Where to Find the Best New Takes on Old Fashioneds in Houston

Get your Old Fashioneds smoked, infused with Chinese cough syrup, or in classic form with Texas whiskey and fancy ice cubes

Consider the Old Fashioned a bar’s litmus test: simple in structure, but revealing in execution. One that is well-made says everything about a bartender’s craft.

The aptly named cocktail, one of the oldest in America, dates back to the early 1800s and is still revered by bartenders for its versatility and ease of customization. But Houston bars and restaurants like to switch things up. Local bars and restaurants have put their own spin on the classic, infusing it with international flavors, modern techniques, and sensory flair that can make any devout minimalist reconsider. Here’s a roundup of some of Houston’s best new and classic takes on the Old Fashioned.