Properly made, the Old Fashioned is strong but not too strong, sweet but not too sweet, and, most importantly, it’s dead-simple and absolutely delicious. The Franklin Hotel Bar Old Fashioned is just that. We thought we could do even better. Curious creatures by default, we thought it wise to throw some peeled bananas into a barrel of bourbon and see if we could create, possibly, the world’s first Banana Bread Old Fashioned. Boy, did we ever. It isn’t sweet, it isn’t bitter. This is a well-balanced, highly-nuanced, delicious and delicate bourbon delivery system.

What It Says About You

You work hard, yet know when to relax. The scent of homemade banana bread coupled with the warmth of an oven you don’t know how to use arouses contentious concepts of flirtatious desire and monogamy. You’re a pragmatist who loves dark leather, walnut, and earth tones. So, you could be an Eames chair with a brain (or some other Mid-Century lounge chair).

Franklin Hotel Bar’s Banana Old Fashioned

What makes banana bread so iconic and beloved is it’s simplicity. Why people try to fancy up something so good in its simplicity – like adding mascarpone, toasted coconut, chocolate chips, etc.- is beyond us. There’s only one variation – with or without walnuts. But nothing tops the simple original. In order to make classic banana bread you need bananas, walnuts, sugar (but not too much) and a little vanilla extract. And that’s the simple components to our Banana Bread Old Fashioned. Ripe bananas infused in bourbon, walnut bitters, a little vanilla extract, and a brown sugar simple syrup for a little extra richness. Even though it’s served with a few oversized ice cubes, you get “out-of-the-oven” warmth of bourbon, the slightly sweet creaminess of banana, the savory taste of walnut, a touch of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. The components of perfect banana bread in libation form.

So if this is so good, why are we not afraid to share the recipe in graphic detail? Simple – the same reason your mother or grandmother’s banana bread is your favorite- the intangible element of sharing it with family and friends. So join us at the Franklin Hotel Bar and enjoy the perfect concoction with family and friends.

Join Us at Franklin Hotel Bar

We are an upscale, throwback hotel bar with handcrafted cocktails, small plates, craft beer and fine wine, nestled away in the storied lower level of the Franklin Hotel. The plush bar features classic cocktails with the freshest ingredients, craft beers, fine wines and delicious small plate food offerings. It’s a perfect spot for an intimate evening out, happy hour with colleagues or before-and-after a show at the Kent Stage.

Franklin Hotel Bar sets aside a limited number of tables for reservations, however we also hold back space for walk-ins. Make a reservation!

Bourbons & Rye Whiskey at Franklin Hotel Bar

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We craft our Old-Fashioned with Maker’s Mark but we can make yours with any of the following bourbons or ryes for an additional cost.