Old Overholt Cocktail: The Best Recipes

by Chef Gabby

Are you a fan of whiskey cocktails? If so, have you tried an Old Overholt cocktail yet? Old Overholt is a classic rye whiskey that has been around since the 1800s. It is is a popular choice for bootleggers and speakeasies during Prohibition and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Some of the most popular types of Old Overholt include the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, and the Sazerac. Each of these cocktails has its own unique twist on the classic whiskey drink and all of them are delicious.

Old Overholt cocktails are made with a few key ingredients, including Old Overholt rye whiskey, bitters, sugar or simple syrup, and a garnish. The flavors of Old Overholt cocktails are bold and complex, with a range of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The specific flavors will vary depending on the recipe, but you can generally expect a balanced and flavorful drink.

What is Old Overholt Cocktail?

old overholt cocktails

Old Overholt Cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been around for over 100 years. The drink is made with rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and bitters. It’s named after the Old Overholt Distillery in Pennsylvania, where it was first created. Old Overholt cocktails are easy to make and taste great.

Different Old Overholt Cocktail Recipes

Many delicious cocktails can be made with Old Overholt rye whiskey. Here are a few recipes to try:

1. Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Old Overholt rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Put the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass.
  2. Add the bitters and water.
  3. With the base of a spoon, muddle the ingredients until the sugar has dissolved.
  4. Add the Old Overholt rye whiskey and ice.
  5. Stir until chilled.
  6. Garnish with an orange peel.
  7. Enjoy!

2. Manhattan

Manhattan

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Old Overholt rye whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

  1. In an ice-filled mixing glass, stir the Old Overholt rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters until well-chilled.
  2. Garnish with a maraschino cherry after straining into a chilled cocktail glass.

3. Sazerac

Sazerac

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Old Overholt rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
  • Absinthe
  • Lemon peel for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with absinthe, discarding any excess.
  2. In another old-fashioned glass, muddle the sugar cube with the Peychaud’s bitters and a splash of water.
  3. Add the Old Overholt rye whiskey and ice, and stir until chilled.
  4. Strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

4. Boulevardier

Boulevardier

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Old Overholt rye whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 1 oz Campari
  • Orange peel for garnish

Instructions

  1. Stir the Old Overholt rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari until cooled in a mixing glass over ice.
  2. Garnish with an orange peel after straining into a chilled cocktail glass.

5. Rye Sour

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Old Overholt rye whiskey
  • 3/4 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • Egg white
  • Angostura bitters for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix the Old Overholt rye whiskey, simple syrup, and egg white, lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously until frothy.
  3. Pour into a cold cocktail glass and add a few dashes of Angostura bitters to garnish.

Tips to make these recipes better

One of the best parts about the Old Overholt Cocktail is how simple it is to create at home. Here are some ideas to improve your next Old Overholt Cocktail if you want to put a fresh spin on an old favorite:

  • Use the right amount of water. The recipe calls for two ounces of water, but you can use more—just ensure you don’t add too much water!
  • Taste test your Old Overholt Cocktail before adding any other ingredients. If it tastes too strong, add some more water or sweetener (or both).
  • Try using different kinds of bitters. Angostura are traditional bitters, but there are lots of other options out there! You can also try using multiple bitters at once!

Health Benefits of Old Overholt Cocktails

Old Overholt is made from rye grain—it’s not just some corn liquor that’s been through a distillation process. It’s made with 100% rye grain, which means you’re getting all the health benefits of rye in addition to those of whiskey.

Rye has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar control, and reduce inflammation. There are also some studies that suggest that drinking rye whiskey can help prevent cancer by increasing the production of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), an enzyme that helps fight off free radicals and other harmful substances in your body.

nutrition facts

Serving Size: 1 cocktail

  • Calories: 170
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Sugar: 2 g

Different types of Old Overholt rye whiskey

Here are some of the different kinds of Old Overholt rye whiskey:

1. Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey

Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey
Old Overholt Whiskey bottle

This classic Old Overholt rye whiskey has been around since the 1800s. It is made from a mash bill of rye, corn, and barley and is aged for at least three years in charred oak barrels. This rye whiskey has a spicy flavor with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper.

2. Old Overholt Bonded Rye Whiskey

Old Overholt Bonded Rye Whiskey
Old Overholt Bottled in Bond bourbon whiskey.

This rye whiskey is bottled in bond, meaning it is made according to strict regulations set by the U.S. government. It is prepared with a mash bill of rye, corn, and malted barley and is aged in charred oak barrels for at least four years. This rye whiskey has a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.

3. Old Overholt 114 Proof Rye Whiskey

This rye whiskey is bottled at a higher proof than the other types of Old Overholt. This rye whiskey has a bold, spicy flavor with notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and clove.

4. Old Overholt 11-Year Rye Whiskey

This rye whiskey is a limited edition release that is aged for 11 years in charred oak barrels. It is made from a mash bill of rye, corn, and malted barley and has a rich, complex flavor with notes of caramel, oak, and spice.

5. Old Overholt 80 Proof Rye Whiskey

This is the lower-proof version of the classic Old Overholt rye whiskey. It is made from a mash bill of rye, corn, and barley and is aged for at least three years in charred oak barrels. This rye whiskey has a smooth, spicy flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.

different ways to enjoy Old Overholt whiskey

There are many ways to appreciate the distinctive flavor of Old Overholt rye whiskey. Whether you prefer to sip it neat or mix it into cocktails, there are many ways to enjoy this classic American whiskey.

  1. Neat: One of the best ways to enjoy Old Overholt whiskey is to sip it neat. This allows you to fully appreciate the whiskey’s complex flavor profile. Pour a small amount of Old Overholt into a glass and let it breathe for a few minutes before taking a sip. You’ll notice spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, as well as hints of caramel and vanilla.
  2. On the rocks: If you prefer your whiskey chilled, you can enjoy Old Overholt on the rocks. Simply pour a small amount of Old Overholt into a glass filled with ice and stir gently. This will dilute the whiskey slightly and make it more refreshing. Be careful not to add too much ice, as this can water down the whiskey too much.
  3. With a splash of water: Adding a splash of water to your Old Overholt whiskey can help to open up its flavors. This is especially true if you’re drinking a higher-proof whiskey like the Old Overholt 114 Proof. Adding a small amount of water can help mellow the whiskey and bring out its subtle flavors.
  4. In a cocktail: Old Overholt rye whiskey is a great choice for mixing into cocktails. Its spicy flavor profile pairs well with a variety of mixers, and it can add depth and complexity to any cocktail.
  5. In a whiskey sour: If you’re looking for a refreshing way to enjoy Old Overholt whiskey, try making a whiskey sour. Combine Old Overholt whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a splash of club soda in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This old overholt cocktail is a very easy drink to manage. Many recipes call for gin or brandy instead of rye whiskey, but this Bourbon substitute stands up. It’s a drink that will make you chuckle and then make you see double.

Old Overholt Cocktail

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 170 calories 0 gram fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1|1|1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Old Overholt rye whiskey
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Put the sugar cube in an old-fashioned glass.
  2. Add the bitters and water.
  3. With the base of a spoon, muddle the ingredients until the sugar has dissolved.
  4. Add the Old Overholt rye whiskey and ice.
  5. Stir until chilled.
  6. Garnish with an orange peel.
  7. Enjoy!

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