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It's a supper club staple — the Old Fashioned. It's the perfect drink to pair with asteak or a slice of prime rib served in a high-end restaurant. A simple, yet strong drink, the Old Fashioned has been the top beverage of choice for decades. However, new life has recently been stirred into the Old Fashioned by mixologists that love to experiment with its signature ingredients.
They have gone further than asking if it should be made with whiskey or bourbon. Now, it's being made with flavored whiskeys and even tequila. While the Old Fashioned always comes with a fruit garnish, most commonly an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, some bartenders have even toyed around with other fruit garnishes, such as blackberries and lemon.
Although the recipe for an Old Fashioned keeps getting reinvented, the earliest version of the drink was recorded at the start of the 1800s, and its popularity has ebbed and flowed with the times, according to Bevvy. It was in the late 1980s, that the drink got its due and was recognized as a classic American co*cktail. While most variations of the Old Fashioned switch up its ingredients, there is a recipe that you should consider that alters its temperature.
A warm Old Fashioned
While traditionally served with ice, a different take on the classic Old Fashioned calls for it to be served warm (via Real Simple). The warm version of the co*cktail is ideal for a cool night. Simply take a classic Old Fashioned and top it with some warm water. By adding some hot water to the co*cktail, the flavors of the drink are intensified.
You can also warm the water in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer, per HGTV. Then stir sugar into the hot water until it dissolves, and then incorporate the bourbon or whiskey and bitters before pouring into glasses and garnishing with fruit.Finally, enjoy the Old Fashioned, preferably on a chilly night when a little warmth is needed.
Go ahead and have some fun the next time you want a warm co*cktail and add some hot water to your Old Fashioned. You may just find you love the new version.
Recommended
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of mixology and co*cktail culture, I find great pleasure in exploring the rich history and evolving trends of classic drinks. My extensive experience as a connoisseur has provided me with a nuanced understanding of the subject matter at hand. Now, let's delve into the concepts and elements woven into the intriguing article about the Old Fashioned.
Old Fashioned: A Timeless Classic
The article begins by highlighting the Old Fashioned, a timeless classic that has earned its place as a staple in supper clubs and high-end restaurants. Its reputation as a perfect companion to a steak or prime rib is well-founded, and its simplicity contributes to its enduring popularity. The Old Fashioned has been the beverage of choice for decades, standing the test of time.
Mixologist Innovation: Reinventing Tradition
The article emphasizes the dynamic nature of the Old Fashioned as mixologists bring new life to this classic drink. Instead of merely choosing between whiskey and bourbon, these creative individuals experiment with flavored whiskeys and even tequila. This reinvention extends to the garnishes, with bartenders exploring beyond the traditional orange slice and maraschino cherry to include blackberries and lemon.
Historical Perspective
To add historical context, the article mentions that the Old Fashioned dates back to the early 1800s, with its popularity experiencing fluctuations over the years. It wasn't until the late 1980s that the drink gained recognition as a classic American co*cktail, solidifying its status in the world of mixology.
Temperature Alteration: A Warm Twist
One intriguing variation highlighted in the article is the warm Old Fashioned. Traditionally served with ice, this twist involves topping the classic co*cktail with warm water. The addition of hot water is said to intensify the flavors of the drink, making it an ideal choice for a cool night. The warm water can be prepared by simmering it in a saucepan, dissolving sugar into it, and then incorporating bourbon or whiskey and bitters before garnishing and serving.
A Pleasurable Experience
The article concludes by inviting readers to have some fun with their Old Fashioned by trying this warm variation. The suggestion is to enjoy it on a chilly night, providing a delightful contrast to the usual cold iteration of the drink.
In conclusion, the Old Fashioned, with its rich history, adaptability, and the constant innovation brought by mixologists, continues to captivate enthusiasts like myself. The article beautifully captures the essence of this iconic co*cktail and invites readers to embrace the evolving nature of mixology.
