The Nightingale Room's Old-Fashioned: Whisk(e)y Wednesday presented by Lock & Key

by Blair "B-Rex" Loup

There are some that believe in drinking only pure Old-Fashioneds. I'll admit, these days it can be hard to find a straight up Angostura bitter soaked sugar cube engulfed in rye whiskey Old Fashioned, but I grew up with a crotchety grandpa and don't intend to be the same.

The Old-Fashioned at The Nightingale Room in Houston, TX

Sometimes it's nice to shake things up and be creative while giving a tip of the cap to the classics and while I love Baton Rouge, I often find myself thirsty for a different kind of bar serving libations that inspire me.

About a month ago, Jay and I took to the streets of downtown Houston to check out some of their cocktail bars. You know, just another day in the office.

I stepped into The Nightingale room, eyes adjusting from the blazing surface of the sun to the dimly lit, cozy spot. Once I climbed onto my bar stool (I'm short) I found myself looking at a wall covered in vinyl and saw that the new Alabama Shakes album, Sound and Color, would be spinning next. 

At this point, you've got to understand that I am in the happiest of places: a cool bar, rad records coming my way, and a uniquely delicious Old-Fashioned in my hand with champagne drinks to follow.

Did I mention we were there for Happy Hour? Half off all cocktails, which means I was sipping on a $4.50 harmonious blend of bourbon, cognac, turbinado, and bitters.

This version of the classic cocktail called for a similar make-up, but subbed the white sugar cube for a lesser-refined sugar-in-the-raw that looks like brown sugar, but a little lighter in color and has tasting notes of molasses. It's not outlandish to use bourbon instead of rye whiskey, but that makes the cocktail feel warmer. 

I don't know why, but for me, bourbon is like a warm fire a couple of weeks before Christmas.

With the added cognac, this Old-Fashioned tasted warm, velvety, with the occasional crunch of turbinado sugar. The Nightingale Room is a win.

For more takes on the Old Fashioned, make sure to check out Lock & Key in Baton Rouge!