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The classic Old Fashioned is curated with the perfect balance of strength from whiskey, sweetness, and bitters. Made so simply, this is a co*cktail enjoyed far and wide! Even those who wince at a strong drink, will be shocked by how drinkable this silky smooth concoction is.
Table of Contents
There’s nothing that has truly earned its title as the old fashioned! The earliest mention of these ingredients can be dated back to the early 1800s, with the name officially dubbed in the 1880s. This is a co*cktail as old as the word co*cktail itself! Now that is truly old fashioned.
This is a favorite sipping drink of mine. It goes down easy any time of the year. I can picture myself sitting outside, enjoying the sunset, soaking up the fresh aroma of citrus with every sip. I could also picture sitting by a warm fire, wrapped up in a blanket, watching the snow fall out the window as the whiskey burns so satisfyingly all the way down to my stomach.
Ingredients
- Simple syrup – Make your own by dissolving equal parts water and sugar.
- Bitters– I used Angostura bitters.
- Whiskey – I used bourbon.
- Ice cube – Either 1 large cube or 1/2 cup regular cubes.
- Orange peel – Use a potato peeler and get a 2-3 inch strip.
- Bourbon cherries – Or maraschino cherries.
What type of whiskey should I choose?
You really can use any type of whiskey you prefer for an old fashioned, however bourbon is the classic choice. Some may swear by rye, and that’s okay! If you are a seasoned whiskey drinker and have a particular favorite, of course, go with that. If you’re new to the whiskey and old fashioned world, I suggest starting with bourbon.
Find a bourbon smooth in flavor to carry this drink. You can even use a smoky variety to give a different taste to your old fashioned. Brands such as Buffalo Trace, Larency, Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam, and Bulleit are old fashioned favorites.
All about bitters
Bitters are made by infusing a completely neutral spirit with different flavors such as spices, fruits, bark, seeds, or, in the case of angostura bitters, a mixture of a few flavors.
You can flavor your old fashioned in many different ways using a variety of bitters! Orange, root beer, cherry, coffee, or maple would be great substitutions for angostura to really amp up your old fashioned experience.
How to make simple syrup
- Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Let the syrup cool then transfer to a bottle.
How to make an old fashioned
- Add the simple syrup, bitters, and bourbon to a rocks glass and give it a quick stir.
- Place the large ice cube (or 1/2 cup regular cubes) to the glass and stir.
- Twist the orange peel over the glass, then drop it into the drink. Garnish with 1-2 cherries on a co*cktail pick.
Check out these easy homemade co*cktail recipes:
- Manhattan Drink
- Negroni
- Whiskey Sour
- Mint Julep
- Irish Coffee
- Margarita
- Earl Grey Martini
- Cosmopolitan co*cktail
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
3.67 from 3 votes
Old Fashioned Recipe
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cook 0 minutes minutes
Total 5 minutes minutes
1
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The classic Old Fashioned is curated with the perfect balance of strength from whiskey, sweetness, and bitters. Made so simply, this is a co*cktail enjoyed far and wide! Even those who wince at a strong drink, will be shocked by how drinkable this silky smooth concoction is.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoon simple syrup (or 1 tsp granulated sugar)
- 3 dashes bitters (I used Angustura)
- 2 ounce bourbon whiskey
- 1 large ice cube
- orange peel
- bourbon cherries
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
Add the simple syrup, bitters, and bourbon to a rocks glass and give it a quick stir.
Place the large ice cube (or 1/2 cup regular cubes) to the glass and stir.
Twist the orange peel over the glass, then drop it into the drink. Garnish with 1-2 cherries on a co*cktail pick.
Notes
- How to make simple syrup:
- Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Let the syrup cool then transfer to a bottle.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 184kcal (9%)Carbohydrates: 9g (3%)Sodium: 7mgSugar: 8g (9%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of mixology, particularly when it comes to the venerable Old Fashioned co*cktail, I can assure you that my knowledge extends far beyond the surface. With a depth of understanding rooted in historical origins and a keen appreciation for the nuances of ingredients, I am well-equipped to unravel the secrets behind crafting the perfect Old Fashioned.
Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
1. Old Fashioned Origins:
The article rightly acknowledges the Old Fashioned as a timeless classic, tracing its roots back to the early 1800s. The co*cktail gained its iconic status officially in the 1880s, making it a drink as old as the term "co*cktail" itself. This historical context adds a layer of appreciation to the art of mixology.
2. Ingredients:
The Old Fashioned is celebrated for its simplicity, combining a few essential elements in perfect harmony. The core ingredients include:
- Simple Syrup: An easy-to-make mixture of equal parts water and sugar, providing the necessary sweetness.
- Bitters (Angostura): These are crucial for imparting depth and complexity to the co*cktail.
- Whiskey (Bourbon): While the article mentions that any whiskey can be used, bourbon is the classic choice. Brands like Buffalo Trace, Larceny, Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam, and Bulleit are recommended favorites.
3. Bitters:
The article elaborates on bitters, explaining that they are crafted by infusing a neutral spirit with various flavors like spices, fruits, bark, or seeds. It also suggests experimenting with different bitters flavors such as orange, root beer, cherry, coffee, or maple to elevate the Old Fashioned experience.
4. Simple Syrup:
The process of making simple syrup is demystified, with a straightforward method of dissolving equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. The result is a sweetener that seamlessly integrates into the co*cktail.
5. Whiskey Selection:
A critical decision in Old Fashioned preparation is the choice of whiskey. While any whiskey can be used, bourbon is recommended for its smooth flavor. The article encourages experimentation, even suggesting a smoky variety for a unique twist.
6. Mixing and Garnishing:
The steps for crafting the Old Fashioned are outlined meticulously:
- Combine simple syrup, bitters, and bourbon in a rocks glass, stirring briefly.
- Add a large ice cube (or regular cubes) and stir again.
- Garnish with a twist of orange peel and 1-2 bourbon cherries on a co*cktail pick.
7. Personal Touch:
The author shares a personal touch, describing the Old Fashioned as a favorite sipping drink suitable for any season. The imagery of enjoying it outdoors with a citrus aroma or by a warm fire complements the sensory experience.
In conclusion, the Old Fashioned isn't just a co*cktail; it's a timeless journey through history and flavors. As you embark on crafting this concoction, remember to savor not just the drink but the rich narrative it carries. Cheers to the art of the Old Fashioned!
