The Lehigh Valley Old Fashioned: One Local Bourbon Makes This Classic Even Better

Your new signature summer (or anytime) cocktail starts with a bottle made right here in the Lehigh Valley.

There are few cocktails as timeless as the Old Fashioned. It's simple, balanced, and never goes out of style. But if you're still making yours with whatever bourbon happens to be on the shelf, you're missing one of the best reasons to drink local.

The Lehigh Valley has quietly developed an impressive craft spirits scene, and one of our favorite bottles for an Old Fashioned comes from County Seat Spirits in Allentown. Their handcrafted bourbon has just enough caramel sweetness, vanilla, oak, and spice to stand up beautifully in this iconic cocktail without overpowering it.

Instead of recreating a drink you can order anywhere, this version tastes unmistakably local.

Why Local Bourbon Makes a Better Old Fashioned

Small-batch bourbon often has more character than mass-produced brands.

County Seat Spirits' bourbon delivers notes of toasted oak, baking spice, vanilla, and a hint of caramel that naturally complement the bitters and orange in an Old Fashioned. The result is a drink that's smooth enough to sip slowly on the porch but complex enough to impress guests.

It's exactly the kind of cocktail that belongs beside a summer cookout, an autumn fire pit, or a quiet evening after mowing the lawn.

The Lehigh Valley Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz County Seat Spirits Bourbon
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup (or one sugar cube)
• Large ice cube
• Orange peel
• Optional Luxardo cherry

Directions

1. Add the bitters and simple syrup to a rocks glass.
2. Stir until combined.
3. Add one large ice cube.
4. Pour in the bourbon.
5. Stir gently for about 20 seconds.
6. Express an orange peel over the glass by squeezing it to release its oils, then rub it around the rim before dropping it into the drink.
7. Garnish with a cherry if desired.

Make It Your Own

One of the joys of an Old Fashioned is how easy it is to personalize.

Try one of these local twists:

• Add a dash of black walnut bitters for a richer Pennsylvania flavor.
• Substitute maple syrup for simple syrup during the fall.
• Flame the orange peel for a subtle smoky aroma.
• Use a smoked glass or cocktail smoker for an extra layer of complexity.

Pair It With Local Flavor

A great Old Fashioned deserves equally good company. Pair it with:

• Grilled ribeye steaks
• Smoked brisket
• Sharp Pennsylvania cheddar
• Local charcuterie
• Dark chocolate
• Soft pretzels with beer cheese

It's also the perfect companion while watching the sunset from the porch or enjoying friends around a backyard fire.

Where to Find It

County Seat Spirits is crafted in Allentown, making it an easy stop for anyone looking to support local makers. Their tasting room regularly features seasonal releases, cocktails, and events that showcase the growing craft spirits movement in the Lehigh Valley.

Picking up a bottle isn't just about making a better cocktail—it's about supporting a business that's helping put our region on the map.

Sip Local

The best part about an Old Fashioned isn't that it's trendy. It's that it has survived for more than 150 years because it gets the basics exactly right.

When you swap in a locally made bourbon, the drink becomes something even better. It becomes a taste of the Lehigh Valley—one that reflects our appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and slowing down long enough to enjoy both.

This summer, skip the ordinary bourbon. Pour local, garnish with fresh orange, and raise a glass to the makers in our own backyard.

Please enjoy responsibly. Support local distilleries and always designate a driver if you're enjoying spirits away from home.