Top bars from Sydney to Perth put their spin on a timeless serve for a 10-day cocktail takeover
Elijah Craig Bourbon is set to debut its inaugural Old Fashioned Week in Australia from 17–27 June 2026, bringing a global celebration of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails to bars across the country.
Now in its seventh year globally, Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week is a 10-day program that unites bartenders and venues in over 20 countries, each serving their own take on the classic Bourbon cocktail alongside the original recipe. What began in the US in 2020 as a way to support the hospitality industry during the pandemic, has since evolved into a worldwide movement spanning North America, the UK and beyond.
This year marks the first time Australian venues will officially join the initiative, with a strong line-up of leading bars across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia participating. From Sydney favourites like Maybe Sammy, Shady Pines and The Barber Shop, to Melbourne institutions including Black Pearl, Goodwater and Caretaker’s Cottage, and standout venues across Brisbane and Perth, bartenders nationwide will showcase their creativity through bespoke riffs on the Old Fashioned using Elijah Craig’s award-winning bourbon range. Full list of participating venues below.
“Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week was created to support the hospitality industry at a moment of need and to keep our community connected when we couldn’t meet for a drink,” shares Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands at Heaven Hill. “Today, it’s grown into a global celebration of bartending talent and cocktail culture.”
“The Old Fashioned is timeless, but what keeps it exciting is the way bartenders continue to reinterpret it. Old Fashioned Week is about celebrating that creativity while showcasing the depth and versatility of Elijah Craig across different styles and serves,” added Grant Shearon, Brand Ambassador and Lead Educator APAC for Elijah Craig.
With venues across Australia putting their own spin on the classic, Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week invites consumers to explore, discover and raise a glass to one of the most enduring cocktails in history.
Elijah Craig Old Fashioned
The full-bodied richness of Elijah Craig Small Batch is perfect for the spirit-forward Old Fashioned. Its signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavour complement the sweetness and spiciness of the cocktail’s key ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 60ml Elijah Craig Small Batch
- 10ml Simple Syrup
- 3 dashes Aromatic Bitters
- Orange Twist
Instructions:
In a mixing glass add Elijah Craig Bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, and ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with a twist of orange peel and an optional cocktail cherry.
For more details, visit https://elijahcraig.com/.
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