How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail

When it comes to classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned is right at the top of the list. It’s a timeless drink that’s perfect for sipping on a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party. If you’re looking to up your bartending game, mastering the art of the Old Fashioned is a must.

But don’t let its name fool you, making an Old Fashioned is actually quite simple. All you need is a few basic ingredients and some patience to enjoy the perfectly balanced flavors. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making an Old Fashioned, so you can impress your friends and feel like a seasoned mixologist.

Making an old fashioned is an art that requires some skill and patience, but the end result is worth the effort. In this section, we will delve into the steps involved in making a perfect old fashioned. To make a perfect old fashioned, you need to pay attention to the following:

Choosing the right glassware

The first step in making an old fashioned is selecting the right glass. A rocks glass or tumbler is ideal for serving an old fashioned. The glass should be thick and sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the ice and the muddling without breaking.

Choosing the right whiskey

The second step in making an old fashioned is selecting the right whiskey. A good rye or bourbon is essential to make a perfect old fashioned. The whiskey should have a high level of alcohol content and should be a minimum of 100 proof.

Choosing the right sweetener

The third step in making an old fashioned is selecting the right sweetener. The traditional sweetener for an old fashioned is a sugar cube. However, you can also use simple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener.

Choosing the right bitters

The fourth step in making an old fashioned is selecting the right bitters. Angostura bitters are commonly used in old fashioned, but you can experiment with other bitters such as orange bitters or Peychaud’s bitters.

Preparing the garnish

The fifth step in making an old fashioned is preparing the garnish. A classic garnish for an old fashioned is an orange peel. You can also use a lemon peel, a cherry or a combination of these.

Muddling the sugar cube and bitters

The sixth step in making an old fashioned is muddling the sugar cube and bitters. Place the sugar cube in the glass and add three dashes of bitters. Add a splash of water and muddle the mixture until the sugar has dissolved.

Adding ice to the glass

The seventh step in making an old fashioned is adding ice to the glass. Add a large ice cube to the glass and stir it well with a bar spoon.

Adding the whiskey to the glass

The eighth step in making an old fashioned is adding the whiskey to the glass. Pour the whiskey into the glass and stir it well with a bar spoon.

Adding the garnish to the glass

The ninth step in making an old fashioned is adding the garnish to the glass. Squeeze the orange peel over the glass to release its oils and then place it in the glass.

Serving the old fashioned

The tenth step in making an old fashioned is serving the drink. Serve the old fashioned immediately with a straw or sip it slowly to enjoy its rich flavors and aroma.

In conclusion, making an old fashioned is not difficult if you pay attention to the details. By following these ten steps, you can make a perfect old fashioned at home and impress your friends with your bartending skills. So, try this recipe and enjoy your drink!

Ingredients for an Old Fashioned

Before we dive into the process of making an old fashioned, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that you’ll need. While some variations of the classic cocktail may exist, the following ingredients are what you would traditionally need to make a classic old fashioned.

Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

Bourbon is the most popular choice for an old fashioned, but rye whiskey works just as well. The sweetness of the cocktail you’ll create really depends on the type of whiskey you choose.
Rye whiskey is drier and spicier compared to bourbon. If you like a sweeter cocktail, go for the bourbon. On the other hand, for a dryer and spicier taste, rye whiskey is the way to go. Choose one that suits your personal preference, as both will give you an excellent old fashioned.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a 1:1 mixture of sugar and water. It’s a must-have ingredient in an old fashioned as it provides sweetness that balances the bitterness of the whiskey. You can also make your own simple syrup at home by dissolving equal parts of sugar and water over low heat.

Bitters

Bitters are essential to make an old fashioned. Originally, old fashioned was made with Angostura bitters. However, today other bitters like orange, chocolate, and aromatic bitters are also popular. Bitters bring a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cocktail- a few dashes can make a world of a difference.

Orange Peel

An orange peel is a crucial garnish for an old fashioned. It adds a bright citrusy aroma to the cocktail and balances the bitterness with sweetness. Be sure to use an orange peel and not the flesh of the fruit.

Cube Sugar or Demerara Sugar

Some people prefer using cube sugar or demerara sugar instead of simple syrup. The advantage of using sugar cubes or demerara sugar is that they add texture and a sweet crunch to the cocktail.

Ice Cubes

No cocktail is complete without ice cubes. Fill your glass with ice cubes before adding the whiskey and other ingredients. It’s important to note that the size of the ice cubes is essential. Larger ice cubes melt slowly, which helps prevent dilution and creates a better flavor.

Cherries

Maraschino cherries are a popular garnish in old-fashioned cocktails today. They add a little sweetness and also enliven the visual appeal of the drink. Place a cherry on top of the orange peel and use both to stir the cocktail.

Orange Twist

An orange twist is another popular garnish for an old fashioned. This technique is done by peeling a slice of an orange and running it around the rim of the glass. Essential oil from the orange rind will be release, providing an extra layer of deep citrus aroma to the cocktail.

A Stirrer

A stirrer is an essential tool you’ll need to mix the ingredients in your old fashioned cocktail. Use a bar spoon with a long handle to stir the ingredients gently- it’s essential to prevent breaking down the ice cubes during the mixing process.

A Rocks Glass

Finally, serving your old fashioned in a rocks glass is essential. The heavy bottom glass allows the cocktail to hold ice cubes and garnishes without spilling, and the wide rim gives room for the garnishes. A classic look rocks glass would be ideal for serving a traditional old fashioned cocktail.

Important ingredients for Old Fashioned

Old Fashioned cocktail is a perfect blend of various alcoholic ingredients that create a unique taste. It is made with a base of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. However, there are various variations of Old Fashioned with different types of alcohols, but whiskey is the most commonly used one. In this section, we will discuss essential ingredients in detail.

Whiskey

Choosing the right whiskey is the key to making a perfect Old Fashioned. Bourbon is the most widely used type of whiskey, and it has a sweet flavor that complements well with other ingredients. However, you can also use other types such as rye, Canadian whiskey, or Scotch whisky, depending on your preference. It’s important to ensure that the whiskey is of good quality.

Bitters

Bitters are aromatic liquids made with a combination of herbs, spices, and fruit peels. Angostura bitters are the most commonly used bitters in Old Fashioned, and they add a unique flavor profile to the drink. However, there are other types of bitters available, such as orange, Peychaud’s, and chocolate bitters, that you can use to experiment with the taste.

Sugar

Sugar is an essential ingredient in making Old Fashioned as it makes the drink sweeter. You can use a simple syrup, demerara syrup, or granulated sugar to add sweetness to your drink. A sugar cube is also an excellent substitute for sugar, and you can muddle it with bitters before adding other ingredients.

Water

Water is added to the Old Fashioned to dilute the strong whiskey flavor. You can use still or sparkling water depending on your preference to adjust the drink’s strength.

Garnish

Adding a garnish to Old Fashioned gives it a pop of color and extra flavor. Orange peel, lemon peel, and cherry are the most common garnishes. However, some people also use pineapple, apricot, or strawberry garnish to add a unique twist to their drink.

So these are the important ingredients for making a perfect Old Fashioned. If you have all these ingredients in your bar, you can create your own signature version of the classic cocktail that stands out from the rest. Experimenting with different blends of ingredients can create variations of flavors that can make the drink more enjoyable to drink.

Cheers to a Perfect Old Fashioned

Now that you know how to make an old fashioned cocktail, why not give it a go at home? Invite some friends over and impress them with your skills and signature drink. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to your liking. Thanks for reading, and make sure to visit again for more lively and entertaining articles. Until next time, sip and enjoy!