Every now and then it's worth ignoring your own instincts and listening to the person making the drinks.
Before ordering, I asked our server, Ruth, what she would recommend. After asking both my date and me a couple of questions, she confidently suggested the Spanish Old Fashioned. It wasn't a rehearsed sales pitch or the restaurant's newest feature. It was simply the drink she thought we'd enjoy most.
Made with Torres Brandy, Licor 43, and orange zest, the cocktail keeps the spirit of a traditional Old Fashioned while taking it in a noticeably lighter, more approachable direction. The brandy contributes warmth without overwhelming the palate, while the Licor 43 brings subtle vanilla and citrus notes that round everything together beautifully.
What impressed me most was the balance. Nothing fought for attention. Every ingredient had a purpose, resulting in a cocktail that was smooth, slightly sweet, aromatic, and remarkably easy to drink.
Before long I found myself looking at an empty glass much sooner than expected, which is usually the clearest sign that a cocktail was made exceptionally well.
If you're someone who automatically orders a bourbon Old Fashioned wherever you go, this is worth stepping outside your comfort zone for. It respects the classic without trying to imitate it, creating something familiar enough to recognize but different enough to remember.