Theo Nash
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail, typically made with bourbon, rye, or a blended whiskey, and garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. The cocktail is thought to have originated in the early 1800s, with the name coming into use in the mid-1800s as a reaction to more complicated cocktails that were gaining popularity. The drink is characterised by its simplicity, requiring only a few key ingredients: spirit, sugar, and bitters. The key to a perfect Old Fashioned is balancing these three elements, allowing the nuances of the spirit to shine through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Alcohol | Whiskey, Bourbon, Rye, Scotch, or Brandy |
| Base Alcohol | Whiskey |
| Other Ingredients | Bitters, Water, Sugar, Fruit |
| Glassware | Rocks Glass, Lowball Glass |
| Garnish | Orange Slice, Orange Twist, Orange Peel, Maraschino Cherry, Lemon Twist, Nutmeg |
| Ice | Cubes, Spheres |
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What You'll Learn
Bourbon
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail, typically made with whiskey. It is believed to have originated in the early 1800s, with its name coming into use in the mid-1800s as a reaction to the more complicated cocktails that were gaining popularity. The drink is said to have been created in Louisville, Kentucky, and is now the official cocktail of the city of Louisville.
When it comes to the whiskey used in an Old Fashioned, bourbon is often the preferred choice. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is primarily made from corn, giving it a relatively heavy body. It is aged in charred new oak barrels, which impart notes of vanilla and caramel. These flavours are enhanced by the addition of sugar, which is a key ingredient in an Old Fashioned. The natural sweetness of bourbon also helps to balance the bitterness of the cocktail, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.
To make an Old Fashioned with bourbon, you would typically start by stirring together simple syrup or sugar, water, and bitters in a glass. Then, add ice cubes and pour in two ounces of bourbon. Finally, garnish the cocktail with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Some people also like to add a twist of orange peel, expressing the oil over the cocktail's surface before dropping it in.
While bourbon is a popular choice for an Old Fashioned, you can also use other types of whiskey, such as rye, or even blended whiskey. The type of whiskey you choose can be tailored to the profile of the drink you desire. For example, if you prefer a spicier or drier finish, rye whiskey may be a better option.
The Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that has endured for centuries, and its simple recipe allows for endless variations and personal touches.
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Rye whiskey
There are several different brands of rye whiskey that are recommended for an Old Fashioned. Basil Hayden Dark Rye, Bulliet rye, and Knob Creek rye are all suggested by drinkers as the best rye whiskeys for an Old Fashioned. Knob Creek rye is a high-proof whiskey, which means that it is perfect for those who want a strong and intense Old Fashioned. It is aged for about nine years, which lends it a rich and robust flavour profile, with notes of spice, oak, and caramel.
Jack Daniel's rye whiskey is also recommended for an Old Fashioned, as it has great balance and staying power, even through dilution. It also has deeper, unique notes of chocolate and a touch of molasses. Jim Beam rye whiskey is another option, which blends with bitters and a hint of sweetness to deliver a timeless cocktail with depth and character.
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Scotch
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail, typically made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water, and garnished with an orange slice or cherry. It is served with ice in a rocks glass.
The cocktail has been around since the 19th century, and its recipe has evolved over the years. While the traditional Old Fashioned is made with bourbon or rye whiskey, some variations include substituting these with Scotch whisky. The Scotch Old Fashioned has a smokier and oakier flavor than the original, along with a more mature flavor profile.
To make a Scotch Old Fashioned, you can follow a similar recipe as the classic Old Fashioned, simply substituting the bourbon or rye whiskey with Scotch whisky. Here is a recipe for a Scotch Old Fashioned:
In a rocks glass, muddle an orange slice, cherry, sugar, and bitters. Add ice. Pour Scotch and club soda into the glass, and stir until well-chilled. Garnish with an orange peel.
