How to Make an Old Fashioned Drink

If you’re looking for a classic cocktail that never goes out of style, an Old Fashioned is definitely the right choice. One of the oldest cocktails in the books, the Old Fashioned has been around since the early 1800s. Its timeless taste and simple recipe has made it a popular choice for mixologists and home bartenders alike.

The Old Fashioned is traditionally made with whiskey (usually bourbon or rye), bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus zest. The ingredients may seem simple, but the key to a great Old Fashioned is all in the execution. Here’s how to make an Old Fashioned that will impress any cocktail connoisseur.

Old-fashioned cocktails have an air of sophistication that can turn any drinker into a connoisseur. They are easy to make at home, and with a little bit of practice, you can perfect your own recipe that will impress your guests. In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make an old-fashioned, so you can enjoy this timeless drink anytime you want.

Choose Your Whiskey

The first step to making an old-fashioned is selecting the right whiskey. You want a whiskey that is smooth, complex, and has a balanced flavour. Traditionally, bourbon is the preferred whiskey of choice for an old-fashioned, but rye whiskey can also be used. It is essential to ensure that the whiskey you choose is of good quality as it will greatly impact the taste of the cocktail.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make a classic old-fashioned, you will need sugar, bitters, a slice of orange, a cherry, and ice cubes. You may also choose to add a splash of water or soda for extra fizz. Make sure all your ingredients are fresh and high-quality for the best results.

Preparation

Begin by preparing your cocktail glass. An old-fashioned is traditionally served in a short tumbler glass, also known as an old-fashioned glass. Once you have your glass, add sugar and bitters to the bottom. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to mash the sugar into the bitters, releasing the flavour.

Add Your Whiskey

Once the sugar and bitters are well combined, add your whiskey to the glass. Stir the mixture with a cocktail stirrer or spoon to combine all the ingredients.

Add Ice

Now it’s time to add ice to your old-fashioned. You can use a single large ice cube or several small ones. The ice will chill the drink and provide the perfect dilution.

Garnish Your Cocktail

A classic old-fashioned wouldn’t be complete without a slice of orange and a cherry garnish. Cut a slice of orange and place it at the bottom of your glass, add a cherry on top. The garnishes will add a pop of colour and a fresh aroma to your old-fashioned.

Give It a Double Strain

To ensure your drink is smooth and silky, use a cocktail strainer to remove any small ice chips and any fruit pulp from your drink. It will keep any small bits from getting in your mouth and spoil the experience of the cocktail.

Smell the Cocktail

Before taking a sip of your newly made old-fashioned, swirl the glass to release the aroma and take in the scent. This will add to the overall experience of your cocktail.

Sip and Enjoy

Now that you have made your own old-fashioned, it’s time to kick back, take a sip, and enjoy the delicate flavours of whiskey, orange and bitters. You can adjust the recipe to your taste by adding more sugar, bitters, or water.

Experiment with Variations

Once you have mastered the classic old-fashioned, you can experiment with different variations by adding various fruits or spices. You can experiment with different whiskey too, to bring out the undertones of each dram, and adjust the ratio of sugar, ice, and bitters to suit your taste.

The old-fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. With a few simple steps and good quality ingredients, you can make your own old-fashioned, impress your guests and enjoy a truly timeless drink. Cheers!

Section 2: Ingredients and Equipment Needed

What You’ll Need to Make an Old Fashioned

Now that you know the history and evolution of the Old Fashioned, let’s dive into the ingredients and equipment you need to make this timeless classic. A typical Old Fashioned recipe consists of just a few simple ingredients, but the quality of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating a great-tasting cocktail.

1. Whiskey

The base of the Old Fashioned is whiskey. Although any whiskey can be used, bourbon is the most commonly used for its sweetness and smooth profile. Rye whiskey, on the other hand, has a spicier taste and a drier texture, which makes it ideal for people who like a little kick in their drink.

2. Simple Syrup

To balance the strong taste of whiskey, you need a sweetener. Simple syrup is made by dissolving equal parts of granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also use a sugar cube or a teaspoon of granulated sugar instead of simple syrup.

