Bacan Old Fashioned

The Bacan Old Fashioned, created by Gabe Urrutia, gives a tropical twist to the classic. It uses Bacan Guaro 29 as the base and swaps in banana syrup instead of sugar. The result is smooth, slightly fruity, and still delivers the bold simplicity you expect from an Old Fashioned.

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Tasting Notes

The Bacan Old Fashioned is a mellow, slightly tropical twist on the classic. The Bacan Guaro 29 brings a crisp, dry sugarcane base with a clean finish and subtle depth. The banana syrup adds a gentle sweetness and a soft, fruity note without taking over. Combined with Angostura bitters and orange bitters, you get just enough spice and citrus to keep everything balanced. The orange twist and cherry garnish finish things off with aroma and visual appeal. It’s still an Old Fashioned at heart, but with a smooth, tropical edge that makes it more relaxed and less heavy.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a mixing glass, bar spoon, and strainer for this Bacan Old Fashioned. A jigger is helpful to measure accurately, especially since the banana syrup can easily throw things off if you add too much. Use a lowball or rocks glass to serve, preferably with a large 2×2 ice cube this slows dilution and gives it a clean, solid look. For garnish, grab a citrus peeler or small knife to make a good orange twist, and a cocktail pick for the cherry. That’s all you need to make this drink look and taste on point.

Ingredients

• 2.0 oz Bacan Guaro 29
• 0.5 oz banana syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes orange bitters

Garnish:

• Orange twist
• Cocktail cherry

Instructions

• Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir to dilute.
• Strain into a lowball glass over a 2×2 ice cube.
• Garnish with an orange twist and a cocktail cherry on a pick.

Pro Tips

• Use a rich banana syrup (not artificial-tasting) to avoid overpowering the drink
• Stir for about 15–20 seconds just enough to chill and dilute slightly
• Use a large clear ice cube to keep the drink cold without watering it down
• Express the orange twist over the drink before placing it on the glass
• Want a cleaner finish? Fine-strain to remove any small ice bits
• Try a spiced banana syrup if you want extra depth
• Don’t skip the orange bitters they help round out the banana flavor
• Use a metal cocktail pick for a cleaner garnish presentation
• Chill your glass ahead of time for a smoother result
• Use a crystal lowball glass to give it a polished look

When to Serve

The Bacan Old Fashioned works well as a sipping drink at the end of a long day. It fits right into a casual happy hour, after-dinner moment, or quiet night in. The banana flavor makes it a little more playful than a typical Old Fashioned, so it also fits well for cocktail nights or small gatherings where people want something familiar with a small twist. It’s a great entry point for folks who like spirit-forward drinks but want something smoother or a little off the beaten path.

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