Day-O' Fashioned

Inspired By:

Berwick's Bird of Paradise (Houston)

Complexity

Alcohol Level

4/5

Strong

Type

Spirit-Forward

Preparation

Stirred

Glass

Old Fashioned

Ice

Large Cube

INGREDIENTS

Choeng Doi Blanc • 45 ml / 1.5 oz

Rye whiskey • 15 ml / 0.5 oz

Dark rum • 15 ml / 0.5 oz

Banana liqueur • 7.5 ml / 0.25 oz

Cold brew concentrate (double strength) • 15 ml / 0.5 oz

Angostura bitters • 2 dashes

Orange peel • 1

Garnish:

Black cherry • 1

Orange slice • 1

STEPS

1. In a rocks glass, muddle the orange peel with the bitters

2. Add Choeng Doi Blanc, rye, dark rum, banana liqueur and cold brew concentrate

3. Add ice and stir gently until well-chilled

4. Garnish with an orange slice and a black cherry

NOTES:

Robin Berwick's homage to Harry Belafonte combines multiple spirits and coffee for depth and complexity. The banana liqueur adds tropical sweetness without being cloying, while cold brew concentrate bridges spice with coffee's earthy character.

Batched Version: Pre-mix all spirits with bitters in a pitcher. Stir with ice to order and strain over a large ice cube.

HISTORY

Created at Berwick's Bird of Paradise (a 2025 Best New Bar), this drink draws inspiration from Caribbean travel experiences and blends them with classic American cocktail templates. It's named as an ode to Harry Belafonte's influence on Caribbean culture.

This Choeng Doi Blanc riff shows how delicate agricultural spirits can anchor complex, spirit-forward drinks without being overshadowed by darker rums or coffee.