3. Bitters

Bitters are a key ingredient in an Old Fashioned cocktail. Just a few drops add complexity, depth, and a hint of bitterness to the drink. Using a high-quality bitters like Angostura or Peychaud’s will make a noticeable difference in the final product.

4. Water or Club Soda

Some people like to add a splash of water or club soda to dilute the alcohol and make the cocktail less strong.

5. Ice

You need ice to chill the drink and dilute it gradually, which helps soften the alcohol’s punch.

6. Orange Peel and Maraschino Cherries

Garnishes are optional, but they add a nice touch to the presentation. You can use a slice of orange, a lemon twist, or even a cherry on a toothpick. Many people add an orange peel, a cherry, and a dash of bitters to their Old Fashioned cocktails, so that’s a good place to start.

Additionally, having the right equipment is essential to make the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail. Here are some tools you’ll need:

1. Mixing Glass or Pitcher

You can use a mixing glass or a pitcher to mix the ingredients together. One that holds at least 16 ounces is ideal.

2. Bar Spoon

A bar spoon is a long-handled spoon ideal for stirring the cocktail to combine all the ingredients.

3. Strainer

A strainer helps you pour the cocktail into the glass without any ice or pulp.

4. Jigger

A jigger is a measuring tool commonly used in bars to measure the exact amount of ingredients required for the cocktail.

Now that you know the ingredients and tools required to make an Old Fashioned cocktail, let’s move on to the next section: The Recipe.

The Classic Old Fashioned Ingredients

Making an old fashioned cocktail is one of the easiest and quickest cocktails you can make, as it requires only a few ingredients. Here are the classic old fashioned ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious drink:

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making the perfect old fashioned cocktail.

Choosing the Right Whiskey or Bourbon

The first thing you need to do when making an old fashioned cocktail is to choose the right whiskey or bourbon. The classic old fashioned cocktail is made with bourbon, but you can use any whiskey of your choice.

When selecting your whiskey or bourbon, you want to choose one that has a strong and distinct flavor, as this will be the main component of the drink. The best whiskey or bourbon for an old fashioned is one that has been aged for at least four years, as it will have a smoother and richer taste.

Preparing Your Sugar Cube or Simple Syrup

The second ingredient you need to prepare is your sugar cube or simple syrup. You can choose to use a sugar cube or make a simple syrup, which is just sugar and water heated together until the sugar has dissolved.

To prepare your sugar cube, place the cube in a mixing glass, add the bitters, and muddle until the sugar is dissolved. If you’re using simple syrup, add it to the mixing glass directly.

Adding Bitters to Your Cocktail

Bitters are essential to an old fashioned cocktail, as they add a unique flavor and aroma to the drink. Angostura bitters are the most common bitters used in an old fashioned cocktail.

To add bitters to your cocktail, simply place 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the sugar cube or into the mixing glass if you’re using simple syrup.

Stirring Your Cocktail to Perfection

Once all the ingredients are in the mixing glass, you need to stir your cocktail to perfection. Stirring the cocktail properly is essential to ensure that all the ingredients are mixed well, and the drink is chilled to the proper temperature.

To stir your cocktail, fill the mixing glass with ice and stir it with a bar spoon for about 30-40 seconds. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.

Garnishing Your Cocktail

Now that your old fashioned cocktail is ready, it’s time to add the finishing touch – the garnish. The most common garnish for an old fashioned is an orange peel.

To garnish your cocktail, simply twist an orange peel over the glass to release the oils, rub the peel around the rim of the glass, and drop it into the drink.

Now that you’ve learned how to make a classic old fashioned cocktail, you can impress your family and friends with your cocktail-making skills!

Bottoms Up!

Now that you know how to make an old fashioned, go ahead and impress your friends with your new mixology skills. Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment with different variations until you find your perfect blend. And when you do, don’t forget to raise your glass in thanks to the creator of this classic cocktail. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to visit us again for more tips and tricks to up your cocktail game. Cheers!