Lena Savoie
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that traditionally features bourbon or rye whiskey, although other spirits can be used. The drink is typically sweetened with sugar or simple syrup, and balanced with bitters. The original recipe is thought to have been popularised in the late 1700s, when it was fashionable to add a few dashes of bitters to a glass of whiskey. Over time, the recipe evolved, and by the 1880s it was being served with ice in a rocks glass and garnished with an orange slice or cherry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Alcohol | Whiskey |
| Whiskey Types | Bourbon, Rye, Irish, or Blended Whiskey |
| Other Alcohol Options | Brandy, Gin, Rum |
| Other Ingredients | Bitters, Sugar or Simple Syrup, Orange Slice or Zest, Lemon Peel, Maraschino Cherry |
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What You'll Learn
The original recipe calls for whiskey
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that traditionally features whiskey—specifically, rye or bourbon. The cocktail is thought to have originated in the late 1700s when it was fashionable to add a few dashes of bitters to a glass of whiskey. Over time, the cocktail evolved into a more complex drink, but those seeking the original version continued to ask for an "Old-Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail".
The original recipe, therefore, calls for whiskey, with bourbon being the go-to whiskey choice. Bourbon is often favoured due to its relatively heavy body, which creates structure within the cocktail. Its natural sweetness also helps to counterbalance the more astringent elements of the bitters. As bourbon is aged in charred new oak barrels, it tends to take on notes of vanilla and caramel, which are brought out by the addition of sugar.
That being said, the whiskey of choice should be tailored to the profile of the drink desired. For an Old Fashioned with a spicier or drier finish, rye whiskey may be preferred. Rye whiskey is also a traditional choice, and some sources state that the original Old Fashioned recipe would have showcased the whiskey available in America in the 19th century: Irish, Bourbon, or rye whiskey.
While whiskey is the traditional spirit used in an Old Fashioned, other spirits can be used as a substitute. In Wisconsin, for example, brandy is often used instead of whiskey. This variation is sometimes called a "brandy old fashioned". Other spirits that can be used include gin and rum.
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Bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey are common
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that was invented in Louisville, Kentucky. It is traditionally made with whiskey, and bourbon is often the go-to whiskey choice. The relatively heavy body of the mostly corn-based spirit creates structure within the cocktail, and its natural sweetness helps to counterbalance the more astringent elements of the bitters. As bourbon is aged in charred new oak barrels, it tends to take on notes of vanilla and caramel, which are brought out by the addition of sugar. They also help to reduce the perceived heat of the alcohol, allowing the spirit's nuances to come through more cleanly.
However, the whiskey used in an Old Fashioned should be tailored to the profile of the drink desired. If you're looking for a spicier or drier finish, rye whiskey may be the ideal choice. Rye whiskey is also a traditional choice for an Old Fashioned. It is a common alternative to bourbon, with a spicier, drier finish. It is also a versatile option, as it can be used in place of bourbon in most cocktails.
Irish whiskey is another option for the alcohol in an Old Fashioned. The original Old Fashioned recipe would have showcased the whiskey available in America in the 19th century, which included Irish whiskey.
While bourbon, rye, and Irish whiskey are the most common choices for an Old Fashioned, other types of whiskey can also be used. For example, a blend or even a single malt Scotch whisky can fit the cocktail template well. Ultimately, the best whiskey for an Old Fashioned is a matter of personal preference.
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Brandy is sometimes used instead of whiskey
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that typically features whiskey, specifically rye or bourbon, as its base spirit. However, the drink has evolved over time, and today, it is common to substitute whiskey with other spirits like brandy, especially in Wisconsin, where the "Brandy Old Fashioned" or "Wisconsin Old Fashioned" is considered the state's unofficial drink.
The Old Fashioned is believed to have originated in the late 1700s when it was fashionable to add dashes of bitters to a glass of whiskey. Over time, the cocktail evolved, and by the 1860s, it was common to add liqueurs like orange curaçao and absinthe. As cocktails became more complex, drinkers accustomed to simpler drinks began requesting the original concoction, now referred to as "old-fashioned." The most popular "old-fashioned" cocktails of that time were made with whiskey, according to a Chicago bartender quoted in the Chicago Daily Tribune in 1882.
