The Old Fashioned cocktail is a classic American drink that dates back to the early 1800s. It is said to have originated in Louisville, Kentucky, and was popularized in New York City. The Old Fashioned is a favorite among whiskey lovers and has been enjoyed by notable figures such as President Harry S. Truman and Frank Sinatra.
- The name 'Old Fashioned' comes from the way it was made in the 'old fashioned' way, with sugar, bitters, and whiskey.
- The Old Fashioned has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the television show Mad Men.
- The Old Fashioned is often considered the quintessential American cocktail.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Cheese Platter
Especially aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda, as their rich flavors are a nice counterbalance to the whiskey's kick.
Grilled Meats
Think steak or barbecued pork; the smokiness from the grill complements the depth of an Old Fashioned.
Dark Chocolate
A square of good dark chocolate can bring out the subtly sweet notes in the cocktail.
Roasted Nuts
A bowl of roasted nuts and the Old Fashioned are like Bonnie and Clyde; they just make sense together.
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Smoked Old Fashioned
Ingredients: Same as original, but with smoked whiskey.
Recipe: Follow the same steps, and right before serving, capture smoke from a smoldering wood chip in the glass then quickly cover it. The drink takes on a campfire persona, adding a smoky layer to the cocktail's profile.
Spicy Old Fashioned
Ingredients: Add a small slice of fresh jalapeño or a dash of spicy bitters.
Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño with the sugar and bitters, then carry on as usual. It's like your Old Fashioned spent summer in Mexico and came back with a spicy souvenir.
Chocolate Old Fashioned
Ingredients: Add chocolate bitters and a small piece of dark chocolate.
Recipe: Use chocolate bitters instead of Angostura and stir with dark chocolate until it melts. Turning your cocktail into a velvety indulgence, perfect for dessert or when you'd rather drink your chocolate than eat it.
What other drinks can I make with whiskey?
Whiskey can be used to make a variety of cocktails such as Mint Julep, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, or Irish Coffee.
What is muddling and how do I do it?
Muddling is a technique that mixes or lightly crushes the ingredients in the drink. You can use a muddler, the back of a wooden spoon, or a similar tool to do this.
What does “express the orange peel” mean?
Expressing an orange peel (or any citrus peel) refers to releasing the oils from the skin, typically by twisting or squeezing it, usually over the cocktail glass.
Apart from orange peel and Maraschino cherry, what else can I use as garnish?
You could also garnish your Old Fashioned with a lemon twist or even other fruits like pineapple or apple slices for a unique twist.
Are there non-alcoholic substitutions available for whiskey?
Non-alcoholic versions of whiskey are commercially available and can serve as replacements in cocktail recipes.