The old fashion mixes frequently make for good bases of Wisconsin old fashioneds - especially family parties where they think real old fashioneds are undrinkable.
I am shuddering at the memory of the Wisconsin old fashioned I was served by a party host recently that, with no warning, featured Diet Sprite as a primary component.
Nice writeup. Not something I'd buy for home - even if it tasted great, I enjoy variety too much to dedicate the shelf space to a single drink (though I suppose that's what my bottles of single malt scotch are...). But to bring to a family get-together like I'd bring wine, not a bad idea!
It occurs to me that Costco also made a smart call with the choice of cocktail here - the ingredients of an old fashioned are all shelf stable and don't degrade quickly, so while the quality of the ingredients may not be high, the fact that they're premixed is probably not a major issue. Unlike, say, any cocktail with a fruit juice component.
First, let me say that I generally agree. Most of these pre-mixed cocktails are either "not good" or are "not hard to make at home".
That said, I think the St. Agrestis "Negroni Fountain" (not to mention their NA drinks) is pretty good! If, sometimes, you just don't want to break out the bottles (and, again, it's not hard to do so), plop a nice big cube in a glass, and instant Negroni.
Similarly, the Tip Top versions of the Naked & Famous and Paper Plane are pretty good...as long as you don't just serve them out of the can (even cold). Shake them with some ice, strain, and it's an acceptable cocktail.
Of course, once you break out the shaker, you might as well just break out the bottles of (better) Mezcal, (actual) Yellow Chartreuse, etc, etc...especially for cocktails that just don't require any prep, like these.
But as a simulacra of the real thing? They're not bad...but they're also not going to fool anyone familiar with an excellent version of the same. But like you said...in the right circumstances, it might be good enough.
The old fashion mixes frequently make for good bases of Wisconsin old fashioneds - especially family parties where they think real old fashioneds are undrinkable.
I am shuddering at the memory of the Wisconsin old fashioned I was served by a party host recently that, with no warning, featured Diet Sprite as a primary component.
Oh no…
Nice writeup. Not something I'd buy for home - even if it tasted great, I enjoy variety too much to dedicate the shelf space to a single drink (though I suppose that's what my bottles of single malt scotch are...). But to bring to a family get-together like I'd bring wine, not a bad idea!
It occurs to me that Costco also made a smart call with the choice of cocktail here - the ingredients of an old fashioned are all shelf stable and don't degrade quickly, so while the quality of the ingredients may not be high, the fact that they're premixed is probably not a major issue. Unlike, say, any cocktail with a fruit juice component.
First, let me say that I generally agree. Most of these pre-mixed cocktails are either "not good" or are "not hard to make at home".
That said, I think the St. Agrestis "Negroni Fountain" (not to mention their NA drinks) is pretty good! If, sometimes, you just don't want to break out the bottles (and, again, it's not hard to do so), plop a nice big cube in a glass, and instant Negroni.
Similarly, the Tip Top versions of the Naked & Famous and Paper Plane are pretty good...as long as you don't just serve them out of the can (even cold). Shake them with some ice, strain, and it's an acceptable cocktail.
Of course, once you break out the shaker, you might as well just break out the bottles of (better) Mezcal, (actual) Yellow Chartreuse, etc, etc...especially for cocktails that just don't require any prep, like these.
But as a simulacra of the real thing? They're not bad...but they're also not going to fool anyone familiar with an excellent version of the same. But like you said...in the right circumstances, it might be good enough.