How to Make an Old Fashioned: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The old fashioned is a classic drink that has been around since the 1800s. With its complex flavor profile and simple preparation, it’s no wonder why the old fashioned remains one of the most popular cocktails today. It is a whiskey-based drink that combines sugar, bitters, and citrus with either rye or bourbon whiskey. To make an old fashioned, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and tools. The ingredients you’ll need include a sugar cube, orange slice, cherry, orange bitters, Angostura bitters, rye or bourbon whiskey, and club soda. As for tools, you will need a muddler, bar spoon, jigger, and rocks glass.

History of the Old Fashioned

The old fashioned originated in the early 1800s and has had a long history of evolution over the years. According to The Oxford Companion to American Food and Drink, the first known mention of the old fashioned appeared in a Wisconsin newspaper in 1881. The article featured a recipe for “whisky cocktail,” which was essentially the same as the modern-day old fashioned. Throughout the years, the recipe for the old fashioned has evolved to include different variations such as whiskey-based versions and gin-based versions.

Muddling

Before you can start mixing your old fashioned, you must first muddle the ingredients. Muddling is a process that involves crushing and mixing the ingredients together to release their flavors. To muddle the ingredients for an old fashioned, you’ll need to add the sugar cube, orange slice, and cherry into the glass. Then, using a muddler, press and twist the ingredients to break them down and mix them together. Be sure not to muddle too hard or for too long as this can result in a bitter taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have the ingredients prepared, it’s time to start making your old fashioned. First, you’ll want to prepare the glass by adding a few ice cubes. Next, you’ll add the rye or bourbon whiskey, orange bitters, Angostura bitters, and the muddled ingredients into the glass. Using a bar spoon, stir the ingredients together until they are fully combined. Finally, add a splash of club soda and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

Variations of the Old Fashioned

While the classic version of the old fashioned is typically made with rye or bourbon whiskey, there are many variations of the drink that use different types of liquor. For example, you can make a whiskey-based old fashioned with rye whiskey, Canadian whiskey, or even Scotch whisky. If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can also make a gin-based old fashioned with a dry gin. You can also play around with the type of bitters used and the amount of sugar added to the drink.

Tips for Making a Perfect Old Fashioned

Making an old fashioned is all about finding the perfect balance of flavors. To ensure you make a perfect old fashioned every time, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, choose a good quality rye or bourbon whiskey. Second, use high-quality ice cubes to chill the drink. Third, find the perfect balance of flavors by experimenting with different variations of the drink. And lastly, don’t forget to garnish your old fashioned with an orange slice and cherry!

Conclusion

Making an old fashioned is a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic cocktail. With its rich history and complex flavor profile, the old fashioned is sure to please any cocktail enthusiast. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make a perfect old fashioned every time.