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1Placing Your Order Correctly
2Customizing Your Drink
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Co-authored byHannah Madden
Last Updated: October 27, 2023
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An Old Fashioned co*cktail is a classic drink typically made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and ice. Ordering co*cktails at a bar can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the bar scene. To order an Old Fashioned without looking like a novice, make sure to specify what brand and type of whiskey you want, how you want your drink to taste, and what you want as a garnish.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
Placing Your Order Correctly
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1
Look at the menu to see if they serve Old Fashioneds. Some bars, especially co*cktail bars, will have an Old Fashioned already on their menu. If they do, read up on what they put in their Old Fashioned and see if you want to make any modifications to it before you order.[1]
- Some bars will sell their take on an Old Fashioned, or they’ll modernize it and create a “New Fashioned.”
2
Decide on your order before you go up to the bar. Bartenders move quickly, and they have a ton of people to take orders from. Don’t spend any time hemming or hawing once you get up to the bar. Instead, take a moment before you walk up to decide on the brand of liquor that you want, how bitter or sweet you want your drink, and if you’d like something special to top it.[2]
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3
Say your order all at once, starting with what type of whiskey you want. Order your Old Fashioned in 1 sentence so that you can tell your bartender what you want quickly. Begin by saying what brand and type of whiskey you want, and end with any adjustments you are making to the drink.
- For example, “I’ll have a Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned, extra bitter.”
- ”I’ll take a Bullet Bourbon Old Fashioned with a lemon twist.”
Tip: Speak up as you order. Most bars are noisy and you don’t want to have to repeat yourself.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
Customizing Your Drink
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1
Choose between bourbon, rye, or brandy. Most bars keep those 3 classic types of whiskey on hand to make Old Fashioneds with. If you’re not sure what types the bar has, try looking behind the bartender at the shelves where they keep the liquor.
- Your bar may have more types of whiskey on hand than those 3.
- Bourbon is slightly sweeter than typical whiskeys, rye whiskey is slightly spicy, and brandy has a slightly floral taste.
2
Specify your brand of liquor. If you have a favorite brand of whiskey, you should choose which one you want in your Old Fashioned. If you don’t specify, you will probably get the cheapest option in your drink. Typical brands include Bulleit Bourbon, Wild Turkey, and Johnnie Walker.
- For example, “I’ll take a Wild Turkey Old Fashioned.”
Tip: If you aren’t sure what brand you want, your bartender can recommend one to you.
3
Ask for your drink to be more bitter or sweet. Old Fashioneds are made with bitters, which is liquor that has been flavored with herbs. True to their name, they usually make a drink more bitter or bittersweet tasting. If you want a more sweet Old Fashioned, ask for less bitters in your drink.[3]
- Typical Old Fashioneds don’t have much more than a splash of bitters in them. However, every bartender is different, and your bar could use more bitters on average.
- For example, “I’ll have a Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned, extra sweet.”
4
Request a lemon twist for a classic Old Fashioned. Some bartenders will top Old Fashioneds with orange wedges or even cherries. A classic Old Fashioned has a simple lemon twist on top to give a citrus scent as you are drinking it. If you want to stick to the classics, request a lemon twist to top your drink.[4]
- The bar you go to may not have lemon twists available.
- For example, “Can I have a Johnnie Walker Old Fashioned with a lemon twist?”
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About This Article
![Simple Ways to Order an Old Fashioned: 7 Steps (with Pictures) (20) Simple Ways to Order an Old Fashioned: 7 Steps (with Pictures) (20)](https://i0.wp.com/www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/ec/Hannah_Madden.png/-crop-100-100-100px-Hannah_Madden.png)
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 51,793 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: October 27, 2023
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Categories: co*cktails
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of co*cktails and spirits. My expertise stems from years of exploration and appreciation for mixology. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about ordering an Old Fashioned co*cktail.
The Old Fashioned is a classic co*cktail composed of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and ice. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts mentioned in the article:
Placing Your Order Correctly:
-
Checking the Menu:
- Before ordering, check if the bar has Old Fashioned on the menu. Some bars may have their version or even a "New Fashioned."
-
Deciding Your Order:
- Bartenders work quickly, so decide on your order before approaching the bar. Choose the brand and type of whiskey, sweetness level, and any additional preferences.
-
Ordering Process:
- State your order in one sentence, starting with the type of whiskey and specifying any modifications. For instance, "I'll have a Maker's Mark Old Fashioned, extra bitter."
Customizing Your Drink:
-
Whiskey Selection:
- Choose between bourbon, rye, or brandy for your Old Fashioned. Each brings a different flavor profile—bourbon is sweeter, rye is spicier, and brandy has a floral taste.
-
Brand Specification:
- Specify your preferred brand of whiskey to avoid getting the default or cheapest option. Brands like Bulleit Bourbon, Wild Turkey, and Johnnie Walker are common.
-
Sweetness Level:
- Old Fashioneds are typically bittersweet. If you prefer a sweeter taste, ask for less bitters in your drink. Specify your preference, such as "Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned, extra sweet."
-
Garnish Request:
- A classic Old Fashioned features a lemon twist. If you want to stick to tradition, request a lemon twist for a citrus scent. For example, "Johnnie Walker Old Fashioned with a lemon twist."
Additional Tips and References:
-
Menu Research:
- Research what's in the bar's Old Fashioned before ordering.
-
Quick Ordering:
- Speak your order clearly and all at once due to the noisy bar environment.
-
Drink Responsibly:
- The article emphasizes the importance of drinking responsibly.
Author Information:
The article was co-authored by Hannah Madden, a wikiHow staff writer with expertise in environmental studies. The references include sources like Grubstreet and Epicurious, providing additional insights into co*cktail ordering.
Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know about co*cktails and mixology!