An Old-Fashioned with Gin is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s still surprisingly chilly in LA and I like to drink more spirit-forward concoctions in this weather. Sometimes I just want a crisp & boozy drink. The Gin O.F. is just that. It’s great with Genever too, but I can’t say I’ve ever tried it with this particular Old Tom, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.

I’m happy to report it is the perfect refreshing boozy quaff I needed this sunny afternoon. I went a tad light on the sugar because of the perceived sweetness of the Old Tom. Just a whisper of Angostura adds a hint of spice without turning the color or overpowering the gin. Thanks to my local lemon tree I have peels for days.

Based on Patrick Gavin Duffy’s recipe from the Revised Official Mixer’s Manual(1956):

Gin Old-Fashioned

1-2 Jiggers Dry Gin(1 jigger=1 1/2 oz)

1 Slice Lemon Peel

1/2 Piece Lump Sugar

1 Dash Angostura Bitters

Place Sugar in bottom of Old-Fashioned glass and sprinkle with Bitters. Add Lemon and ice cubes and fill with Gin as desired. Stir and serve.

Old Tom Old-Fashioned

2 oz Tanqueray Old Tom Gin

Scant 1/4 oz Simple Syrup

Dash of Angostura Bitters

Lemon Peel

Build in mixing glass. Add simple, Angostura, and Old Tom Gin. Stir & strain over fresh ice into a fancy pants glass. Express lemon peel over drink and serve with peel. Enjoy.