The Florida Fashioned is a take on the classic Old Fashioned, using a custom lemongrass syrup for the sweetener.

This fresh, soft, spring take on an Old Fashioned was created by Jacob Mata, senior bartender, Garden & Grain in Pensacola, Fla. The delicate citrus flavor of the lemongrass blends perfectly with mild Irish whiskey.

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INGREDIENTS

1 oz. Tullamore Dew (or other blended Irish whiskey)
1 oz. High West Campfire (or other rye or peated scotch)
¼ oz. lemongrass syrup (recipe below)
2 dashes Dr. Adam Elmegirab’s Dandelion & Burdock Bitters
2 dashes orange bitters
Orange peel and lemongrass stalk for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Fill a stirring tin with ice. Add all ingredients to the tin and stir until diluted. Strain over a large ice cube in a double Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with orange peel and lemongrass stalk.

Lemongrass Syrup

¾ cup demerara sugar
6 oz. water
4-5 lemongrass stalks, coarsely chopped (or steep bags of lemongrass tea in the syrup to desired taste)

Place the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Strain mixture into a sealable container and let cool. Cover and keep refrigerated for up to a week.