Traditional Old Fashioned Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

In the ever-evolving world of cocktails, where trends come and go with the seasons, the Old Fashioned is a timeless stand out. This classic has endured the test of time. This simple yet sophisticated drink embodies the essence of the cocktail craft, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, bitters, and the rich depth of whiskey. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its simplicity, elegance, and the rich history it carries with it. Let’s delve into the storied past of the Old Fashioned and learn how to make this iconic drink.

The Classic Old Fashioned Recipe

Creating an Old Fashioned is a rite of passage for any cocktail enthusiast. Here’s how to make the classic version of this storied beverage:

Ingredients

2 1/2 oz Bourbon; Kentucky bourbon is traditional but blended whiskey, scotch and rye all have their fans
2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 sugar cube or 2 tsp loose sugar (don’t tell your dentist)
1 Orange slice
1 maraschino cherry
Orange twist and cherry for garnish

Steps

Place the sugar in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate it with bitters.
Add the orange slice and cherry.
Muddle these ingredients together.
Fill the glass with ice and pour in the bourbon or rye.
Mix to combine all of the ingredients.
Garnish with an orange twist and a cocktail cherry.
Note: A large ice cube or ice sphere will melt slower, preserving the strength and flavor of the drink.

A Few Additional Notes

Some drinkers hate having muddled fruit at the bottom of their glass. If this is you, you’re not alone. A simple fix is to strain the liquid, or don’t muddle the fruit at all. Plenty of recipes only muddle the sugar and bitters, using the fruit solely as garnish.
That said, if you prefer to further infuses the whiskey with the fruit juices, add the bourbon first and then muddle the fruit.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this classic.

Enjoy some extra tart? Muddle a lemon wedge with the fruit.
Drink too strong? Add some club soda to water it down.
Wanna get really crazy? Throw in some Cointreau and go wild. Purists may complain, but hey, they can muddle another drink and chill on their own.

A Sip Through Time: The History of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned traces its roots back to the early 19th century, making it one of the oldest known cocktails. Originally referred to simply as a “cocktail” in the early 1800s, this drink was a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. As cocktails became more complex over time, patrons began to request their drinks made the “old-fashioned way,” which meant sticking to these basic ingredients.

The Pendennis Club, a private social club in Louisville, Kentucky, is often credited with popularizing the specific combination of ingredients that we now recognize as the Old Fashioned cocktail. Legend has it that the drink was invented in the late 19th century in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper, a prominent bourbon distiller, who then introduced it to NY’s high society at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City.

Colonel Pepper was quite a character. An avid horseman, Pepper operated several stables in Kentucky and even competed in the Kentucky Derby. He traveled in his own private rail car, often visiting Manhattan where he promoted his brand, “Old Pepper” distillery. While called a Colonel, he did not actually serve in the military. He was a Kentucky Colonel, which is an honorary title bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Why the Old Fashioned Endures

The Old Fashioned has stood the test of time because it represents the cocktail in its purest form: spirit, sweet, water, and bitters. It’s a drink that respects the whiskey at its heart, allowing high-quality spirits to shine through. Its simplicity makes it endlessly adaptable, with variations that substitute the sugar for maple syrup or the bourbon for another whiskey spirit. As you drink, pay attention to how the flavors evolve, particularly how the sweetness complements the warmth of the whiskey and enjoy the complexity added by the bitters.

In a world where trends fade and the new constantly replaces the old, the Old Fashioned cocktail remains a steadfast favorite. It reminds us that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail aficionado or new to the world of mixology, mastering the Old Fashioned is a must. It’s not just a drink; it’s history in a glass.