The Old Fashioned Drink: A Historical Evolution and Recipe Guide

Historical Perspective

Whether you’re a fan of the hit TV drama Mad Men or just enjoy a stiff drink after work, chances are you’re familiar with the Old Fashioned drink. This classic cocktail has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 1800s. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of the Old Fashioned, from its origins to the modern-day recipe.

Introduction

The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails in American history. Although its recipe has evolved over time, the basic ingredients of whiskey, sugar, and bitters have remained a constant. In this article, we’ll explore the history of this classic drink and provide a step-by-step guide to making it at home. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a trip down memory lane!

The Evolution of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned cocktail has its roots in the early 1800s, when a simple blend of sugar, water, and bitters was commonly used to mask the harsh taste of low-quality liquor. Over time, whiskey became the liquor of choice for this concoction. In the 1860s, bartenders began adding muddled fruit to the mix, and the Old Fashioned as we know it was born.

The first recorded recipe for an Old Fashioned appeared in a book called The Bartender’s Guide by Jerry Thomas in 1862. The recipe called for a lump of sugar, bitters, water, and a piece of lemon peel, all of which were mashed together in a glass before adding ice and whiskey. This original recipe remained popular for several decades, but eventually, bartenders began adding additional ingredients such as orange slices, maraschino cherries, and soda water. By the 1930s, the Old Fashioned had become a sweet, fruity drink that bore little resemblance to its original form.

Thankfully, a resurgence of interest in classic cocktails in the 1990s led to a revival of the Old Fashioned’s original recipe. Today, most bartenders make the Old Fashioned with a sugar cube, bitters, and a splash of water. The cube is muddled with the bitters and water until dissolved, then bourbon or rye whiskey is added, along with a large ice cube and a twist of citrus peel. Some bartenders also add a splash of soda water or a drop of absinthe to the mix for added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a simple blend of sugar, water, bitters, and low-quality liquor, the Old Fashioned has evolved into a timeless classic that’s enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Although variations of the recipe have come and gone over the years, the basic concept of a whiskey-based cocktail with a sugar-and-bitters base has stood the test of time.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Now that you know a bit about the history of the Old Fashioned cocktail, it’s time to learn how to make one yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this classic drink at home:

Introduction

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s review a bit of what we’ve learned in the previous section. The Old Fashioned cocktail is a simple combination of bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus peel. In this section, we’ll provide a more in-depth look at the ingredients you’ll need and the steps required to make the perfect Old Fashioned.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make an Old Fashioned cocktail:

• 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey
• 1 large ice cube
• 1 twist of citrus peel (lemon or orange)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Place the sugar cube or simple syrup in an Old Fashioned glass
2. Add 2-3 dashes of bitters and a splash of water
3. Muddle the sugar and bitters until dissolved
4. Add a large ice cube to the glass
5. Pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey and stir gently to combine
6. Garnish with a twist of citrus peel

Notes on the Recipe

If you’re using a sugar cube for your Old Fashioned, it’s important to muddle it thoroughly to ensure it dissolves completely. Some bartenders prefer to use simple syrup instead, as it’s easier to work with and ensures a consistent flavor throughout the drink.

When choosing your whiskey, opt for a high-quality bourbon or rye. The whiskey is the star of the show in an Old Fashioned, so you’ll want to choose a brand that you enjoy sipping on its own. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with other types of liquor, such as tequila or rum. Just remember to adjust the other ingredients to suit the flavor profile of your chosen spirit.

Variations of the Old Fashioned

Although the original Old Fashioned recipe is delicious as-is, there are many ways to get creative with this classic cocktail. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular variations of the Old Fashioned.

Introduction

Cocktail enthusiasts and mixologists have been experimenting with the Old Fashioned recipe for decades, adding new twists on the classic blend of whiskey, sugar, and bitters. Here are just a few of the many variations you can try:

Different Ways to Modify the Recipe

• Swap the bourbon or rye whiskey for tequila for a Mexican twist on the classic
• Try different types of bitters, such as orange or chocolate
• Add a splash of ginger ale for a refreshing twist on the original
• Top with a splash of red wine for a Spanish-style “sangaree”

Conclusion

While purists may scoff at the idea of modifying the classic Old Fashioned recipe, there’s no denying that some of these variations can be absolutely delicious. So pour yourself a drink and start experimenting!

Behind the Bar

If you’re serious about your drinks, there’s no better place to go for tips and tricks than behind the bar. In this section, we’ll chat with a mixologist or bartender to get their take on the best practices for building a perfect Old Fashioned.

Introduction

Every bartender has their own tricks for making the perfect Old Fashioned. Here are some insights from one experienced mixologist:

Interview with a Mixologist or Bartender

Q: What’s your preferred method for making an Old Fashioned?

A: I like to use a sugar cube and muddle it with the bitters and a few drops of water until it’s completely dissolved. Then I add the whiskey and a large ice cube, and give it a good stir before garnishing with a twist of citrus peel.

Q: Do you have any tips for choosing the right whiskey?

A: Definitely. I prefer to use bourbon for my Old Fashioneds, but some people prefer rye whiskey for a spicier flavor. In general, you’ll want to choose a whiskey that’s high-quality and smooth, with enough complexity to shine through in the cocktail.

Q: How do you like to garnish your Old Fashioned?

A: I usually use a orange or lemon twist, but you can experiment with other fruit peels to find the perfect match for your chosen whiskey.

Conclusion

While every bartender has their own approach to making the perfect Old Fashioned, there are some key ingredients and techniques that are essential to the recipe. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Old Fashioned that’s sure to impress your guests.

Pair it with Food

Finally, no cocktail is complete without some delicious snacks to enjoy alongside it. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best foods to pair with an Old Fashioned cocktail.

Introduction

The Old Fashioned is a strong, bold cocktail that pairs well with savory and spicy flavors. Here are just a few ideas for snacks and meals that go well with this classic drink:

Examples of Snacks to Enjoy with an Old Fashioned

• Salted nuts or popcorn
• Spicy beef jerky
• Sharp cheddar cheese and crackers
• Olives or pickled vegetables

Full Meal Pairings

• Grilled pork chops with a side of sweet potato mash and green beans
• Bourbon-glazed salmon served with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes
• Blackened chicken served over creamy grits and collard greens

Conclusion

Pairing an Old Fashioned with the right foods can enhance the flavors in both the drink and the food.