Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe: The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails, known for its simplicity, rich flavors, and timeless appeal. This cocktail has been around since the 1800s and remains a favorite among whiskey lovers. Its blend of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus creates a perfectly balanced drink that is both smooth and flavorful.
If you want to master the art of making an Old Fashioned at home, follow this step-by-step guide to create the best version of this classic cocktail.
Ingredients Required
To make a traditional Old Fashioned, you’ll need:
- 2 oz (60 ml) whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon of simple syrup)
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- A few dashes of water
- Large ice cubes
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherry (optional garnish)
Choosing the Right Whiskey
The whiskey is the heart of an Old Fashioned. You can choose between:
- Bourbon – Sweeter, with caramel and vanilla notes
- Rye Whiskey – Spicier, drier, and more complex
The Role of Bitters and Sugar
- Bitters add depth and complexity, balancing the sweetness.
- Sugar provides a mild sweetness and helps bring out the flavors of the whiskey.
Essential Tools You Need
To make the perfect Old Fashioned, you’ll need a few essential tools:
Glassware
- A lowball glass (or rocks glass) is ideal for serving an Old Fashioned.
Muddler, Stirrer, and Jigger
- A muddler helps dissolve the sugar properly.
- A stirrer (or bar spoon) is used to mix the drink evenly.
- A jigger measures the whiskey accurately.
Ice Selection
- Use large ice cubes or spheres to chill the drink without diluting it too quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making an Old Fashioned
Step 1: Preparing the Glass
Start by placing a sugar cube in a lowball glass. Add 2-3 dashes of bitters and a few drops of water to help dissolve the sugar.
Step 2: Muddling the Sugar and Bitters
Use a muddler to crush and mix the sugar and bitters until the sugar starts dissolving. This step is crucial for creating a well-balanced flavor.
Step 3: Adding the Whiskey and Stirring
Pour 2 oz of whiskey into the glass and stir gently to mix the ingredients. This helps the flavors blend without over-diluting the drink.
Step 4: Adding Ice and Garnishing
- Add a large ice cube to the glass to keep the drink cold.
- Express an orange peel over the drink by twisting it to release essential oils. Drop it into the glass.
- Optionally, add a maraschino cherry for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned
Choosing the Best Whiskey
For a sweeter, smoother Old Fashioned, go with bourbon. If you prefer a spicier kick, rye whiskey is a great option.
Balancing Sweetness and Bitterness
- If you like it sweeter, add a little more sugar or simple syrup.
- If you prefer more bitterness, increase the bitters slightly.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t over-muddle – crushing the orange peel too much can make the drink bitter.
- Use quality ice – small ice cubes melt too fast and dilute the drink.
- Don’t shake the drink – always stir to maintain a smooth texture.
Variations of the Old Fashioned
Brandy Old Fashioned
- Substitute brandy for whiskey.
- Popular in Wisconsin, often served with 7UP or soda water.
Rum Old Fashioned
- Use dark rum instead of whiskey for a tropical twist.
- Pairs well with coconut or chocolate bitters.
Smoked Old Fashioned
- Infuse the drink with smoke using a smoking gun or burnt wood chips for a deeper, complex flavor.
Best Food Pairings with an Old Fashioned
Cheese and Charcuterie
Aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda pair well with the whiskey’s rich flavors.
Grilled Meats
The smoky notes of grilled steak or pork complement the cocktail perfectly.
Dark Chocolate
A bite of dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) enhances the whiskey’s caramel and vanilla notes.
History and Origin of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 1800s, originally called a “whiskey cocktail.” Over time, bartenders experimented with different ingredients, but the classic formula—whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water—remains unchanged.
It became a staple of American cocktail culture, often associated with Mad Men’s Don Draper and high-end cocktail bars worldwide.
FAQs about Best Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe
What is the classic recipe for an Old Fashioned?
The classic Old Fashioned cocktail recipe involves dissolving a sugar cube in water with two dashes of Angostura bitters and a twist of orange zest. Then, add 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey and stir. The drink is traditionally served over ice in a short, round glass, also known as a rocks glass, and garnished with a fresh orange slice or cherry.
Can I use different types of whiskey for an Old Fashioned?
Yes, while bourbon is traditionally used, you can also make an Old Fashioned with rye whiskey, which offers a spicier flavor profile. Some modern variations even use Scotch or Irish whiskey. The choice of whiskey can significantly influence the flavor of the cocktail, so feel free to experiment to find your preference.
What are the best garnishes for an Old Fashioned?
The most traditional garnishes for an Old Fashioned are a twist of orange peel and a maraschino cherry. However, for a twist, you can try using a lemon peel or a cocktail onion to bring a different flavor. Experimenting with different citrus fruits can add a unique twist to your cocktail.
Is it necessary to use Angostura bitters?
Angostura bitters are a key ingredient in the traditional Old Fashioned recipe, providing a complex flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the strength of the whiskey. However, there are many types of bitters available that can be used to add different flavors to your Old Fashioned, such as orange bitters or chocolate bitters.
How do I make a sugar-free Old Fashioned?
To make a sugar-free Old Fashioned, you can substitute the sugar cube with a sugar substitute or omit the sugar altogether and increase the amount of orange zest used for a natural sweetness. Some bartenders use a splash of natural orange juice or a drop of honey as alternatives.
Now that you know how to make the perfect Old Fashioned, it’s time to grab your whiskey and start crafting this timeless cocktail. Cheers!