The Brandy Old Fashioned is believed to have originated in Wisconsin due to the influence of European immigrants who brought a taste for brandy with them. In 1893, at the Chicago World's Fair, the recently opened Korbel winery offered samples of their brandy, which became popular among Central European immigrants from Milwaukee. They brought it back to their home state and began using it in cocktails, including the Old Fashioned.
The Brandy Old Fashioned is made by muddling sugar, bitters, and orange with brandy and finishing with a pour of soda, creating a sparkling version of the classic cocktail. It is often garnished with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry, or both, although these modifications were introduced around 1930, after the original recipe was invented. While some recipes use orange zest for flavour, the practice of muddling orange and other fruits gained popularity in the 1990s.
Today, the Brandy Old Fashioned remains a popular variation of the classic whiskey-based Old Fashioned, showcasing the versatility of the cocktail and its ability to adapt to different spirits and regional preferences.
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The cocktail is sweetened with sugar or syrup
The old-fashioned cocktail is typically sweetened with sugar or simple syrup. The sugar is usually in the form of a sugar cube, but granulated sugar can also be used. The sugar is muddled with bitters and a small amount of water before the whiskey is added. The simple syrup is often store-bought, but it can also be made at home using plain white sugar or brown sugar.
The sugar or syrup is an important component of the cocktail as it softens the whiskey, reducing the heat of the alcohol and allowing the more subtle elements of the spirit to shine through. The sugar also creates a more viscous mouthfeel. The bitters added to the cocktail temper the sweetness of the sugar, preventing the drink from becoming cloying and adding depth of flavour.
While the old-fashioned is typically made with whiskey, there are many variations on the cocktail. Some recipes call for the use of other spirits, such as brandy, gin, or rum. When using a sweeter spirit like rum, the amount of simple syrup in the cocktail may need to be reduced.
The old-fashioned is a classic cocktail that is known for its simplicity. It is typically made with just a few main ingredients: whiskey, sugar or simple syrup, bitters, and an optional orange peel or cherry garnish. The key to a perfect old-fashioned is finding the right balance between the spirit, sugar, and bitters.
The old-fashioned is thought to have originated in the late 1700s when it became fashionable to add a few dashes of bitters to a glass of whiskey. Over time, the cocktail evolved and became known as the "'old-fashioned' whiskey cocktail". Today, the old-fashioned is a popular and well-loved drink that can be found on cocktail menus around the world.
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Aromatic bitters add depth to the cocktail
The original old-fashioned cocktail is a simple drink, with just three or four main ingredients: whiskey, sugar or simple syrup, bitters, and an optional orange peel or cherry garnish. The whiskey used is typically bourbon or rye, although some recipes call for Irish, Scotch, or blended whiskey.
The cocktail's creation is linked to the proliferation of both whiskey and commercial bitters, which have medicinal origins. Aromatic bitters were created by steeping herbs, barks, botanicals, and other plant extracts in spirits, and were often mixed with water or other ingredients to create a curative.
Angostura bitters are a popular choice for an old-fashioned, although Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Bitters are a good alternative during the winter or holiday season, as they contain more cinnamon and clove.
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Frequently asked questions
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that typically includes bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar or simple syrup, bitters, and an orange slice or maraschino cherry garnish.
The original Old Fashioned cocktail is made with whiskey, specifically Irish, Bourbon, or rye whiskey.
The Old Fashioned cocktail is believed to have originated in the late 1700s when it was fashionable to add a few dashes of bitters to a glass of whiskey. Over time, it evolved into a cocktail served with ice in a rocks glass.
Common variations of the Old Fashioned include substituting brandy or gin for whiskey, adding soda or still water, or using brown sugar or maple syrup instead of simple syrup.
The best whiskey to use for an Old Fashioned is a matter of personal preference. You can use rye or bourbon whiskey, depending on your taste.
