Whiskey
Old Fashioned
Spirit-Based · 1 serving · Serve: Rocks glass (Old Fashioned glass)
The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest and most revered cocktails in existence, dating back to the early 1800s. This timeless classic showcases the rich flavors of whiskey (traditionally bourbon or rye) with just a touch of sweetness, aromatic bitters, and citrus oil. The beauty of the Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity—it's essentially a perfect balance of spirit, sugar, and bitters. The drink has survived prohibition, changing tastes, and countless trends, cementing its place as the quintessential whiskey cocktail that every bartender should master.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 Sugar cube (or 0.25 oz simple syrup)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 Luxardo cherry for garnish
Directions
- Place the sugar cube in a rocks glass.
- Saturate the sugar cube with 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Add a small splash of water (about 1 teaspoon).
- Muddle until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add a large ice cube or several smaller ice cubes to the glass.
- Pour in the whiskey.
- Stir gently for about 15-20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Express the oils from an orange peel by twisting it over the drink.
- Rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink.
- Optionally, add a Luxardo cherry for garnish.
Notes/Tips
If using simple syrup instead of a sugar cube, skip steps 1-3 and simply add the syrup directly to the glass with the bitters before adding ice.
The choice of whiskey significantly impacts the flavor profile. Bourbon creates a sweeter, more rounded Old Fashioned, while rye offers a drier, spicier version. High-quality whiskey makes a difference in this spirit-forward cocktail.
Some variations include using different bitters (such as orange or chocolate), different sweeteners (like maple syrup or demerara syrup), or adding a splash of water at the end for additional dilution.
Video tutorial
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