The 100 Chimes Old Fashioned: A Local Twist on a Timeless Cocktail
An autumnal ode to a timeless classic, the Old Fashioned is a cocktail that speaks of quiet confidence and discerning taste. At Tayport Distillery, we appreciate the stories behind classic recipes, especially when they can be retold with a local, Fife accent. That’s why we’re sharing a unique version of this iconic drink: the 100 Chimes Old Fashioned, featuring a rum born from a special collaboration with The Criterion Pub in St. Andrews.
This isn't just a recipe; it's a celebration of local partnership and the rich, spiced notes of a spirit crafted with care.
A Brief History of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is one of the original cocktails. Its story begins in the early 1800s, when the term "cock-tail" was first defined in an American newspaper as a simple, potent mix of "spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters." As the 19th century progressed, bartenders began to introduce new liqueurs and flourishes to this basic formula.
By the 1880s, a nostalgic desire for the original, simpler drink emerged. Patrons would ask for a "whiskey cocktail made the old-fashioned way," and the name stuck. While often associated with whiskey, the "old-fashioned" style was originally about the preparation—a straightforward mix that lets the base spirit shine. It's this principle of honest, unpretentious quality that we admire and apply to our own spirits.
The 100 Chimes Old Fashioned: A Fife Interpretation
Crafted by the skilled mixologist Fraser Wilson at The Criterion Pub, this recipe swaps traditional whiskey for the complex, spiced character of our 100 Chimes Spiced Rum. This rum, a joint effort between our family-led distillery and the iconic St. Andrews pub, offers a unique foundation for the classic cocktail.
This version is a testament to how versatile a well-made spirit can be, creating a drink that is both familiar and entirely new.
Yields: 1
Prep time: 3 minutes
Ingredients
- 50ml 100 Chimes Rum
- 25ml Maple Syrup
- 1 dash Old Fashioned Bitters
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
- A large ice cube, for serving
- A twist of orange peel, for garnish
Method
- Combine the 100 Chimes Rum, maple syrup, and both bitters in a mixing jug filled with ice.
- Stir the mixture well. The goal is to chill the ingredients and achieve a slight dilution that marries the flavours, without making it watery.
- Strain the contents into a rocks glass over a single large ice cube.
- Take the orange peel and express the oils over the surface of the drink before dropping it in as a garnish. This final touch adds an aromatic brightness that complements the spiced rum.
With the rich warmth of 100 Chimes Rum balanced by the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the complex aromatics of the bitters, this cocktail is perfect for a thoughtful evening. It’s a drink that builds on history, celebrates local collaboration, and reflects our commitment to real ingredients and exceptional taste.
