The Old Fashioned is composed of whiskey, sugar or simple syrup, and bitters. Typically, it’s served in a rocks glass and garnished with an orange peel and/or maraschino cherry. This cocktail's beauty lies in its simplicity that allows the flavors of the whiskey to shine through.
Choosing the Best Whiskey
The choice of whiskey is paramount in creating an Old Fashioned. Traditionally, rye or bourbon is the whiskey of choice. Bourbon lends a sweeter, full-bodied richness, with notes of vanilla and caramel, making it a favorite for those who prefer a smoother, more mellow drink. Rye Whiskey, on the other hand, introduces a spicy, fruitier edge, adding complexity and a bite that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the zest of the bitters.
Fun Variations on the Classic Recipe
While the traditional Old Fashioned is a classic for a reason, there are countless ways to experiment with the recipe. Here are a few variations to inspire your next cocktail hour:
Maple Old Fashioned: Swap out the sugar cube for maple syrup to introduce a rich, autumnal sweetness that complements the whiskey's warmth.
Chocolate Bitters Old Fashioned: For a decadent twist, use chocolate bitters in place of the traditional Angostura bitters. This variant pairs wonderfully with bourbon, creating a dessert-like cocktail.
Smoked Old Fashioned: Add a smoky dimension by smoking the glass before preparing your cocktail or by using a smoked whiskey. This method introduces a layer of complexity that elevates the drinking experience.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Merge the worlds of bourbon and mezcal! Substitute half of the whiskey with mezcal for a smoky, nuanced flavor that adds an intriguing twist to the classic.
Tips for Perfecting Your Old Fashioned
Express the citrus peel: If using an orange or lemon peel as a garnish, don’t forget to express the oils before throwing the peel in the glass!
Dissolve your sugar: If using sugar rather than simple syrup, ensure the sugar is dissolved completely before you add whiskey in order to avoid a gritty texture.
Stir the drink; don’t shake it: Adding air will ruin the silky texture of this drink.
Use Large Ice Cubes: A large ice cube melts more slowly, reducing the risk of over-dilution and keeping your cocktail at the perfect sipping strength for longer.
Old Fashioned Recipe
Ready to tackle the Old Fashioned? Here’s our standard recipe:
Ingredients
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. water
2 oz. bourbon
3-4 dashes Angostura bitters
1 Luxardo or maraschino cherry
Swath of orange peel
Instructions
Add sugar, bitters, and water to a mixing glass. Muddle until sugar is nearly dissolved.
Fill the mixing glass with ice, add bourbon, and stir until chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
Add one large ice cube to a rocks glass.
Use a strainer to pour the mixture from the mixing glass into the rocks glass.
Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink, then add the orange peel and cherry into the cocktail. Cheers!
