The Overlook Old Fashioned
A twisted take on the classic that grows colder and darker with every sip – all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Skill Level: Medium
Muddle, stir, and layer for a cocktail as pristine and unsettling as fresh snow on the hedge maze.
Overlook Old Fashioned
A twisted take on the classic that grows colder and darker with every sip
Equipment
- muddler
- Bar Spoon
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Old Fashioned glass
- Ice, large cubed
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce Creme de menthe white
- 1/2 ounce Simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel or maraschino cherry
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 splash Ginger ale option for chilling fizz
Instructions
- In an old fashioned glass, muddle the mint leaves gently with simple syrup and bitters – just enough to release the oils without shredding.
- Add one large ice cube (or several smaller cubes).
- Pour in the bourbon and crème de menthe.
- Stir slowly for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
- Express the orange peel over the glass (twist it to release the oils), then drop it in.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry placed dead center like a typewriter key.
- Optional: Top with a small splash of ginger ale for an eerie, frosty finish.
Notes
Why It Works
The Overlook Old Fashioned captures the film's descent into madness through layers of flavor. The bourbon provides warmth and familiarity – the comfort of the hotel's grand lobby. But the crème de menthe brings an icy, almost supernatural chill that creeps in slowly, like the ghosts haunting the Overlook. The mint and bitters add botanical darkness, while the cherry sits like a drop of blood in snow. It starts classic and welcoming, then turns cold and strange – just like Jack Torrance's spiral.Cocktails and Movies Pro Tips & Variations
- For extra eeriness: Use a large spherical ice cube and place the cherry inside it before freezing for a “frozen in time” effect.
- Stronger bite: Add an extra dash of bitters or swap simple syrup for maple syrup for a darker, woodsier flavor.
- Lighter version: Replace bourbon with brandy for a smoother, less intense experience.
- Room 237 twist: Float a small amount of grenadine on top before serving for a blood-red layer that sinks slowly through the drink.
Pair with: The Shining
This cocktail mirrors the film’s slow-burn psychological horror. Like Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, it combines classic elements with something deeply unsettling. The mint’s icy coolness evokes the Colorado winter that traps the Torrance family, while the bourbon represents Jack’s descent fueled by the hotel’s ghostly bartender. The longer it sits, the colder it gets – much like Jack’s sanity. Sip it slowly while watching the Overlook Hotel’s dark secrets unfold, and remember: “Here’s Johnny!”