The key to a perfect Old Fashioned, regardless of the type of alcohol used, is finding the right balance between the trinity of elements: spirit, sugar, and bitters. The sugar softens the whiskey, creating a more viscous mouthfeel and allowing the subtler elements of the whiskey to shine through. The bitters, on the other hand, temper the sweetness of the sugar and add depth of flavor to the cocktail.
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Brandy
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that traditionally uses whiskey, but brandy is sometimes used as a substitute. In fact, the brandy Old Fashioned is so popular in Wisconsin that it was named the state's official cocktail in 2023.
The story goes that the brandy Old Fashioned originated at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, when Central European immigrants from Milwaukee sampled brandy from the recently opened Korbel winery and began using it to make cocktails. However, this story is likely false, and the practice probably began after World War II due to shortages of spirits other than brandy.
The Old Fashioned is made by muddling sugar with bitters and water, adding the spirit, and garnishing with an orange slice or zest and a cocktail cherry. It is traditionally served with ice in an old-fashioned glass (also known as a rocks glass).
The cocktail was developed in the 19th century and was originally called the "Old-Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail" to distinguish it from newer, more complex cocktails. Over time, the name was shortened to "Old Fashioned", and it became one of the most well-known cocktails in the world.
Today, the Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that can be made with a variety of spirits, including brandy, showcasing the harmony of spirit, sugar, and bitters.
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Gin
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that traditionally uses whiskey or brandy, but gin has become an increasingly popular alternative. The gin Old Fashioned is made with barrel-aged gin, preferably an Old Tom gin, which has been aged in wine or bourbon barrels and takes on a darker caramel colour. The cocktail is prepared by muddling sugar with bitters and a small amount of water, then adding the gin and stirring until the sugar has dissolved. The glass is then filled with ice and garnished with an orange peel or lemon peel. Some recipes recommend stirring the cocktail to limit dilution and using giant ice cubes that melt slower.
The gin Old Fashioned is described as "gin forward", with a dry and rich flavour profile. The use of barrel-aged gin adds a bittersweet flavour to the cocktail, with oak and spice notes. The Old Fashioned cocktail has a long history, dating back to the 19th century, and the name refers to the traditional method of preparation. While the classic cocktail uses whiskey or brandy, early recipes from the mid-19th century also included gin as an alternative spirit.
One recipe for a gin Old Fashioned includes the following ingredients: gin, demerara syrup (or simple syrup), orange bitters, and a lemon peel. The preparation method involves combining the gin, syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass or Boston shaker, filling the glass halfway with ice, and stirring vigorously about a dozen times. The cocktail is then strained into a double old-fashioned glass over a giant ice cube. Finally, the lemon peel is squeezed over the glass to extract the oils, and the rim of the glass is wiped with the peel before being added to the cocktail.
Another variation of the gin Old Fashioned uses celery bitters instead of the usual orange bitters, creating a unique flavour profile. This variation plays on the characteristics of the gin, showcasing the nuances of the spirit. The gin Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that can be customised to suit different taste preferences and gin styles.
The Old Fashioned cocktail has evolved over time, with different spirits and preparation methods being used. The use of gin in this classic cocktail adds a modern twist, offering a smooth and sultry drinking experience that is perfect for dim lights and late nights.
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Frequently asked questions
The Old Fashioned is traditionally made with whiskey, specifically bourbon, rye, or a blended whiskey. However, some variations include brandy, gin, or aged rum.
The cocktail typically includes sugar or simple syrup, bitters, water, and ice. It is often garnished with an orange slice or orange peel, and a maraschino cherry.
The process can vary, but a typical method is to stir simple syrup, water, and bitters in a glass, add ice, and then pour in the whiskey. Finally, add your chosen garnish.
The Old Fashioned is thought to have originated in the early 1800s, with the name appearing in the mid-1800s as a reaction to more complicated cocktails. It gained popularity in the late 1700s when it became fashionable to add bitters to whiskey.
Yes, the Wisconsin Old Fashioned includes fruit, such as muddled orange and cherry. Other variations include substituting the whiskey for brandy, gin, or aged rum, or using maple syrup or honey instead of sugar.
