The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic cocktail, celebrated for its simplicity and depth of flavor. This recipe focuses on delivering the best old fashioned experience, highlighting the key ingredients and techniques for a truly exceptional drink. Bourbon or rye whiskey are the traditional base liquors, but the beauty of this cocktail lies in its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to explore different spirits like gin, brandy, or even a dark aged rum to create your own signature old fashioned.
The foundation of any great Old Fashioned lies in the quality of its ingredients. Start with a reliable mid-range bourbon or rye whiskey. Four Roses, Bulleit, and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are excellent choices. However, the world of whiskey is vast, so feel free to use your personal favorite. Beyond whiskey, gin, brandy, and rum can also be used in this versatile cocktail.
A touch of sweetness is essential to balance the strength of the alcohol. Simple syrup, easily made at home by dissolving sugar in water, is the preferred sweetener. For a richer flavor profile, experiment with brown sugar simple syrup, which adds delicious caramel notes that complement whiskey or rum particularly well.
Bitters provide the crucial aromatic complexity that defines the Old Fashioned. Angostura bitters are a classic choice, readily available in most liquor stores. For the adventurous, explore the wide world of bitters, each offering unique flavor nuances to enhance your cocktail. Two or three dashes are usually sufficient.
Fruit adds a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, boozy flavors. While some prefer a minimalist approach, a piece of orange peel, especially blood orange, and a cherry or two add a bright, citrusy aroma and a touch of visual appeal.
For a truly impressive presentation, try flaming an orange peel. Squeeze a coin-sized piece of peel with some pith attached over the glass to release the oils, then carefully light a match nearby. The oils will ignite in a brief flash, infusing a smoky, toasted orange aroma into your cocktail.
The quality of ice significantly impacts the drinking experience. Clear ice, made by freezing water slowly, melts slower than cloudy ice, preserving the drink’s strength and preventing dilution. While specialized ice molds are available, a simple DIY method using nested containers can achieve remarkably clear ice at home.
To make a classic Old Fashioned, combine simple syrup, bitters, and your chosen liquor in an Old Fashioned glass. Stir well to combine and chill. Add one or two large ice cubes or a sphere of clear ice. Stir again to further chill the drink. Garnish with an orange peel and a cherry.
Finally, remember that the best old fashioned recipe is the one that suits your individual taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust the proportions of ingredients, experiment with different types of liquor, bitters, and sweeteners, and find your perfect balance of sweet, bitter, and boozy.
