simple Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 cup / 11 oz water, preferably filtered (because we’re not trying to drink tap water, right?)
• 1 cup / 8 oz granulated sugar (we recommend unrefined Panela Cane Sugar from Colombia for its mild sweetness and complex flavor—seriously, it’s like a warm hug)
• 1 oz of Cascara Coffee Fruit (because we’re classy like that)

Equipment

• Strainer (to save you from chunky disasters)
• Scale, liquid and dry measuring cups (precision is key, folks)
• Plastic storage bottle (or whatever vessel you have lying around)

Process:

1. Mix 11 oz of water with 1 oz of Cascara Coffee Fruit.
2. Shake it like you mean it.
3. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Yes, patience is a virtue—hold your horses!
4. Strain the Cascara and save the remnants for composting. Mother Nature will thank you.
5. Now, add 8 oz of granulated sugar to that infused water and shake like you’re at a Colombian fiesta. Keep shaking until the sugar dissolves (you might need a few extra rounds).
6. Want it thicker? Just add more sugar. Want it sugar-free? Easy—just skip the sugar!
7. Pop it in the fridge when you’re done.

And voilà! You now have a Colombian Cascara Old Fashioned that’ll have you sipping like the cocktail aficionado you always aspired to be. Cheers to you for daring to mix it up!

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