Sipping in Style
How to Craft the Perfect Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned cocktail is so named because it is one of the oldest and most classic cocktail recipes. It is believed to have originated in the late 1800s, and it has remained a popular choice at bars and cocktail parties ever since.
The name "Old Fashioned" is thought to refer to the method of making the cocktail, which involves muddling sugar, bitters, and citrus together in a glass before adding the main spirit (whiskey, in this case). This method was originally used to make cocktails before the invention of mixers and other ingredients that are commonly used in modern cocktails.
In other words, the Old Fashioned is a throwback to the earliest days of cocktail-making, and it has stood the test of time as a classic and timeless drink.
For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ounces of whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
- 1 sugar cube (or 1 teaspoon of simple syrup)
- 2 dashes of bitters
- 1 orange slice
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Ice
Now let's get started:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice.
- Place the sugar cube (or simple syrup) in the glass, followed by the bitters.
- Take your orange slice and gently squeeze it over the sugar and bitters to release the oils, then drop it into the glass.
- Add your whiskey to the glass.
- Use a bar spoon to gently stir the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved.
- Garnish the cocktail with the maraschino cherry and enjoy!
That's it! With just a few simple steps, you can make the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail at home. Remember to adjust the proportions to your personal taste, and feel free to get creative by trying different types of whiskey or adding a splash of water or club soda. Cheers!