7 New Old Fashioned Cocktails to Try Now in Los Angeles

Though Los Angeles may be experiencing an Indian summer, restaurants around the city are getting into the fall feels with autumn-inspired twists on the classic Old Fashioned. Check out these seven new, creative takes on the old fall favorite.

Marriage Italian Style at Officine BRERA

Officine BRERA is a trattoria in DTLA’s Arts District, inspired by the Cucina Povera, typical of the countryside along the River Po’ Valley in Northern Italy where both restaurant partners Chef Angelo Auriana and Matteo Ferdinandi grew up. So it’s no surprise that their take on the Old Fashioned honors those roots as well. Influenced by the traditional flavors of Northern Italy, the Marriage Italian Style is a seasonal twist that gives imbibers a taste of la dolce vita in autumn by combining authentic ingredients including Villa Zarri Cherry Brandy, sweet and nutty almond grappa, and Amaro Lucano, an Italian herbal liqueur.

1331 E 6th St., Los Angeles (213) 553-8006, Officinebrera.com, @officinebrerala

Fall Fashioned at Grain within Playa Provisions

Located in the back of Playa Provisions under the red light, Grain is a speakeasy-inspired bar that boasts an extensive collection of 200+ whiskey, scotch and bourbons. With that kind of credentials, you know they know how to make a mean Old Fashioned. Their Fall Fashioned rifts on the classic cocktail by combining bourbon, seasonal apple brandy, cinnamon syrup, and Allspice dram for a cornucopia of fall flavors.

119 Culver Blvd., Playa Del Rey (310) 683-5019, Playaprovisions.com, @grainwhiskeybar

The Uplifter at Tallula’s

Located steps away from the Pacific Coast Highway, Tallula’s plays off their Mexican inspiration for their Uplifter cocktail by replacing the traditional bourbon with Angelisco Resposado Tequila while hinting at harvest with orange bitters, housemade cinnamon syrup, and an orange peel garnish. What’s Spanish for “perfection” again?

118 Entrada Dr., Santa Monica (310) 526-0027, Tallulasrestaurant.com, @tallulasrestaurant

William Falkner at The BoardRoom

Celebrating an era of post-war French and 1920s stalwarts, The BoardRoom downtown boasts the William Falkner cocktail on its menu. This literary-inspired libation tastes just of the end of summer with coconut washed Four Roses Bourbon, demerara sugar, orange peel, and toasted pecan bitters. Just like its namesake, we think this deserves a Nobel Prize.

The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles (213) 972-8556, Boardroomla.com, @boardroom_la

White Old Fashioned at Melrose Umbrella Company

Melrose Umbrella Company is famous for its selection of creative Old Fashioneds. Our favorite on the menu right now is the White Old Fashioned, made with smoky yet smooth Mezcal El Silencio, Creme de Cacao, which is a decadent chocolate liqueur, mild and sweet tasting Yellow Chartreuse and orange bitters. This light take on the dark classic certainly goes down fast so be prepared to ask for seconds.

7465 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles (323) 951-0709, Melroseumbrellacompany.com, @melroseumbrellaco

Old Fashioned Twist at La Gondola

There is something about an old fashioned and Beverly Hills that go hand in hand. Over at the swanky kosher spot La Gondola, the bartenders are pouring the Old Fashioned Twist, a totally unique concoction made with Carbonadi vodka, Appleton Estate rum, Ciinzano Rosso vermouth and cherry juice. Stirred and garnished with an orange twist, enjoy this cocktail with the Candied Beef Bacon appetizer made with strips of homemade beef bacon baked with a sugar glaze served with a mango sauce on the side.

9025 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills (310) 247-1239, Lagondola.com, @lagondolabeverlyhills

Old Hollywood at Cleo

Cleo’s take on the classic, the Old Hollywood, is basically autumn in liquid form, Made with bourbon, fig almond syrup, angostura bitters, walnut bitters, stirred and served on the rocks with an orange disc and Luxardo cherry garnish, this festive drink will warm you right up when the temps start to drop.