Unlocking the Phish Food Old Fashioned: A Sweet Surprise

You’ve got to try Bar Snack’s Phish Food Old Fashioned! It's a dessert in cocktail form that delights without overwhelming. Trust me!

The Unexpected Joy of Culinary Cocktails

When I first stepped into Bar Snack in NYC’s East Village, I was immediately drawn to their menu that reads more like a culinary adventure than a typical drink list. The Phish Food Old Fashioned caught my eye, an intriguing blend of nostalgia and innovation. It’s not just another cocktail; it’s a celebration of flavors reminiscent of one of my favorite ice creams. I couldn’t resist giving it a try.

This delightful concoction is crafted with precision, featuring Old Forester Rye and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey at its core. As someone who appreciates the depth whiskey brings to cocktails, I was thrilled to discover how these spirits provided a warm caramel backbone. But what really sets this drink apart is the addition of Copalli Cocoa Rum, which infuses rich chocolate notes that dance on your palate.

Crafting the Marshmallow Magic

What truly intrigued me was how Griffiths captured the iconic marshmallow flavor from Phish Food without actually adding ice cream. This is where his genius shines: he creates a house-made marshmallow fluff syrup that serves as the sugar component for this cocktail.

I had to ask him about this process; it took extensive trial and error before they perfected it. He explained how they use heated spoons to manage the sticky marshmallow fluff—a clever technique! The result is a syrup that adds just the right amount of sweetness without compromising the integrity of the drink.

• Three spirits form the base:
  • Old Forester Rye
  • Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
  • Copalli Cocoa Rum
• Key flavor components:
  • House-made marshmallow fluff syrup
  • Angostura and orange bitters for balance
  • Star-shaped orange peel garnish for flair

Balancing Act: Sweet vs. Strong

The final creation is nothing short of spectacular—a cocktail that satisfies both my sweet tooth and my love for classic drinks. Despite its dessert-like profile, it never feels overly cloying or rich. Griffiths has masterfully balanced those decadent flavors with enough spirit-forward characteristics to maintain its status as an Old Fashioned.

I enjoyed this drink at Bar Snack during an afternoon gathering with friends, and we all marveled at how versatile it felt—it can easily transition from dessert to pre-dinner drinks without missing a beat.

A New Wave of Cocktails: What’s Next?

The rise of these creative culinary cocktails has sparked curiosity among mixologists everywhere. As bars like Bar Snack push boundaries by blending food inspirations with traditional cocktails, I can’t help but wonder what other flavor profiles we might see emerge next.

Each visit feels like unearthing new gems within this ever-evolving drinking landscape. So here’s my recommendation: next time you’re in New York City, make sure to pop into Bar Snack and give the Phish Food Old Fashioned a whirl!

FAQ: Your Questions Answered!

What exactly is a Phish Food Old Fashioned?

It’s an innovative twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail inspired by Ben & Jerry’s popular ice cream flavor.

Does it taste like ice cream?

Not quite! It evokes those familiar flavors but remains distinctly boozy and not overly sweet—perfect for any time of day!

Can I order it any time?

Absolutely! While it resembles dessert, it’s crafted to be enjoyed whenever you feel like treating yourself.

Photo by Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash