Brown Butter Old Fashioned: A Rich Twist On A Classic

The Brown Butter Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, introducing a rich, nutty depth that elevates the traditional flavors to a new level.

This version harnesses the technique of brown butter infusion to impart a toasty, caramelized dimension to the bourbon, complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar syrup and the aromatic bitterness of Angostura bitters.

Here’s a detailed guide to making a Brown Butter Old Fashioned that promises to captivate the palate with its complex layers of flavor.

Brown Butter Old Fashioned Ingredients

• Angostura Bitters (4 dashes): Adds a layer of spice and depth, balancing the sweetness of the syrup and the richness of the bourbon.
• Brown Sugar Syrup (1/4 ounce / 7.5 ml): Offers a molasses-like sweetness that enhances the bourbon’s warm notes.
• Orange Peel: The essential oils in the peel add a citrusy brightness, cutting through the richness of the drink.
• Luxardo Maraschino Cherry: A gourmet cherry that introduces a sweet, complex fruitiness.
• Brown-Butter-Washed Bourbon (2 ounces / 60 ml): The star of the show, this bourbon has been infused with the nutty, caramel notes of brown butter, adding a luxurious richness to the cocktail.

Brown Butter Old Fashioned Recipe

1. Muddling the Base:
   • Begin by adding the Angostura bitters, brown sugar syrup, orange peel, and Luxardo maraschino cherry to a rocks glass.
   • Gently muddle these ingredients together to release the essential oils from the orange peel and to meld the flavors with the syrup and bitters.
2. Adding the Bourbon:
   • Pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of the brown-butter-washed bourbon into a rocks glass.
   • The infusion of brown butter into the bourbon not only introduces a richness but also ties the drink’s flavors together with its toasted, nutty undertones.
3. Stirring and Chilling:
   • Add one large ice cube to the glass and stir the mixture until well-chilled.
   • The stirring process not only chills the drink but also dilutes it slightly, ensuring a smooth blend of flavors.
4. Garnishing with Flair:
   • To garnish, create an orange peel “rose” by rolling two swaths of orange peels around a Luxardo maraschino cherry.
   • This not only adds an elegant visual element but also introduces a fresh, citrus aroma that complements the drink’s rich flavors.

Brown-Butter-Washed Bourbon Preparation

• Browning the Butter: Slowly cook unsalted butter in a saucepan until it turns a deep golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Allow it to cool.
• Infusing the Bourbon: Combine the cooled brown butter with a bottle of bourbon in a container, letting the flavors infuse.
• Once cool, freeze to solidify the butter, then remove the solidified fat and strain the bourbon to ensure clarity.

Brown Butter Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned, with its timeless blend of whiskey, sugar, and bitters, stands as a pinnacle of drink making. Yet, bartenders continuously showcase the versatility of this classic, introducing variations that push the boundaries of its traditional recipe.

Modern classics like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, infused with tequila and mezcal, and variations such as the Rum Old Fashioned, offer just a glimpse into the diverse world of this venerable libation. Across the globe, bartenders reinterpret the recipe to suit their tastes, resulting in an endless array of unique renditions of this beloved cocktail.

Lu Brow, former cocktail director of the now-shuttered DTB in New Orleans, sought to infuse a cocktail with the rich, nutty essence of brown butter. This quest birthed the Brown Butter Old Fashioned, featuring a bourbon base infused with the indulgent flavor of brown butter.

Brow’s process involves heating unsalted butter until it reaches a nutty aroma, then combining it with bourbon, freezing the mixture, and skimming off the solids to unveil a velvety, buttery whiskey.

Brown sugar imparts a rustic sweetness to the concoction, while Angostura bitters and a muddled Luxardo maraschino cherry contribute layers of spice and decadent fruitiness.

While crafting the Brown Butter Old Fashioned demands a bit of extra time, the straightforward instructions make it surprisingly accessible for home preparation.

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