Rickey Ranks: Top 5 Old Fashioned Riffs At Disney World

It’s no secret that Rickey loves being snoot deep in a good, whiskey forward concoction. But he’s also a bit of a snob when it comes to his Old Fashioneds. What stands out about the cocktails on this list is that they all take the basic formula for the classic and alter it in ways that gets Rickey’s whiskers twitching.

Because of its simplicity, an Old Fashioned is a great metric for how well a bar can make other drinks. If they’ve mashed a bunch of crappy cherries into some shite bourbon, then you know they don’t have it together. So pay attention to the locales of these cocktails for hints on some delightful places to drink on property.

(P.S. You can click on the headings or drink pictures to find Rickey’s full review of each cocktail)

#5: Tempting Tigress

Location: Nomad Lounge, Discovery Island, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Ingredients: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Bourbon, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Tamarind Syrup, Lime Juice

Notes: The Tempting Tigress is a lovely drink with a few issues. First, the ice is utter crap. Second, it’s inconsistent. It wavers between a 3.5 and 4 for Rickey because sometimes the more interesting ingredients fail to shine.

That said, when it’s on-point it’s stellar. The allspice dram works very well with the sweet & sour tang of the tamarind syrup. The lime juice accentuates the other ingredients without being too weird (because lime in an Old Fashioned is a bit confusing). It’s bourbon forward but not overpoweringly astringent (which is due in part to the softness of the Russell’s reserve). Overall they’ve done a very nice job with this cocktail.

#4: Talon’s 1869

Location: The Edison, The Landing, Disney Springs

Ingredients: Whistle Pig 10 Year Rye Whiskey, Montelobos Mezcal, Honey, Woodford Reserve Orange Bitters

Notes: This off-menu cocktail is the original creation of a bartender at The Edison, who knows his stuff when it comes to spirits. It’s a mezcal Old Fashioned with enough rye to round out the smokiness. The citrus and honey balance it all well. However because of the complexity, it’s not for the feint of heart. You must love mezcal to enjoy this Old Fashioned riff.

#3: Sweet Tea Old-Fashioned

Location: The Polite Pig, Town Center, Disney Springs

Ingredients: Four Roses Bourbon, Sweet Tea Syrup and Bitters

Notes: It’s not surprising that The Polite Pig provides a delightful Old Fashioned variation, considering the restaurant prides itself on its whiskey offerings. In this one, the sweet tea flavor doesn’t exactly shine but it’s prominent enough to round out the Four Roses. And while this riff’s not as interesting as some of the others on the list, it’s very refreshing and drinkable.

#2: Modern Fashioned

Location: Topolino’s Terrace- Flavors of the Riviera, Disney’s Riviera Resort

Ingredients: Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, Appleton Estate Reserve Blend Rum, Vanilla Bean, Bitters

Notes: The Modern Fashioned at Topolino’s Terrace vies for the top spot, and could probably take it, depending on Rickey’s mood. Not only are the aesthetics perfect (Topos stamped ice?!), but the flavors work so well together you almost forget you’re basically drinking straight liquor. It’s complex because you can taste every ingredient on its own, but they’ve done a remarkable job balancing all of them. This drink, as well as many others on the menu, make Topolino’s a destination bar for excellent craft cocktails.

#1: Corn Old Fashioned

Location: La Cava del Tequila, Mexico Pavilion, World Showcase, EPCOT

Ingredients: Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Casa Noble Reposado Tequila, Nixta Elote Liquor, Wilderness Trail Rye Cask Strength Whiskey, Cardamom Bitters, Clear Ice Cube, Luxardo Maraschino Cherries

Notes: If you’ve spent any time reading this site you know that this drink has stolen Rickey’s little rodent heart. It has a lot of ingredients, which can sometimes mean a drink is too big for its britches. But the Corn Old Fashioned balances everything well and evolves nicely from sweet, to boozy, to spicy from the rye and cardamon. And do not be deterred by the tequila. It’s just prominent enough to dry the cocktail out mid sip.

Ok, because Rickey hasn’t had EVERY Old Fashioned on property, he needs your help. What’s your favorite Old Fashioned at Walt Disney World? Let Team Rickey know in the comments!