We love a classic Old Fashioned but sometimes we want something just a tad different. That’s where the Barley Tea Old Fashioned comes in. For this modernization of one of our favorite cocktails, Lo Bar Cocktail Services uses Big Spring Spirits Straight Rye Whiskey, concentrated barley tea, vanilla tea syrup, black walnut bitters, and a beautifully branded orange peel as a garnish. The herbaceous notes in the rye play well with the barley and vanilla teas, and the black walnut complements the oaky flavors with a gentle mellowness.
What is Barley Tea?
Barley tea is a caffeine-free tea that comes from roasted barley grains. It’s popular in East Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and China. In Japan it is called mugicha, while in Korea it is known as boricha, but both get its popularity from its potential health benefits, aiding digestion and helping with hydration. This type of tea carries a toasty, nutty flavor and light amber color. Its slightly roasted character and gentle aroma make it an approachable alternative to traditional teas.
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Barley Tea Old Fashioned
Description
Take your Old Fashioned to new heights…
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz rye
- 1 oz concentrated barley tea
- .5 oz vanilla tea syrup
- Dash of black walnut bitters
- Garnish with orange peel
Instructions
- Add 1 oz of concentrated barley tea, 0.5 oz of vanilla tea syrup, and a dash of black walnut bitters to a mixing glass.
- Pour in 1.5 oz of rye whiskey, then fill the glass with ice and stir gently for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it above the surface, then use it as a garnish.
Recipe by Aubrey Halliburton and Lisa Considine at Lo Bar Cocktail Services
Photography by Dave Bryce
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