Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is often considered the original cocktail, dating back to the early 19th century. This iconic drink showcases the whiskey with minimal ingredients, letting the spirit’s character shine through while adding just enough sweetness and aromatic complexity from bitters.

Simple yet sophisticated, the Old Fashioned represents the essence of classic cocktail craft. It’s a drink that rewards patience and proper technique, making it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts and bartenders alike.

Instructions

Official Recipe:

1. Prepare the sugar: Place the sugar cube in an old fashioned glass and saturate with Angostura bitters.

2. Add water: Add a few dashes of plain water to the sugar cube.

3. Muddle: Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and water until completely dissolved.

4. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes.

5. Add whiskey: Pour in 45 ml of bourbon or rye whiskey.

6. Stir gently: Stir the drink gently to combine and chill.

7. Garnish: Garnish with an orange slice or orange zest, and a cocktail cherry.

Tips

• Choose your whiskey wisely: Bourbon creates a sweeter, smoother Old Fashioned, while rye whiskey adds spice and dryness. Both are traditional and delicious.
• Use quality bitters: Angostura is traditional, but experiment with other bitters like orange or aromatic blends.
• Large ice matters: A single large ice cube keeps the drink cold without over-diluting it.
• Don’t muddle the fruit: Modern Old Fashioneds don’t muddle orange and cherries into the drink. The fruit is purely decorative.
• Proper stirring: Stir gently but long enough to achieve proper dilution and temperature.

Classic Variations

• Wisconsin Old Fashioned: Uses brandy instead of whiskey, muddled fruit, and topped with soda
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned: Substitutes tequila or mezcal for whiskey
• Rum Old Fashioned: Uses aged rum for a Caribbean twist
• Maple Old Fashioned: Replaces sugar with maple syrup

History

The Old Fashioned emerged in the 1880s at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, allegedly created for a prominent bourbon distiller, Colonel James E. Pepper. The drink was supposedly invented when guests requested their whiskey cocktails be made the “old-fashioned” way, without the elaborate mixtures that were becoming popular.

The cocktail gained renewed fame in the 2000s, particularly after being featured prominently in the TV series “Mad Men,” where it became Don Draper’s signature drink.

This is bartending at its purest: quality ingredients, proper technique, and timeless appeal.

Cheers!