If you enjoy timeless cocktails, look no further than the Old Fashioned. With its rich history and flavor, the drink is a favorite among those who enjoy combinations of sweet and bitter notes. Its recipe calls for the perfect blend of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters—elements that define a classic cocktail. What’s more? The drink is fairly easy to make. So here are a few recipe ideas to make a delicious Old Fashioned:
Classic recipe
The Old Fashioned drink is as simple as it is sophisticated. Dating back to the 19th century, the drink has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved choice among cocktail enthusiasts around the world. The drink traditionally consisted of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel garnish. The Old Fashioned is a sippling cocktail meant to be enjoyed slowly, allowing the flavors to combine with each sip. The simplicity of its ingredients helps you recognize the qualities of the whiskey and the aromatic flavors of other ingredients. Here is the classic recipe:
– Place the sugar cubes or granules in a glass.
– Add a splash of water to the glass and muddle the sugar until it dissolves.
– Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters to the glass.
– Pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey and stir gently to combine the ingredients.
– Add a few ice cubes to the glass.
– Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry, and serve the drink.
The key step here is muddling the sugar with the bitters and water before pouring in the liquor. When muddling the ingredients, it is better to use a whiskey or rocks glass (also known as an Old Fashioned glass), as it has a thick base that can withstand the mashing.
Must-try variations
Over the years, mixologists and Old Fashioned enthusiasts have experimented with the classic recipe, resulting in the following delightful variations of the drink:
Fruit-infused Old Fashioned: Here, fresh fruits such as berries, citrus, or stone fruits are muddled with sugar and bitters. The fruity flavors add a refreshing twist to the traditional recipe, making for an even more vibrant and flavorful experience.
Spiced Old Fashioned: For those looking for a bolder flavor profile, the spiced Old Fashioned drink is an excellent choice. This recipe makes use of spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise, infusing the drink with warm and aromatic undertones.
Smoky Old Fashioned: If you enjoy the smoky notes of certain spirits like mezcal or peaty scotch, this recipe is the right pick for you. By substituting the traditional bourbon or rye whiskey with smoky spirits like mezcal, you can add a smoky flavor to the cocktail.
Tropical Old Fashioned: The tropical Old Fashioned is a playful variation that adds exotic flavors to the classic cocktail. Here, you can opt for pineapple, coconut, or passion fruit. This variation transports you to a sunny beach and makes a vibrant drink for the evening.
Additionally, bartenders or mixologists often make their own recipes for the Old Fashioned by switching the whiskey for tequila, rum, or other kinds of spirits.
