The Old Fashioned is a timeless and iconic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century.
With its simple blend of whiskey, sugar, and bitters, it’s a true classic that allows the whiskey’s flavors to shine.
We’ll explore the history, essential ingredients, and step-by-step process to craft the perfect Old Fashioned, a cocktail that continues to captivate connoisseurs and cocktail lovers alike.
The History of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned originated as a simple cocktail in the early 19th century, defined as a blend of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar. By the 1860s, it evolved with additions like orange curaçao and absinthe.
As cocktails became more elaborate, a return to the original recipe, now dubbed “old-fashioned,” gained favor. Whiskey, particularly rye, became the preferred base. While the Pendennis Club in Louisville claims its invention, historical evidence suggests the cocktail predated the club’s establishment.
The notion of using brandy in an Old Fashioned likely emerged post-World War II, contrary to popular belief tied to the Chicago World’s Fair. Louisville declared it the official cocktail in 2015, celebrating “Old Fashioned Fortnight” annually.
Wisconsin similarly embraced the brandy Old Fashioned, naming it the state cocktail in 2023. Globally, the Old Fashioned remains a top-selling classic cocktail, according to Drinks International’s annual poll of 100 bars, a title it has held since January 2020.
Old Fashioned Ingredients
The beauty of the Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity. To create the perfect Old Fashioned, you’ll need the following essential ingredients:
- 2 oz (60 ml) Bourbon or Rye Whiskey: The choice of whiskey is a matter of personal preference, with Bourbon providing a sweeter profile, and Rye offering spicier notes.
- 1 Sugar Cube or 1/2 oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup: Traditionally, a sugar cube is muddled with bitters, but simple syrup is often used for ease.
- 2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters: These aromatic bitters are a key component that adds complexity to the cocktail.
- Orange Twist or Lemon Peel (Optional): This garnish provides a hint of citrus aroma, enhancing the overall experience.
- Ice Cube (Optional): While traditionally made without ice, some variations include a single, large ice cube for a slower dilution of the drink.
Old Fashioned Recipe
Now, let’s walk through the process of making the perfect Old Fashioned:
Step 1: Start with a clean, chilled rocks glass or lowball glass. If you prefer your drink slightly diluted, add a large ice cube to the glass.
Step 2: Place a sugar cube (or measure out 1/2 oz (15 ml) of simple syrup) in the glass.
Step 3: Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the sugar cube.
Step 4: Muddle the sugar and bitters together gently, allowing the sugar to dissolve and create a syrup.
Step 5: Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of your chosen bourbon or rye whiskey into the glass.
Step 6: Add ice cubes, if desired, and stir the mixture well to chill and properly dilute the drink. This should take about 20-30 seconds of stirring.
Step 7: Express the citrus oils from an orange twist or lemon peel over the drink by holding the twist or peel over the glass and giving it a gentle squeeze. This releases the oils, adding a delightful aroma.
Step 8: Optionally, garnish the drink with the citrus twist or peel by dropping it into the glass or resting it on the edge.
Step 9: Sip and savor the simplicity and elegance of your perfectly crafted Old Fashioned.
The Art of Garnishing
Garnishing is an essential element of the Old Fashioned, as it enhances the visual appeal and aroma of the cocktail. Here are some tips for garnishing your Old Fashioned:
- Citrus Twist or Peel: An orange twist or lemon peel is the most classic choice, adding a subtle, zesty fragrance. You can express the oils over the drink to release the aroma and then place it in the glass.
- Cherry: A Luxardo cherry or a maraschino cherry is a delightful garnish that adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- Aromatic Bitters: A couple of dashes of aromatic bitters on top of the drink can create an intricate pattern and an additional layer of flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick: For a seasonal twist, consider using a small cinnamon stick as a garnish, adding warm, spicy notes.
- Fruit Slices: Thin slices of oranges or lemons can be used to garnish and infuse the drink with subtle fruity flavors.
Pairing Your Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned pairs well with a variety of dishes and occasions:
- Steak and Grilled Meats: The rich and robust flavors of an Old Fashioned complement the savory goodness of steak and grilled meats.
- Cheese and Charcuterie: The cocktail’s complexity pairs beautifully with an array of cheeses and cured meats.
- Chocolate Desserts: The subtle sweetness of the Old Fashioned pairs wonderfully with chocolate-based desserts like brownies or chocolate mousse.
- Sipping by the Fireplace: There’s no better way to unwind and stay warm by the fireplace than with an Old Fashioned in hand.
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The Old Fashioned – A Timeless Classic
The Old Fashioned, arguably the most renowned whiskey cocktail globally, traces its origins to an early mixed drink known as the Whiskey Cocktail. Emerging in the late 1700s, this beverage gained popularity by adding a few dashes of bitters to whiskey.
Its inception coincided with the rise of whiskey and commercial bitters, an aromatic concoction initially crafted for medicinal purposes, blending herbs, barks, and botanicals in spirits for digestive aid.
As time progressed, variations on the Whiskey Cocktail emerged, akin to contemporary bartending’s penchant for innovative twists on classic drinks. From the Improved Whiskey Cocktail with absinthe to the Fancy Whiskey Cocktail featuring orange curacao, these adaptations flourished.
Seeking the original, unadorned rendition, patrons began requesting an “Old-Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail,” ultimately evolving into the familiar Old Fashioned served over ice in a rocks glass.
While modern iterations often harken back to simplicity, during Prohibition, bartenders experimented with the concoction, frequently incorporating muddled fruit like cherries, oranges, or even pineapple. Some of these embellishments endured into the 20th century, with variations like the Wisconsin Old Fashioned still advocating for fruit additions.
However, as a revival of classic recipes gained traction around the turn of the millennium, the Old Fashioned returned to its roots, emphasizing its traditional specifications once more.
What’s The Best Whisky For An Old Fashioned?
Determining the best whiskey for an Old Fashioned ultimately boils down to personal preference rather than strict adherence to historical recipes. The Old Fashioned’s adaptable template allows for versatility across a spectrum of whiskey styles.
Traditionally, bourbon stands out as a favored whiskey for an Old Fashioned. Its robust body and corn-based composition provides a sturdy backbone to the cocktail.
Additionally, bourbon’s sweetness harmonizes with the bitter notes of the bitters, striking a pleasing balance. Aged in charred oak barrels, bourbon develops nuances of vanilla and caramel, further complementing the sugar while tempering the alcohol’s heat, allowing its flavors to shine through.
However, the choice of whiskey should align with the desired flavor profile of the Old Fashioned you seek. Opting for rye whiskey can infuse the cocktail with a spicier character and a drier finish, catering to those with a penchant for more robust flavors.
Scotch enthusiasts will discover that both blends and single malts can seamlessly integrate into the cocktail’s framework, offering a unique twist on the classic.
Moreover, innovative drinks like the Oaxaca Old Fashioned demonstrate that deviating from traditional whiskey choices can yield exciting results, proving that sometimes the perfect whiskey for an Old Fashioned may not even be whiskey at all.
Check out the dome of the different types of Old Fasioned Cocktails.
