Ingredients, history, and tips for making your Old Fashioned the right way!
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations, served is very specific old fashioned glasses. It is a simple yet complex drink that has a rich history and a timeless appeal.
We unpack the Old Fashioned cocktail, including its ingredients, history, tips and old fashioned glasses needed for making it right.
Olympia Baroque Whiskey Glass Clear 325ml
325ml / 11.5oz
Arcoroc Be Bop Rocks Glass 300ml
10.5oz / 300ml
Artis Hobstar Double Old Fashioned Whiskey Glass 350ml
12oz/ 350ml. Pack quantity: 12
Utopia Centra Rocks Glass 240ml
8.5oz / 240ml. Pack quantity: 6.
Utopia Timeless Double Old Fashioned Glass 360ml
12 1/2oz
Ingredients for the perfect Old Fashioned:
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that is made with a few simple ingredients. These include:
Bourbon or Rye Whiskey:
The choice of whiskey is important, as it can greatly affect the overall taste of the cocktail. Bourbon whiskey is sweeter and has a smoother flavour profile, while rye whiskey is spicier and has a more robust taste.
Bitters:
Bitters are an essential ingredient in the Old Fashioned. They add a complex flavour profile to the drink and help to balance out the sweetness of the sugar. The most common type of bitters used in the Old Fashioned is Angostura bitters.
Sugar:
Sugar is used to sweeten the drink and can be added in a variety of forms, including granulated sugar, simple syrup, or a sugar cube.
Water:
Water is used to dilute the cocktail and can be added in the form of a splash of soda water or a few drops of still water.
Garnish:
The most common garnishes to adorn an Old Fashioned Glass are an orange twist or a maraschino cherry.
The History of the Old Fashioned:
The Old Fashioned has a rich history that can be traced back to the early 19th century. At that time, a cocktail was defined as a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. The Old Fashioned was essentially the original cocktail, and it was a staple in American drinking culture.
The name “Old Fashioned” was later adopted in the late 19th century when bartenders started referring to the original Whiskey Cocktail as an Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail served in an Old Fashioned Glass.
Over the years, the Old Fashioned has continued to evolve, and today, it is a cocktail that is enjoyed by both whiskey connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The popularity of the Old Fashioned has led to a resurgence in the popularity of other classic cocktails, and it has become a symbol of the return to traditional cocktail-making techniques served in classic Old fashioned Glasses.
Tips for Making the perfect Old Fashioned:
Making the perfect Old Fashioned requires a few simple steps and a little bit of know-how. Here are some tips for making the perfect Old Fashioned:
Choose the Right Whiskey:
The choice of whiskey is one of the most important factors in making a great Old Fashioned. Choose a bourbon or rye whiskey that you enjoy, and experiment with different brands and ages to find the one that best suits your tastes.
Use Fresh Ingredients:
To get the best flavour out of your Old Fashioned, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This means using fresh citrus for your garnish, and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice into your Old Fashioned Glass if you choose to add it to your drink.
Use High-Quality Bitters:
Bitters are an essential ingredient in the Old Fashioned, and using high-quality bitters can make a big difference in the overall taste of the cocktail. Experiment with different types of bitters to find the one that best suits your tastes.
Don’t Overdo the Sugar:
The Old Fashioned is meant to be a balanced cocktail, and too much sugar in the Old-Fashioned Glass can overwhelm the other flavours in the drink. Use a light hand when adding sugar and consider using a sugar cube or simple syrup instead of granulated sugar to ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed.
Dilute with Care:
Diluting the Old Fashioned is an important step in the cocktail-making process, but it’s important to dilute with care. Too much dilution can water down the drink and make it less enjoyable. Consider using a large ice cube or a whiskey stone to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
Stir the cocktail in the Old Fashioned Glass, Don’t Shake:
The Old Fashioned is a stirred cocktail, not a shaken one. Stirring the drink in your Old Fashioned Glasses will gently will help to blend the flavours together without over-diluting the drink or causing the ice to break up.
Experiment with Garnishes in your Old Fashioned Glass:
While a twist of orange or a maraschino cherry in the top of the Old Fashioned Glasses is the most common garnish, don’t be afraid to experiment with other garnishes as well. Consider adding a slice of fresh ginger in the top of the Old Fashioned Glass, a sprig of rosemary, or even a small piece of bacon as a garnish to add a unique twist to your drink.
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has a rich history and a timeless appeal. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can make the perfect Old Fashioned at home.
Remember to choose the right Whiskey Glasses to serve, choose the best whiskey, use fresh ingredients, and experiment with different bitters and garnishes to find the perfect combination for your tastes.
The Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed at any time of year and for any occasion, and it will continue to be a favourite drink, served in a timeless, Old Fashioned Glass, for generations to come.
