Classic Old Fashioned Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

The Old Fashioned is steeped in co*cktail history, dating back to the early 19th century. The term "co*cktail" was defined in the May 13, 1806, edition of "The Balance and Columbian Repository," a Hudson, New York, newspaper. The paper explained that a co*cktail is a stimulating liquor composed of any type of sugar, water, and bitters — essentially the recipe for an Old Fashioned.

The name "Old Fashioned" itself started appearing in the mid-19th century, as a way for patrons to request their drinks be made the "old-fashioned way," in the style of that early co*cktail definition. This was during a time when many bars were starting to incorporate more complex ingredients and techniques, and some drinkers wanted to stick with the simplicity of the original style.

One of the first documented references to the Old Fashioned by its name is attributed to a bartender at the Pendennis Club, a gentlemen’s club in Louisville, Kentucky, who created the drink in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper, a prominent bourbon distiller, in the 1880s. Pepper is said to have introduced the drink to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City, which helped popularize it.

The Old Fashioned fell out of favor during the mid-20th century, but it experienced a resurgence in popularity in the early 21st century, especially with the craft co*cktail movement and its prominent role in the television series "Mad Men." It remains one of the most iconic and popular co*cktails in the world today.

Traditionally, an Old Fashioned co*cktail is made using either bourbon or rye whiskey.

Bourbon tends to impart a sweeter, fuller-bodied flavor to the co*cktail due to its high corn content, which can help to balance out the bitters and sugar. This is often the choice for those who prefer a slightly sweeter Old Fashioned.

Rye whiskey, on the other hand, tends to be spicier and more complex, offering a sharper contrast to the sweet and bitter elements in the co*cktail. Some co*cktail enthusiasts believe rye makes for a more balanced, sophisticated Old Fashioned.

In the end, the choice between bourbon and rye comes down to personal preference. Both provide a solid foundation for this classic co*cktail and can create a satisfying Old Fashioned. It's worth trying the co*cktail with both types of whiskey to see which one you prefer.

The traditional choice of bitters for an Old Fashioned is Angostura bitters. Angostura is a brand of aromatic bitters, and its recipe is a closely guarded secret. It's known for its complex blend of tropical flavors including cinnamon, clove, and bitter root extracts, which work to enhance the flavors of the whiskey in an Old Fashioned.

While Angostura is the classic choice, co*cktail enthusiasts often enjoy experimenting with other types of bitters to add different flavor profiles to their Old Fashioned. Orange bitters can add a bright citrus note, while chocolate or walnut bitters might introduce a deeper, richer undertone.

The use of bitters in an Old Fashioned is integral to its flavor balance, as they bring complexity and depth, counteracting the sweetness of the sugar and the potential harshness of the whiskey.

In an Old Fashioned co*cktail, a large ice cube or an ice sphere is often used. The reason for this is twofold:

Melting Rate: Larger ice cubes or spheres melt more slowly than smaller ice cubes due to their reduced surface area. This slower melt rate helps to chill the drink effectively without diluting it too quickly. For a drink like the Old Fashioned, which is meant to be sipped slowly, this is particularly important.

Aesthetics: Large ice cubes or spheres can look very elegant in an Old Fashioned glass, enhancing the overall presentation of the co*cktail.

When making an Old Fashioned at home, you can use silicone ice molds to create large cubes or spheres. If you don't have large ice molds, regular ice cubes will work too, but you may notice the drink becomes diluted more quickly.

In some high-end bars, you may even see bartenders hand-carving ice to fit the glass. This is done more for presentation and the craft of co*cktail making, but it illustrates the importance of ice in crafting a perfect Old Fashioned.

Flavored Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is just sugar and water boiled together until the sugar dissolves. You can easily infuse the simple syrup with different flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or ginger to add a unique twist.

Honey Syrup: This is made similar to simple syrup, but with honey instead of sugar. It adds a rich sweetness to your Old Fashioned, complementing the whiskey nicely.

Maple Syrup: A small amount of pure maple syrup can add a unique, natural sweetness to your co*cktail, complementing particularly well with bourbon.

Demerara Sugar or Syrup: Demerara is a type of raw cane sugar that is crystallized and not heavily processed. It has a slight molasses flavor and adds depth to the co*cktail.

Agave Syrup: This sweetener, made from the agave plant, has a clean, sweet taste that can work well in an Old Fashioned.

Remember that the idea of the sweetener in an Old Fashioned is to balance the strength of the alcohol and the bitterness of the bitters, not to mask them. Whichever sweetener you use, start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

The garnish for an Old Fashioned can vary, but traditionally it's served with a twist of citrus peel. Here are some common options:

Orange or Lemon Twist: A strip of citrus peel, twisted over the drink to release its essential oils, is the most traditional garnish. To make a twist, cut a thin strip of peel from a fresh orange or lemon, trying to get as little of the white pith as possible. Twist the peel over the drink, then drop it in.

co*cktail Cherry: Some Old Fashioned recipes also call for a co*cktail cherry, particularly Luxardo cherries, which are dark, tart, and soaked in a sweet syrup.

