Toasting the Iconic Whiskey Cocktail: Elijah Craig Brings Back Old Fashioned Week for Its Sixth Year
A Modern Toast to a Classic Tradition
There’s something timeless about an Old Fashioned — that perfect blend of bourbon, bitters, sugar, and orange zest.
This fall, Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week 2025 invites whiskey lovers from Los Angeles to Berlin to raise a glass not only to great taste, but to the people who make those moments possible. The celebration returns October 10–19, 2025, pairing craftsmanship with compassion in a way few brands can match.
“Old Fashioned Week is an Elijah Craig original,
created to both honor the iconic cocktail
and give back to the community that allows bourbon culture to thrive,”
Max Stefka
Associate Vice President, Elijah Craig Bourbon.
Cocktails for a Cause: Raising Spirits, Literally and Figuratively
Across bars from Manhattan to Miami Beach, the event transforms a simple order into meaningful impact. For every Elijah Craig Old Fashioned sold, the brand donates $1 to hospitality workers in need, up to $100,000.
Last year, Elijah Craig’s contributions to the Southern Smoke Foundation helped fund 760 free mental health sessions and $40,000 in emergency grants for restaurant professionals — a vital boost for a community that keeps nightlife alive.
Since launching in 2020, Old Fashioned Week has raised nearly half a million dollars to support hospitality organizations. This year, the effort goes international: Canada’s events will benefit the Bartenders Benevolent Fund, while U.K. celebrations will support The Drinks Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to well-being in the drinks industry.
To join in, fans can explore the brand’s Find a Bar tool, which spotlights participating venues offering Elijah Craig’s signature or creative riffs on the cocktail.
New Era of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Contest
Beyond the bar, Elijah Craig is stirring up fresh inspiration with its “New Era of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Contest,” hosted in partnership with VinePair. Bartenders nationwide are invited to reimagine the cocktail for modern palates — blending art, technique, and a splash of daring creativity.
The stakes?
A $15,000 grand prize and a coveted feature in Old Fashioned Week Cocktail Companion: Volume 3. Judges will evaluate each entry based on balance, creativity, and presentation.
Submissions remain open through November 1, 2025, encouraging professionals to push the boundaries of bourbon innovation.
For those in cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, and San Francisco, where cocktail culture thrives, this competition is more than a contest — it’s a stage for the next generation of mixology icons.
Elijah Craig: The Father of Bourbon
Known affectionately as “The Father of Bourbon,” Elijah Craig was the first distiller to age corn whiskey in charred oak barrels — a technique that defined Kentucky bourbon as we know it. His bold amber creation became a symbol of American craftsmanship, a legacy carried forward by Heaven Hill Distillery, the largest independent, family-owned producer of bourbon in the U.S.
Today, the brand’s lineup — including Small Batch, Rye, Toasted Barrel, and 18-Year-Old Single Barrel expressions — continues to earn global recognition, from Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year to Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
For more on Elijah Craig’s storied history and award-winning lineup, visit www.elijahcraig.com or explore our own collection of bourbon insights at [Insert Internal Link].
FAQ: Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week 2025
Q: When is Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week 2025?
A: The event runs from October 10–19, 2025, across participating bars and restaurants in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Q: How does ordering an Old Fashioned help the hospitality community?
A: For every Elijah Craig Old Fashioned sold, $1 (up to $100,000) will be donated to hospitality relief organizations supporting bartenders and service staff.
Q: Can bartenders still enter the contest?
A: Yes. Entries for the New Era of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Contest are open through November 1, 2025.
A Toast Worth Making
Whether you’re sipping in a rooftop bar in Hong Kong or a cozy whiskey lounge in Aspen, Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week offers a chance to celebrate something bigger than the cocktail itself. It’s about raising a glass to the spirit of community, creativity, and compassion — and maybe discovering your new favorite Old Fashioned along the way.
So this October, order with purpose. Your next drink might just make a difference.
