The NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail Shot is a modern twist that offers all the bold, complex flavors of the original, elegantly packed into a smaller format.
Inspired by the New York Times’ commitment to culinary creativity, this recipe is all about transforming sophistication into simplicity.
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How to make NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail Shot
The NYT Old-Fashioned Cocktail Shot refers to a miniature or “shot-sized” version of the classic Old-Fashioned cocktail, as featured or adapted by the New York Times (NYT) or its Cooking section.
Ingredients
- Whiskey – 0.75 oz
- Simple Syrup – 0.25 oz
- Angostura Bitters – 1-2 dashes
- Orange Peel/Twist – For garnish
- Optional: Cherry
Instructions
Step 1: Chill your shot glass ahead of time if possible; a cold glass enhances the sipping experience.
Step 2:
Sugar Option 1 (fast): Combine 0.25 oz of simple syrup with 0.75 oz of whiskey directly into a mixing glass.
Sugar Option 2 (classic): Muddle a pinch of granulated sugar with the Angostura bitters directly in the mixing glass, then add the whiskey.
Step 3: Add 1-2 solid dashes of Angostura bitters to the whiskey and sugar mixture. Adjust based on your preference for bitterness.
Step 4: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for about 15-20 seconds. This ensures the drink is well chilled and melts the flavors together perfectly.
Step 5: Using a fine strainer, pour the cocktail into your prepared shot glass.
Step 6: Express an orange peel over the shot by gently squeezing it. This releases citrus oils for aromatic complexity. Place the peel in the shot glass or rest it on the rim for visual appeal. Add the cherry if desired!
Tips for Making the Best NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail Shot
- Choose High-Quality Whiskey: Because this drink is concentrated, every ingredient shines. Use a whiskey you enjoy sipping neat for the best results.
- Experiment with Bitters: While Angostura is classic, feel free to experiment with other bitters (e.g., orange, chocolate) to create slight variations.
- Chill Everything: Cooling your mixing glass, ice, and shot glass helps preserve the robust flavors and ensures the drink is refreshingly smooth.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter shot, increase the amount of simple syrup slightly, but avoid overpowering the whiskey.
- Serve Immediately: The beauty of a cocktail shot is its immediacy. Sip or shoot it immediately before the flavors dilute or the garnish loses its aromatic touch.
What to serve with
The NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail Shot is bold, concentrated, and richly flavored, making it the perfect drink to pair with complementary food and snacks. Its whiskey-forward profile paired with bitters and citrus creates an amazing balance of sweetness, spice, and bitterness — ideal for cutting through rich foods or complementing salty and savory treats.
1. Classic Bar Snacks
The intense flavors of an NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail Shot work beautifully with quintessential bar snacks.
Options:
- Mixed Nuts: Roasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts provide buttery richness and crunch. Try smoked or honey-glazed versions for added depth.
- Pretzels: The salty nature of pretzels contrasts nicely with the sweet and citrusy notes in the NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail Shot.
- Popcorn: Opt for popcorn seasoned with truffle oil, sea salt, or caramel for a gourmet touch.
Why It Works: Salty snacks highlight the sweet elements in the drink, while the crunch adds a pleasing texture to the experience.
2. Charcuterie Boards
A miniature NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail Shot pairs fantastically with an assortment of cured meats and cheeses.
Options:
- Meats: Serve slices of prosciutto, salami, or coppa. Their rich, savory depth complements the whiskey’s robust flavor.
- Cheeses: Aged cheddar or Gruyère adds a sharpness that plays well with the bitters and whiskey. Creamy cheeses, like brie or camembert, provide a smooth texture contrast.
- Accents & Accompaniments: Pair with dried fruits (apricots or figs), candied nuts, or spicy honey that tie in the cocktail’s citrusy and sweet components.
Why It Works: The whiskey balances the fat and saltiness of meats and cheeses, while the garnish of orange peel lends complexity to bolder flavors.
3. Small Bites & Canapés
For a more elevated dining experience, match the cocktail shot with flavorful hors d’oeuvres.
Options:
- Bacon-Wrapped Dates: A perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory bites that complements the sweet and bitter tones of the cocktail.
- Mini Sliders: Beef or pulled pork sliders topped with caramelized onions or barbecue sauce pair beautifully with whiskey-based drinks.
