The Old Fashioned: a timeless cocktail that exudes sophistication and simplicity. This guide will teach you how to make an Old Fashioned drink at home, exploring the classic recipe and offering creative variations to personalize your experience.
The beauty of the Old Fashioned lies in its straightforward preparation. Combine whiskey (or your preferred spirit), sugar, and bitters in a glass. Stir, add ice, and garnish. We recommend large ice cubes or spheres to minimize dilution. Read on for tips on selecting the best ingredients and crafting clear ice.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Old Fashioned
Choosing Your Spirit:
Traditionally, an Old Fashioned features bourbon or rye whiskey. Mid-range bottles often provide excellent value. Popular choices include Four Roses and Bulleit. For a special occasion, consider Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Feel free to experiment beyond whiskey. Gin, brandy, and especially dark aged rum can create unique and delicious Old Fashioneds.
Sweetening the Deal:
Sugar balances the alcohol’s bite. Simple syrup, easily made at home, dissolves quickly and allows for customization. Try using brown sugar for a caramel note that complements whiskey or rum. Our recipe for simple syrup can be found here.
Bitters and Garnishes:
Angostura bitters are a classic choice, readily available in most liquor stores. Explore other varieties for nuanced flavors. A touch of fruit enhances the aroma and taste. A piece of orange peel (blood orange is exceptional) and a cherry or two are common additions.
The Flaming Orange Peel:
For an extra flourish, flame an orange peel. Squeeze a coin-sized peel with some pith over a lit match (exercise caution!), igniting the oils. Briefly hold the flame near the glass to infuse a toasted orange scent. You can see how we do it in the video above.
Crafting Crystal-Clear Ice: A Pro Tip
Cloudy ice melts quickly, diluting your drink. Clear ice elevates the presentation and preserves the Old Fashioned’s potency. Achieve clear ice at home without specialized equipment using this technique:
- Nest a small container inside an insulated mug.
- Fill the mug with water, ensuring it covers the smaller container.
- Fill your ice mold, plug the hole, and invert it into the mug.
- Lower the mug’s water level to the top of the small container.
- Freeze until solid.
The image above demonstrates the difference – a DIY clear ice ball (left) versus a regularly frozen one (right). Clear ice melts slower, keeping your Old Fashioned strong and flavorful.
Mastering the Old Fashioned: Your Cocktail Journey
The Old Fashioned is a canvas for creativity. Experiment with different spirits, sugars, bitters, and garnishes to discover your perfect blend. While this guide provides a solid foundation, the true mastery lies in your exploration and enjoyment of this classic cocktail.
