Mason Delacroix
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with just three main ingredients: spirit, sugar, and bitters. It is traditionally made with whiskey, but other spirits like bourbon, rye, rum, gin, and brandy can also be used. The best alcohol for an Old Fashioned depends on personal preference, but generally, a high-quality whiskey with a higher strength and bold flavor is recommended to complement the other ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol base | Whiskey, bourbon, rye whiskey, brandy, rum, gin |
| Whiskey type | Barrel-strength, barrel proof, flavoured, rye-forward, Irish, American |
| Whiskey brands | Four Roses, Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, Hudson Baby Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Elijah Craig, Crown Royal, Alberta Premium, Powers Rye, Bluebird Distilling, Uncle Nearest, Hirsch, Cooper’s Craft, Old Forester, Michter’s, Yellow Rose, Milam & Greene, Old Elk, Old Grand-Dad, Old Overholt, TX Whiskey |
| Whiskey ABV | 46% |
| Whiskey proof | Between 90 and 105 proof |
| Sugar | Sugar cube, simple syrup, brown sugar simple syrup, Demerara sugar |
| Bitters | Angostura bitters |
| Garnish | Orange slice, orange twist, orange peel, lemon twist, cherry, Luxardo cherry, maraschino cherry |
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What You'll Learn
Bourbon or rye whiskey
Whiskey, in general, is a versatile spirit that can be used in an Old Fashioned, but bourbon and rye whiskey are the most popular choices. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is typically made from a mash of corn, rye, and malt barley, and aged in charred oak barrels. It has a sweet, caramel-like flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in an Old Fashioned. Rye whiskey, on the other hand, is a spicier type of whiskey that adds a bold and distinctive flavour to the cocktail.
When choosing a whiskey for an Old Fashioned, it is important to consider its strength and flavour. A higher-proof whiskey, such as Knob Creek Rye, is often preferred as it can better withstand the dilution from the ice and the addition of other ingredients. Flavoured whiskeys, such as the Journeyman Distillery Pit-Spitter Cherry Flavoured Whiskey, can also be used to create unique variations of the cocktail.
While bourbon and rye whiskey are the traditional choices, other types of whiskey and even other spirits can be used to create interesting variations of the Old Fashioned. Some popular alternatives include gin, brandy, and aged rum, each bringing their unique flavour profiles to the cocktail. Ultimately, the best alcohol for an Old Fashioned is a matter of personal preference, and experimentation is encouraged to find your favourite variation of this classic cocktail.
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Aged rum
While whiskey, bourbon, or rye are the traditional choices for an Old Fashioned, aged rum is a fantastic alternative. The depth and richness that a dark, aged rum brings to the cocktail make it a unique and interesting option.
When making an Old Fashioned with aged rum, you can follow the classic recipe. Start by stirring simple syrup, water, and bitters in a glass. Add ice cubes and your spirit of choice, in this case, aged rum. Finally, add your chosen garnish.
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Brandy
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that is traditionally made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist. However, there are many variations of this drink, and brandy is one of the alternative spirits that can be used to create a delicious Old Fashioned.
When making a brandy Old Fashioned, it is important to use a good-quality brandy that will complement the other ingredients in the cocktail. The brandy should have a strong flavour that can stand up to the bitters and citrus. A higher-proof brandy may be preferred by those who want a stronger and more intense cocktail.
To make a brandy Old Fashioned, simply stir together the brandy, simple syrup or sugar, bitters, and a small amount of water in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Fill a rocks or Old Fashioned glass with ice, and strain the cocktail into the glass. Finally, garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.
The brandy Old Fashioned is a great option for those who want to enjoy a classic cocktail with a unique twist. It is a simple drink to make and can be customised to your taste preferences, making it a perfect choice for cocktail enthusiasts.
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Gin
While whiskey, bourbon, or rye are the traditional bases for an Old Fashioned, some people like to experiment with other spirits. One such alternative is gin.
The gin's flavour will be complemented by the other ingredients in the cocktail, particularly the bitters and citrus. You can use a sugar cube or simple syrup, depending on your preference. If you use a sugar cube, muddle it with the bitters first, until the sugar is dissolved. If you opt for simple syrup, you can skip this step.
Add two ounces of gin and fill the glass with ice, then stir until well-chilled. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice. Finally, add your garnish. A classic Old Fashioned is garnished with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry, but you can experiment with different garnishes, such as a lemon twist or a basil leaf.
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Proof and flavour
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with just three main ingredients: spirit, sugar, and bitters. However, the type of alcohol used can vary, and each will bring its own unique flavour profile to the drink.
Whiskey, bourbon, or rye are traditional bases for an Old Fashioned. Whiskey connoisseurs tend to favour high-proof rye whiskeys, such as Knob Creek, for a strong and intense drink. The long ageing process lends a rich and robust flavour profile to the cocktail, with notes of spice, oak, and caramel. Bourbon, meanwhile, is a good choice for those who prefer a smooth and mellow drink. A high-proof bourbon such as Four Roses Single Barrel will add bold flavours that stand up to dilution. Woodford Reserve is another popular choice, with its premium bourbon adding depth and richness to the cocktail. For a more affordable option, Maker's Mark bourbon whiskey is a good choice.
For something a little different, aged rum is a great alternative base for an Old Fashioned. The dark rum adds depth and richness to the cocktail, although the overall sweetness of the drink may need to be adjusted. Gin and brandy are also used in Old Fashioneds, although less commonly.
When it comes to proof, a higher alcohol percentage is generally preferred for an Old Fashioned. A whiskey with at least 90 proof is recommended to prevent the drink from becoming too diluted as the ice melts. Anywhere between 95 and 105 proof seems to be a sweet spot, allowing the cocktail's components to express themselves nicely.
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Frequently asked questions
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that typically contains whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a citrus twist. It is often served with ice and garnished with an orange peel and a cherry.
Some popular choices for whiskies in an Old Fashioned include Knob Creek Rye, Four Roses Single Barrel, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, and Crown Royal.
Yes, while whiskey is traditional, you can experiment with other alcohols such as gin, brandy, rum, or even mezcal. Dark, aged rum is particularly recommended.
The key to a good Old Fashioned is balance. Ensure your ice is clean and be mindful of the amount of citrus used so it doesn't overwhelm the drink. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, or try adding stone fruits or liqueur.
