Mammoth Distilling’s Old Fashioned

Bottom Up

By Lynda Wheatley | Nov. 24, 2018

Mammoth Distilling, based in Central Lake and with tasting rooms in Traverse City and Bellaire, is fairly new to the distilling scene Up North, but it’s proven itself to be a true master of the classics. Its ode to ‘30s-era screen star Olivia De Havilland — Mammoth gin with a hibiscus mixer, fresh mint, and simple syrup — isn't the Beez Knees (no, that is another Mammoth gin delight mixed with honey simple syrup and fresh lemon juice), but it got us through many a dog day of summer. For winter though, we’re craving cozy, and Mammoth’s new-fashioned Old Fashioned is our answer. A hearty, homespun cocktail a little like Granddad use to drink, Mammoth’s Old Fashioned is familiar for its belly-heating brilliance but made smoother with simple syrup (instead of sugar cubes) and loads more aromatic with a combo of muddled orange and flamed orange — a spray of citrus set alight. Set your lips on one and let your season be bright. $12, www.mammothdistilling.com.