Ahh the old-fashioned, probably the most popular and classic bourbon cocktail. There are plenty of ways to dress up an old fashioned. The most popular version of this cocktail is to try it “smoked.” This means that the bartender will fill the glass with smoke before pouring the drink, leaving behind a smoky scent and taste. Yelp has a list of places in Tampa with the best old fashion, but we’ve gathered a list of places that take the drink above and beyond its usual flavors.
The old-fashioned is a pretty simple cocktail to make, but we’ve seen a lot of unusual ways to make it. This drink is made of 2 ounces of bourbon whiskey, a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters, and 1/4 ounces of simple syrup. After combining all the ingredients in a cocktail glass, you stir it and pour it over a big ice cube. Typically, the old-fashioned is garnished with an orange peel or Luxardo cherry. Many bourbon snobs will definitely judge if you serve them an old-fashioned with ice cubes rather than a sphere or big cube. The reason for this is so the ice doesn’t melt down the drink as fast. The larger cube will take longer to melt, keeping the drink colder for longer periods.
The places mentioned in our list are known for taking this classic cocktail above and beyond. Whether it’s making the drink more sweeter or using flavored smoke techniques. One honorary mention that we thought was too obvious to include in the list is Whiskey Cake in Tampa. Obviously, this whiskey bar is going to be a great option. They have a whole section to their menu dedicated to different styles of old fashion. Check out their menu, here.
Here are 7 places to find the best old-fashioned in the Tampa Bay area (Updated June 2024):
Repeal 18
Number one on our list and on Yelp is Repeal 18. This prohibition-style bar in Westchase is the perfect place to go for any bourbon lover. Our favorite is the Root Beer Old Fashioned.
Copper Shaker
Located in Ybor or St. Pete, Copper Shaker has some of the best cocktails in the Tampa Bay Area. They have over 200 whiskeys to choose from. Check out their menu here.
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The Saint
The Saint is a speakeasy hidden off Central Ave in Downtown St. Pete. If you want to try the best smoked old fashioned in Tampa Bay, head here.
