Enjoyed: Friday, August 19, 2022.

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “Fig Old Fashioned”.

Ingredients: 1 large ice cube, 2 oz makers mark, 0.5 oz fig juice, 2 dashes of angostura bitters, garnished with fig and cracked black pepper.

The occasion: Schools open next week, so this was the last Friday of my summer vacation. I definitely needed a cocktail to salute a full summer. We were joined by four of our dear friends for a round of drinks, a relaxed supper, and pleasant conversation. 

My rating: *** out of 5. We were delighted by the Maker’s Mark lowball glasses (the bottoms were dipped in red wax, of course). This recipe does not use simple syrup, and the fig juice itself wasn’t enough to sweeten the drink to the extent I like. The cracked black pepper rested primarily on the large ice cube, so I didn’t get the pepper bits–and yes, this was coarsely-ground black pepper–until more than halfway into my sipping. I had to smash the pepper pieces between my teeth to get the full pepper experience, and that just felt odd.

Final thoughts: Whatever happened to people getting a little bit dressed up to go out to eat at a “sit-down” restaurant? Yes, this was a Friday night and we had all had a long work week, but several of our fellow patrons had on gym attire. Then again, my meal was served on a metal tray and not an actual plate. I suppose I should be glad that my cocktail was served in an actual glass.

Enjoyed: Saturday, August 6, 2022.

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “Whiskey River Old Fashioned”.

Ingredients: Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, cherry bitters.

The occasion: The stars aligned, and somehow, a small family reunion happened in Nashville. My sister, my nieces C and Y, and Y’s fiancé drove down from Indiana for the weekend. Most of us spent Friday together shopping for boots, then eating dinner at a BBQ joint, then attending the Grand Ole Opry. On Saturday afternoon, the Indiana family hit the Honky Tonks on Broadway, and I joined them. (Lordy, we did all the typical-tourist-things, didn’t we?) This particular “saloon”–opened just a week prior– was our first stop of several. I had to start the day with an Old Fashioned, especially due to the name of the bar.

My rating: **** out of 5. I usually scoff when a cocktail is presented to me in a plastic cup, but this is downtown Nashville, and festivities may get out of hand, so I understand. The sweet young bartender gave me a generous pour, which I suspect is not typical, since watered-down drinks and plastic cups often go together, in my experience. Nelson’s made-in-Tennessee whiskey was totally satisfying-I picked up pleasant cinnamon and smooth caramel flavors. The brand promotes itself as “whiskey worth singing about” and indeed, I could see this happening, especially in Nashville!

Final thoughts: During our visit, the band at Whiskey River Saloon was playing Springsteen, Eagles, and Tom Petty tunes. This, I enjoyed. I was out of my element later, when the bars’ bands were playing more recent country hits and the patrons were line-dancing. Maybe I should have had tequila shots alongside the nieces to help lower my inhibitions and get my feet a-movin’.

Enjoyed: Thursday, August 4, 2022.

Listed on the menu: Yes, as “Roze Fashioned”.

Ingredients: Bourbon, Amaro di Angostura, Rose Water

The occasion: For the second summer in a row, Husband and I travelled to Nashville to attend the Music City Grand Prix Indy Car race and to visit Oldest Son, who lives there. We wanted to eat in his East Nashville neighborhood, a vibrant but not tourist-focused area.

My rating: **** out of 5. The drink was lovely and easy to sip, but the eponymous rose water was barely discernable. I was hoping for a more obvious floral note, but perhaps a subtle touch is preferred in an Old Fashioned. Husband, however, said he could taste and smell the rose, and he is not a fan.

Final thoughts: I had seen an article about Cafe Roze in Southern Living magazine, and I was intrigued by the owner/executive chef, who credited her Croatian heritage as an inspiration for her menu. Since Husband also has Croatian roots, and since I love all things East European, we had to give Cafe Roze a try. We were delighted by the food (they use dill for garnish!), the drinks, and the casual yet classy vibe. And dining with Son and Jenn is always a pleasure.