🍸 Cocktail Culture

Whether you're trying to impress your father-in-law, your bartender, or just your own taste buds, you don’t need a monocle or a flannel shirt to appreciate good whiskey. You just need a glass, a little curiosity, and this guide. At Left Bank, we believe bourbon should be approachable, enjoyable, and just the right amount of bold. So let’s break it down—no snobbery, no jargon—just real talk on how to taste, sip, and savor like a seasoned sipper.

The Old Fashioned is more than a cocktail—it’s an institution. With its roots reaching back to the early 1800s, this deceptively simple blend of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and citrus has stood the test of time. But mastering the perfect Old Fashioned? That takes finesse.

When you think of bourbon pairings, you probably picture classics like dark chocolate, pecan pie, or a juicy steak. But this bold, versatile spirit has a wild side—and it plays surprisingly well with some unexpected flavors. Whether you’re crafting cocktails, curating a tasting menu, or just experimenting at home, these five ingredients bring out bourbon’s hidden layers in the most delicious ways.