What’s in an Old Fashioned drink? The Old Fashioned is scarcely a recipe that can be categorized as a complex cocktail in any way. It consists simply of a judiciously sweetened alcoholic beverage infused with bitters.
Nonetheless, it has carved its way into the annals of history, solidifying its status as one of the most renowned classic libations of all time! Its origins trace back to the early 1800s, a time when the terms “classic” and “cocktail” had yet to be uttered in conjunction. It is worth noting that every individual boasts their own unique interpretation of an Old Fashioned drink recipe.
The Old Fashioned is scarcely a recipe that can be categorized as a complex cocktail in any way. It consists simply of a judiciously sweetened alcoholic beverage infused with bitters.
Nonetheless, it has carved its way into the annals of history, solidifying its status as one of the most renowned classic libations of all time! Its origins trace back to the early 1800s, a time when the terms “classic” and “cocktail” had yet to be uttered in conjunction. It is worth noting that every individual boasts their own unique interpretation of an Old Fashioned drink recipe.
What’s In An Old Fashioned Drink?
The Old Fashioned is hardly a cocktail recipe at all: simply a lightly sweetened blend of alcohol and bitters. Yet, it has risen to become one of the most renowned drinks among the classics! Its origins can be traced back to the early 1800s, a time when the terms “classic” and “cocktail” were not yet uttered in the same breath.
Each person has their own unique take on an Old Fashioned recipe, but we believe that this particular rendition is exceptionally flawless. Allow us to share a couple of techniques for crafting a truly exceptional version of this cocktail that allows the full brilliance of the whiskey to shine through.
How to make an Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned derives its name from its status as the original cocktail. Yes, that’s correct: it is the very first cocktail ever created! The term “cocktail” was initially defined and recorded in 1806, in an edition of the New York newspaper The Balance and Columbian Repository. It described a “concoction of spirits, bitters, water, and sugar,” essentially laying out the recipe for what we now know as an Old Fashioned. As more cocktails emerged in the 1880s, there arose a need to distinguish and designate the original whiskey cocktail. Thus, the name “Old Fashioned” was bestowed upon it.
The components of an Old Fashioned consist of:
- Bourbon or rye whiskey
- Sugar cube
- Water
- Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
How to make an Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned recipe is perhaps one of the easiest and most magnificent cocktails out there! It consists almost entirely of whiskey, so having an appreciation for this spirit is essential to truly enjoy this drink. (If you’re not particularly fond of whiskey, a whiskey sour might be more to your liking.) The classic method for crafting an Old Fashioned is as follows:
Begin by shaking 4 dashes of bitters onto 1 sugar cube, then proceed to muddle it with ½ teaspoon of water. This traditional technique is still embraced today, although many modern recipes opt for the use of simple syrup since it dissolves more easily. However, we find that the nuanced sweetness of the sugar cube truly allows the whiskey to shine. Do not fret if the sugar cube doesn’t completely dissolve.
Next, introduce 2 ounces of whiskey to the mixture. Bourbon, with its hints of sweetness, vanilla, and oak, is a splendid choice. Alternatively, you can opt for rye whiskey, which offers a spicier finish.
Now, it’s time to add ice, an orange peel, and if desired, a cherry. Place a large ice cube into the glass and gently nestle an orange peel alongside it, ensuring that you give it a slight squeeze to release the aromatic oils. If you prefer, you can also include a cocktail cherry to complement the flavors.
In case you want to explore more about wine in general and Old Fashioned in particular, you can visit HERE.
Use clear ice!
How can you take your Old Fashioned to the next level? Prepare a batch of clear ice. Clear ice refers to meticulously crafted ice that is perfectly transparent, resembling the type you would find in an upscale bar, as opposed to cloudy cubes produced by an ordinary ice tray. Not only does clear ice possess an exquisite appearance, but it also enables you to fashion a large, square-shaped piece that can fully occupy the glass. There are two approaches to creating clear ice:
- Craft it using a small cooler. By employing this method, you can generate a substantial quantity of clear ice that will last for numerous drinks. You can store it in the freezer and subsequently carve it into large cubes or organic shapes to suit your beverage needs. The process merely requires 24 hours and a small cooler! For detailed instructions, please refer to the guide on How to Make Clear Ice.
- Utilize a clear ice maker. Thanks to the growing popularity of home bartending, there are now excellent options available for clear ice makers. We particularly recommend the ClearlyFrozen Home Clear Ice Maker, which delivers exceptional results.
Garnishing this Old Fashioned recipe
Both the orange peel and cocktail cherry are specified as garnishes in the official IBA definition of an Old Fashioned. Allow me to expand upon these garnishing elements:
Orange peel: Begin by gently squeezing the orange peel over the drink, thereby releasing its aromatic oils and imparting a robust orange fragrance. Afterward, glide the orange peel along the rim of the glass to enhance the citrusy essence, resulting in an even more invigorating initial sip.
Cocktail cherry: The inclusion of a cocktail cherry introduces a subtle sweetness to this delightful concoction. Consider your personal preference for sweetness when deciding whether to include it in your Old Fashioned, as it can contribute to the overall flavor profile.
Lemon peel: In addition to the orange peel, a lemon peel can also serve as an optional garnish for an Old Fashioned. Its presence can impart a distinct tangy note that complements the other flavors present in this classic cocktail.
Increase the bitters if you’d like
Variations on the Old Fashioned
And that’s all there is to it: the process of creating a flawless Old Fashioned recipe! After you’ve prepared it a few times, you might feel inclined to venture into new realms of experimentation. Here are some delightful variations of the Old Fashioned that have captured our hearts:
- Indulge in the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, a captivating rendition that swaps whiskey for brandy, resulting in a unique and flavorful twist.
- Embark on a smoky and delectable journey with the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, skillfully crafted using a combination of tequila and mezcal, which imparts a mesmerizing smokiness to the drink.
- Dare to be extraordinary with a smoke-infused Smoked Old Fashioned, an innovative creation that infuses the cocktail with captivating smoky undertones, elevating the overall sensory experience.
- Embrace the subtle sweetness of a Maple Old Fashioned, where the traditional sugar is substituted with the rich and distinctive flavors of maple syrup, adding a delightful maple essence to each sip.
- Engage in a world of specialty liqueurs with variations such as the Jagermeister Old Fashioned, Fireball Old Fashioned, or Skrewball Old Fashioned, each offering its own unique and enchanting flavor profile that will surely captivate the adventurous palate.
Conclusion for What’s In An Old Fashioned Drink
In conclusion, the Old Fashioned is a cocktail recipe that may seem simple at first glance, but it has earned its place as one of the most celebrated classic drinks in history. Its humble origins can be traced back to the early 1800s when the concept of a classic cocktail was still in its infancy. While there are countless interpretations of the Old Fashioned, we believe that our version embodies perfection, allowing the whiskey to shine through. By following a few expert techniques, you can create a pristine rendition of this cocktail that truly highlights the essence of the whiskey.
Thank you for visiting Fashionably Bombed, we hope that the information provided has helped you to know what’s in an Old Fashioned drink.
