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Mastering the Old Fashioned: A Guide to the Classic Cocktail and Five Alternatives to Try

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Photo Credit: Nuff

The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. With just a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can master this classic drink and impress your friends and family. In this article, we'll explore the history of the Old Fashioned, the ingredients and barware needed to make it properly, and five popular variations. Plus, we'll suggest five alternative cocktails that Old Fashioned fans might also enjoy.

From Old Fashioned to New Classics: A Guide to Timeless Cocktails

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century. It is a simple yet sophisticated drink that can be made with just a few ingredients. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the Old Fashioned, the ingredients and barware needed to make it properly, and five popular variations.

History of the Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails in the world, and its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century. It was originally known as the “Whiskey Cocktail,” and it was a simple combination of sugar, water, bitters, and whiskey. As the years went by, bartenders started to experiment with the recipe, adding different garnishes and liqueurs. However, the classic Old Fashioned remained the same, and it is still one of the most popular cocktails today.

Ingredients

To make a classic Old Fashioned, you will need the following ingredients:

2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
1 sugar cube
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Ice

Barware & Glassware

To make an Old Fashioned properly, you will need the following barware and glassware:

Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients and barware ready, it’s time to make the Old Fashioned. Here are the steps:

Place the sugar cube in the mixing glass and add two dashes of Angostura bitters.
Add a splash of water to the mixing glass and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the whiskey and stir gently for about 30 seconds.
Add a large ice cube to the rocks glass.
Strain the cocktail into the rocks glass over the ice cube.
Garnish with an orange peel.

Variations

Now that you know how to make a classic Old Fashioned, let’s explore some popular variations:

Manhattan Old Fashioned – Add a splash of sweet vermouth to the classic Old Fashioned recipe.
Sazerac Old Fashioned – Replace the whiskey with cognac or rye, and add a dash of absinthe.
Spiced Old Fashioned – Add a cinnamon stick or star anise to the classic Old Fashioned recipe.
Apple Cider Old Fashioned – Replace the water with apple cider, and add a cinnamon stick as a garnish.
Maple Old Fashioned – Replace the sugar cube with maple syrup for a sweet and smoky flavor.

Alternatives

Here are five alternative cocktails that someone who enjoys Old Fashioneds might also enjoy:

Manhattan – This classic cocktail is made with whiskey (usually rye), sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. It is served up (strained into a chilled cocktail glass) and garnished with a cherry.
Negroni – Made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, the Negroni is a bittersweet cocktail that is served over ice and garnished with an orange peel.
Boulevardier – A twist on the Negroni, the Boulevardier swaps out gin for whiskey (usually bourbon) and is served in the same way. It is a great option for someone who enjoys Old Fashioneds but wants to try something a little different.
Sazerac – This classic New Orleans cocktail is made with cognac or rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and a sugar cube. It is served in a chilled glass that has been rinsed with absinthe and garnished with a lemon peel.
Vieux Carré – Another classic New Orleans cocktail, the Vieux Carré is made with cognac, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and Peychaud’s bitters. It is served over ice and garnished with a lemon twist.

All of these cocktails share some similarities with the Old Fashioned, whether it’s the use of whiskey as a base spirit, the addition of bitters, or the emphasis on classic ingredients and techniques. If you enjoy Old Fashioneds, you might find that one of these cocktails becomes a new favorite.

In conclusion, the Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that is easy to make and delicious to drink. With a few simple ingredients and the right barware, you can impress your friends and family with this timeless drink. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make the Old Fashioned your own.

Best-Rated Whiskeys

Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon: This highly sought-after bourbon has a cult-like following and consistently receives top ratings for its complex, rich flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky: This blended Japanese whisky has received numerous awards and high ratings for its smooth, balanced taste with notes of honey, citrus, and oak.
Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch: This Islay single malt scotch is known for its intense, smoky flavor with notes of peat, sea salt, and a hint of sweetness, and has consistently received high ratings from experts.
George T. Stagg Bourbon: Another highly sought-after bourbon, this barrel-proof whiskey has a rich and complex flavor with notes of dark fruit, spice, and oak, and consistently receives top ratings.
Redbreast 12-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey: This Irish whiskey is known for its smooth and creamy taste with notes of fruit, spice, and a hint of sherry, and has received high ratings for its quality and value.