Combination: You can use both a citrus twist and a cherry for a bit of extra flavor and visual appeal. Some bartenders will also express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink, then garnish with an orange twist and cherry.

Exotic Citrus Peels: For a different twist, you might try grapefruit or lime peel.

Star Anise or Cinnamon Stick: For a spicier Old Fashioned, particularly one made with a more robustly flavored rye, a star anise or a cinnamon stick can make a visually appealing and aromatic garnish.

Flamed Orange Twist: For an added bit of flair, you can "flame" your orange twist. This involves holding a lit match or lighter between the drink and the orange peel and bending the peel to spray its oils through the flame and onto the surface of the drink.

The Old Fashioned is typically served in a specific type of glassware known as an Old Fashioned glass, also called a rocks glass or a lowball glass.

This glass is short and tumbler-shaped, designed to hold the co*cktail's relatively small volume and present it in an appealing way. It's perfect for co*cktails served "on the rocks," that is, over ice, like the Old Fashioned.

An Old Fashioned glass usually has a wide brim, allowing the aroma of the co*cktail to be enjoyed. Its sturdy base is useful for muddling ingredients directly in the glass.

While the Old Fashioned glass is the traditional choice, you can also use any short tumbler if an Old Fashioned glass is not available. The important thing is that the glass should be sturdy enough to handle muddling and large enough to hold the co*cktail and its ice comfortably.

The Old Fashioned co*cktail is typically made with about 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of whiskey, which is the primary source of alcohol in the drink.

The exact alcohol content of your Old Fashioned can vary depending on the proof of the whiskey you use. Proof is a measure of the alcohol content: a whiskey that is 40% alcohol by volume is 80 proof, a whiskey that is 45% alcohol is 90 proof, and so on.

However, for ease in calculating, let's consider that the standard Old Fashioned recipe calls for 2 ounces of whiskey, a few dashes of bitters (which have negligible alcohol content), a sugar cube, and a splash of water or ice, the overall alcohol content is essentially determined by your chosen whiskey.

So, if you use an 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume) whiskey, those 2 ounces will make the drink roughly equivalent to a standard shot of spirits in terms of alcohol content. But remember, it's a sipping drink, meant to be savored slowly rather than consumed quickly.

Brandy Old Fashioned: This variation is very popular in some regions, like Wisconsin in the United States. It replaces the whiskey with brandy and is often served with muddled fruit and soda.

Rum Old Fashioned: Dark, aged rum can replace whiskey for a warmer, more tropical take on the Old Fashioned. The sweetness and complexity of good quality rum works well with the sugar and bitters.

Tequila or Mezcal Old Fashioned: These agave spirits can offer a different, often smokier, flavor profile. Mezcal in particular can bring a complex, smoky flavor that adds depth to the co*cktail.

Gin Old Fashioned: While less common, a gin Old Fashioned can highlight the botanical flavors of the gin. It's typically made with an Old Tom or other sweeter style of gin.

Smoky Old Fashioned: Replace regular whiskey with a peaty Scotch whisky to add a smoky flavor to the co*cktail. You could also add a splash of mezcal for a similar effect.

New Fashioned: Add muddled fresh fruit to the co*cktail, like cherries, oranges, or peaches. Some people also like to add a splash of club soda.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned: This is a specific variation created by mixologist Phil Ward that uses both tequila and mezcal, along with agave nectar and Angostura bitters.

Black Walnut Old Fashioned: Use black walnut bitters instead of Angostura and garnish with a black cherry for a deep, rich twist on the classic.

You can easily prepare a larger batch of Old Fashioned co*cktails ahead of time. Scale the recipe above to make the number of servings you wish. Combine the whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters in a large container or pitcher. Stir well to make sure everything is well mixed.

Cover the container and store in the fridge until ready to serve. You can make this mixture a day or two in advance.

When ready to serve, pour the mixture over ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, making sure each serving is about 2 ounces (or more if preferred).

Twist an orange peel over each glass to express the oils, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Remember to keep the mixture chilled to maintain the best flavor.

Steak: The robust flavor of a well-grilled steak can stand up to the strong, slightly sweet, and bitter flavors of the Old Fashioned.

BBQ Foods: Smoky barbecued ribs, pulled pork, or other BBQ dishes can pair beautifully with an Old Fashioned, especially if the co*cktail is made with a smoky bourbon or rye.

Cheese and Charcuterie: A well-curated cheese and charcuterie board can be a great pairing with an Old Fashioned. Consider strong, aged cheeses, cured meats, and pickled accompaniments.

Chocolate Desserts: Dark chocolate desserts, like a rich brownie or a molten chocolate cake, can be balanced by the bitterness of the co*cktail.

Roasted Nuts: Almonds, pecans, or walnuts, especially when they're roasted or candied, can be a perfect snack to pair with an Old Fashioned.

Spicy Foods: Foods with a bit of heat, like spicy chicken wings or dishes with a kick of chili, can be complemented by the sweet and strong elements of the Old Fashioned.

Comfort Foods: Hearty dishes like burgers, fried chicken, or mac 'n' cheese also pair well with this co*cktail. The Old Fashioned is a comfort drink, after all.