Strawberry Old-Fashion by Paul Sauter | Westland Cocktail Collective

This year, Westland Distillery's Cocktail Collective continues its exploration of whiskey in cocktails by partnering with acclaimed and award-winning bartender Paul Sauter from Chicago. Known for his innovative and immersive cocktail experiences, Sauter brings his unique touch to a classic with the Strawberry Old Fashioned, featuring the rich depth of Westland Whiskey.

Sauter's Strawberry Old Fashioned isn't just a drink; it's a journey. He has a personal obsession, as he calls it, with strawberries. They bring an entirely unique acidic and sweet quality to food and drinks, and his choice to marry it with Westland Whiskey reinforces Sauter’s tendency to think beyond the conventional or traditional.

This reimagining of a timeless classic blends the robust character of Westland Whiskey with the bright, sweet notes of fresh strawberries, creating a symphony of flavor that evolves with every sip. The homemade strawberry syrup adds a touch of handcrafted charm, while the Angostura bitters provide a balancing spice that rounds out the experience.

The Recipe: Strawberry Old Fashioned
• 2 oz Westland Flagship American Single Malt Whiskey
• ¼ oz Homemade Strawberry Syrup (Recipe below)
• 3-4 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Large Ice Cube
• Fresh Strawberry, for garnish (optional calendula flower garnish)

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
1. Stir gently until well-chilled and diluted
2. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
3. Garnish with a fresh strawberry.

Homemade Strawberry Syrup:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• ¼ tsp Kosher salt

Heat strawberries in a pan over medium heat until they become soft. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Add sugar and water, bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries melt into the mix. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the remaining solids. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Paul Sauter’s Strawberry Old Fashioned showcases bright and refreshing flavors, all with ingredients you may already have at home. Sauter even remarks “I love the freshness, and Westland, being in Seattle, it really opened my eyes to how great nature and flavors are.”

The rich dark malts used in Westland Whiskey paired with fresh fruit makes this almost taste like a chocolate covered strawberry. The Westland Strawberry Old Fashioned invites novelty into a very tried and classic cocktail and is unbelievably simple to make in a large batch and store in your fridge—your house guests will thank you later. We suggest multiplying the drink recipe by 10, pouring all ingredients into an empty jar or bottle, and shaking before use. Each sip will change the way you experience flavor in whiskey cocktails.

Craft your own Strawberry Old Fashioned at home and share your experience with us on social media using #WestlandCocktailCollective. Find more inspiring recipes from the Westland Cocktail Collective. Explore the world of Westland Whiskey.