- Deviled Eggs: Seasoned with spices like paprika or cayenne, deviled eggs provide a creamy, slightly tangy contrast.
Why It Works: The bright citrus and bitters in the Old Fashioned Shot offset rich, meaty flavors.
Ingredients Substitutes
The NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail is a classic drink often featuring bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, and bitters as the base ingredients, with a twist of citrus as garnish.
1. Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)
Original Ingredient: Bourbon or rye whiskey forms the backbone of the Old Fashioned’s flavor.
Substitutes:
- Rum: A dark-aged rum can provide a slightly sweeter and spiced profile similar to bourbon.
- Brandy: Brandy is another great option that provides a smooth, rich taste. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a softer drink.
- Scotch: If you have a scotch on hand, you can use it instead, although this adds a smoky flavour that alters the traditional taste.
- Tequila añejo: Aged (añejo) tequila has a similar depth to whiskey; its caramel and oak-like notes work well as a replacement.
- Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative: For non-drinkers, use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute like Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative.
2. Sugar or Simple Syrup
Original Ingredient: A sugar cube is traditionally muddled with bitters in the Old Fashioned, or simple syrup can be used for convenience.
Substitutes:
- Honey Syrup: Mix honey with a bit of warm water to create a honey syrup. It adds a slightly floral flavor.
- Agave Syrup: Offers a neutral sweetness that blends well, especially if you’re using tequila as the spirit.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness with a hint of earthiness and works beautifully as a substitute.
- Brown Sugar: If you don’t have a sugar cube, brown sugar adds an extra depth of flavor due to its molasses content.
- Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Stevia or Monk Fruit): For a low-calorie option, you can use stevia or monk fruit, but avoid overpowering the drink—adjust the amount carefully.
3. Bitters
Original Ingredient: Angostura aromatic bitters are standard for the Old Fashioned.
Substitutes:
- Orange Bitters: A fruitier, citrus-heavy note compliments the drink well.
- Chocolate Bitters: Provides a richer and more nuanced flavor for those looking for a twist.
- Spiced Bitters: Any spiced bitters can work as a replacement, offering cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon-like notes.
- Homemade Bitter Recipes: If store-bought bitters aren’t available, infuse vodka with spices like allspice, clove, and citrus peel to mimic bitters.
- Non-Alcoholic Bitters: Use bitters alternatives specifically labeled alcohol-free for non-alcoholic versions.
4. Orange Peel Garnish
Original Ingredient: The orange peel serves as a finishing touch, providing a burst of citrus aroma.
Substitutes:
- Lemon Peel: Offers a sharper citrus aroma and flavor that works well in the drink.
- Grapefruit Peel: Adds a milder and slightly tart citrus note.
- Lime Peel: This creates a brighter, punchy flavour but is less traditional.
- Other Citrus Zests: Any citrus fruit zest can be used depending on availability (e.g., tangerine or clementine).
Final Thoughts
The NYT Old Fashioned Cocktail Shot is all about packing punchy flavors into bite-sized indulgence—perfect for intimate gatherings, pre-dinner drinks, or just trying something new.
More Cocktail Recipes:
Ingredients
- Whiskey – 0.75 oz
- Simple Syrup – 0.25 oz
- Angostura Bitters – 1-2 dashes
- Orange Peel/Twist – For garnish
- Optional: Cherry
Instructions
Step 1: Chill your shot glass ahead of time if possible; a cold glass enhances the sipping experience.
Step 2:
Sugar Option 1 (fast): Combine 0.25 oz of simple syrup with 0.75 oz of whiskey directly into a mixing glass.
Sugar Option 2 (classic): Muddle a pinch of granulated sugar with the Angostura bitters directly in the mixing glass, then add the whiskey.
Step 3: Add 1-2 solid dashes of Angostura bitters to the whiskey and sugar mixture. Adjust based on your preference for bitterness.
Step 4: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for about 15-20 seconds. This ensures the drink is well chilled and melts the flavors together perfectly.
Step 5: Using a fine strainer, pour the cocktail into your prepared shot glass.
Step 6: Express an orange peel over the shot by gently squeezing it. This releases citrus oils for aromatic complexity. Place the peel in the shot glass or rest it on the rim for visual appeal. Add the cherry if desired!
