Strawberry Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

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Strawberry Old Fashioned Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol content:~15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century. It's a testament to the timeless appeal of whiskey. The Strawberry Old Fashioned is a modern twist on this classic, incorporating the sweetness and tartness of strawberries to complement the rich and warming bourbon base.

  • Who Would Like It: Ideal for those who appreciate a classic cocktail with a fruity twist. Perfect for bourbon enthusiasts looking to experiment with new flavors.

How Strawberry Old Fashioned Tastes?

The Strawberry Old Fashioned is a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors. The muddled strawberries add a fresh and fruity dimension, while the bourbon provides a smooth, vanilla-caramel undertone with a hint of oak. The bitters balance the sweetness, adding depth and complexity.

Interesting facts about Strawberry Old Fashioned

  • The Old Fashioned is often referred to as the original cocktail.
  • Strawberries are not a traditional ingredient in an Old Fashioned, making this version a contemporary adaptation.
  • The use of a single large ice cube or sphere is a common practice to minimize dilution and maintain the integrity of the drink.

Ingredients

  • Bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Fresh strawberries: 2-3
  • Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
  • Orange peel: 1
  • For garnish:
  • Ice: As needed

Bourbon

  • Why 2oz? It's the backbone of any Old Fashioned, providing the necessary boozy punch.
  • Flavor? Rich and complex, typically with notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel.
  • What if it's less or more? Less bourbon means a weaker cocktail, more could overpower the other flavors.
  • Substitutes? Rye whiskey could add spice, scotch brings smokiness.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

  • Why 0.5oz? Just enough to balance the bourbon's heat without too much sweetness.
  • Flavor? It's neutral, adding sweetness without altering the primary flavors.
  • What if it's less or more? Less could lead to a too-bitter drink; more could make it cloyingly sweet.
  • Substitutes? Honey syrup or maple syrup can add interesting flavors.

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Strawberries

  • Why 2-3? Provides a fresh, fruity balance to the cocktail's robustness.
  • Flavor? Adds a natural sweetness and a summery vibe.
  • What if it's less or more? Less strawberry, less fruity freshness; more and it might turn into a smoothie.
  • Substitutes? Raspberries or blackberries could offer a different berry twist.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

  • Why 2 dashes? It's classic and necessary for depth and complexity.
  • Flavor? Herbal and slightly bitter, it complements the sweetness.
  • What if it's less or more? Less might be too sweet; more could make it too bitter.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Peel

  • Why 1? For an aromatic zesty kick; Old Fashioned's signature citrus accent.
  • Flavor? Adds a bright citrus note and aroma.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

  • Why as needed? To chill the drink without diluting it quickly.
  • What if it's less or more? More ice equals more dilution; less means a warmer cocktail.
  • Substitutes? A single large ice cube melts slowly, minimizing dilution.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Strawberry Old Fashioned Drink

  1. In a mixing glass, muddle the strawberries with the simple syrup.
  2. Add the bourbon and bitters.
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  4. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  5. Express the orange peel over the drink and drop it in as garnish.

Pro Tips

  • Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor.
  • When expressing the orange peel, make sure to do it over the glass to capture the essential oils.
  • Stir the cocktail well to ensure proper dilution and chilling.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese & Charcuterie

  • Cheeses such as aged cheddar or gouda complement the rich flavors of the bourbon.
  • Charcuterie like prosciutto or salami can enhance the smokey notes of the cocktail.

Grilled Meats

  • For Beef, the bourbon pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of grilled steaks or burgers.

Desserts

  • Chocolate desserts, particularly dark chocolate, can balance the cocktail's sweetness and fruit notes.
  • Cheesecake with a strawberry or berry compote accentuates the cocktail's strawberry infusion.

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What you could change in Strawberry Old Fashioned

  • Bourbon: Can be substituted with rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
  • Simple Syrup: Honey syrup or maple syrup can be used for a different kind of sweetness.
  • Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters or cherry bitters can add a different flavor profile.

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And of course - twists🍹

Honeyed Strawberry Old Fashioned

  • Substitute simple syrup with honey syrup.
  • Recipe: Muddle strawberries with honey syrup, add bourbon and bitters, stir over ice, and garnish with a lemon twist.
  • Flavor: This brings a richer, more floral sweetness to the drink, with a hint of lemon to brighten it.

Berry Fusion Old Fashioned

  • Add a mix of blackberries and raspberries instead of just strawberries.
  • Recipe: Muddle mixed berries with simple syrup, follow the original recipe, and perhaps garnish with a sprig of mint.
  • Flavor: You'll get a berry bonanza with a more complex, tangy and sweet profile.

Smoked Old Fashioned

  • Use a smoked bourbon and garnish with a smoked orange peel.
  • Recipe: Same as original, but with the smoked ingredients for a campfire twist.
  • Flavor: Adds a smoky depth that complements the sweetness, perfect for an outdoor gathering.

In case you forgot basics how to make Strawberry Old Fashioned

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Strawberry Old Fashioned

What type of glass is best used for serving a Strawberry Old Fashioned?

A rocks glass, also known as an old-fashioned glass, is ideally used for serving this cocktail to highlight its visual appeal and allow for the inclusion of a large ice cube.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Strawberry Old Fashioned?

Yes, you can create a mocktail version by substituting the bourbon with non-alcoholic whiskey or a mixture of tea and non-alcoholic bitters for a similar flavor profile.

What's the best time of year to enjoy a Strawberry Old Fashioned?

While it can be enjoyed year-round, the Strawberry Old Fashioned is particularly delightful in the spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak ripeness and flavor.

Is it possible to batch prepare Strawberry Old Fashioneds for a party?

Absolutely! You can mix a larger quantity of the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters ahead of time and then muddle strawberries and garnish each glass individually as you serve them.

How can I ensure the freshest taste for my cocktail?

Using fresh, locally sourced strawberries and making your own simple syrup can significantly enhance the freshness and taste of your Strawberry Old Fashioned.

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