Introduction
An old-fashioned drink is a cocktail that has been around since the late 1800s. It is typically made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. The drink has evolved over time and there are now many different variations of the classic cocktail. This article will explore the history of old-fashioned drinks, how to make the perfect one, and some of the most popular variations.
A History of Old Fashioned Drinks: Exploring The Traditional Cocktail
The old-fashioned drink dates back to the late 1800s when it was first created by a bartender in Louisville, Kentucky. According to Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh, author of Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails, “The Old-Fashioned was the original cocktail, and all other cocktails were simply variations on this theme.” He goes on to explain that “the original recipe called for a lump of sugar, two dashes of Angostura bitters, and a jigger of whiskey.”
Over time, the ingredients and proportions used in making an old-fashioned have changed slightly. In the 1930s, the drink began to be made with rye whiskey instead of bourbon. Later, in the 1940s, the recipe became more complex, calling for the addition of orange and lemon peels. Today, the drink is often made with a variety of liquors, including whiskey, brandy, gin, and rum.
How to Make the Perfect Old-Fashioned Drink
If you want to make the perfect old-fashioned drink, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ounces of your favorite liquor (whiskey, brandy, gin, or rum)
- ¼ ounce simple syrup or 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel
- Ice cubes
To make the drink, combine the liquor, simple syrup, and bitters in a rocks glass. Add the orange peel and muddle it into the mixture. Fill the glass with ice cubes and stir until chilled. Finally, garnish with an orange slice and serve.
10 Classic Old-Fashioned Drinks That Will Never Go Out of Style
When it comes to old-fashioned drinks, there are some classics that stand the test of time. Here are 10 of the best traditional old-fashioned drinks:
- Manhattan – A classic cocktail made with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
- Sazerac – A New Orleans original consisting of rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, and Peychaud’s bitters.
- Brandy Old-Fashioned – A sweeter version of the classic made with brandy, simple syrup, and bitters.
- Whiskey Sour – An old-fashioned drink made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Old-Fashioned Flip – A combination of whiskey, egg yolk, sugar, and nutmeg.
- Irish Coffee – A creamy concoction of Irish whiskey, coffee, and brown sugar.
- Pink Lady – A fruity mix of gin, lemon juice, grenadine, and egg white.
- Aviation – A unique blend of gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Ramos Gin Fizz – A fizzy cocktail with gin, lemon juice, lime juice, cream, sugar, orange flower water, and egg white.
- Blood and Sand – A smoky blend of scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, and orange juice.
The Best Old-Fashioned Drinks for a Summer Barbecue
If you’re looking for the perfect drinks to serve at a summer barbecue, look no further than these classic old-fashioned drinks:
- Daiquiri – A light and refreshing mix of rum, lime juice, and sugar.
- Margarita – A tart and tangy cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
- Mojito – A Cuban classic featuring rum, lime juice, mint, and soda water.
- Pina Colada – A tropical blend of rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
- Tequila Sunrise – A colorful mix of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
Exploring the Varieties of Old-Fashioned Drinks
Old-fashioned drinks can be made with a variety of different types of liquor, from whiskey and brandy to gin and rum. You can also experiment with different mixers and garnishes, such as juices, syrups, herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables. For example, you could try using cranberry juice or muddled strawberries in place of the simple syrup, or add a few drops of absinthe for an extra kick.
Celebrating the Classics: A Guide to Old-Fashioned Drinks
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic whiskey old-fashioned or something a little more adventurous, here’s a guide to some of the best old-fashioned drinks:
- Bourbon – Bourbon is a type of American whiskey made from corn and aged in charred oak barrels. It’s smooth and mellow, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
- Scotch – Scotch is a type of whiskey made in Scotland from malted barley. It has a smoky, peaty flavor and is usually enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.
- Gin – Gin is a juniper-flavored spirit made from a base of grain alcohol. It has a crisp, herbal flavor and is often paired with tonic water.
- Rum – Rum is a distilled spirit made from molasses or sugarcane juice. It has a sweet, tropical flavor and is often used in tiki drinks.
- Vodka – Vodka is a clear spirit made from grains or potatoes. It is usually odorless and flavorless, but can be infused with herbs, spices, fruits, or vegetables.
A Taste of the Past: Revisiting Old-Fashioned Drinks
Old-fashioned drinks are a great way to take a trip down memory lane and re-create the classic cocktails of days gone by. Whether you’re making a whiskey sour or a pink lady, you can use the same basic recipe and just change up the ingredients to suit your tastes. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can create your own variations by experimenting with different liquors, mixers, and garnishes.
Conclusion
An old-fashioned drink is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries. It is typically made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, but there are many variations of the drink. This article explored the history of old-fashioned drinks, how to make the perfect one, and some of the most popular variations. It also looked at the best old-fashioned drinks for a summer barbecue and the varieties of old-fashioned drinks.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic whiskey old-fashioned or something a little more adventurous, there’s sure to be an old-fashioned drink that suits your tastes. So grab your favorite liquor, mixers, and garnishes and get ready to enjoy a taste of the past!
For further reading, we recommend Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh’s book Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails, which provides an in-depth look at the history and evolution of the old-fashioned drink.
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