Carolyn Fath
Cre-old Fashioned at the Blue Velvet Lounge.
The Blue Velvet Lounge, 430 W. Gilman St., is probably best known for its Godiva-liquored dessert drinks and assorted martinis. Though its tapered purple lights can make cocktails appear almost garish in color, it offers comfort on warm nights and chill evenings alike.
Bartender Tim Schmock’s take on the traditional Wisconsin old fashioned offers sass and bravado. The colorful drink recently won first place in one of Korbel Brandy’s monthly drink contests; this one tested the mixology skills of eight Wisconsin bartenders.
The Cre-old Fashion is made in a similar way to the classic version, though small twists to the ingredients make it an entirely new drink.
Creole bitters from the Bitter Truth, muddled with orange, offer a taste that’s first tangy, then bitter, then fresh — replete with the candy-sweetness of orange pulp. Ginger ale tossed over a shot of Korbel provides the hearty punch of a Moscow Mule. While bar patrons guzzle down rail mixers to Schmock’s playlist of ’90s music (think MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This”), the Cre-old Fashioned offers a welcome diversion: a touch of energy, tempered by grace and good taste.
