The Old Fashioned: a timeless cocktail that embodies sophistication and simplicity. While traditionally made one drink at a time, an Old Fashioned Mixer allows for effortless enjoyment, whether for a quiet evening or entertaining guests. This guide delves into the nuances of creating your own old fashioned mixer, ensuring a perfectly balanced and flavorful cocktail every time.
Crafting the Perfect Old Fashioned Mixer: A Step-by-Step Guide
The beauty of an old fashioned mixer lies in its ability to streamline the cocktail-making process without sacrificing flavor. By pre-batching the key ingredients, you can achieve consistency and convenience.
Essential Ingredients:
- Sugar: A blend of brown and white sugar offers a rich sweetness with subtle molasses notes. Traditionalists can opt for all white sugar.
- Water: This forms the base of the simple syrup, dissolving the sugar and binding the flavors.
- Oranges: Fresh oranges provide a vibrant citrus aroma and a bright, tangy flavor.
- Cherries: Luxardo Maraschino or Amarena cherries are crucial for their complex, nuanced flavor profile. Avoid generic red maraschino cherries.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon sticks infuse a warm, spicy depth, elevating the overall complexity of the mixer. (Optional but recommended!)
- Bitters: Angostura bitters, either aromatic or orange, are essential for the signature bitter bite of an Old Fashioned.
Mixing Method:
- Create the Simple Syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan, simmering until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Infuse the Flavors: Gently muddle the cherries to release their juices. Add orange quarters and cinnamon sticks to the syrup, allowing them to steep and cool completely. Avoid muddling the oranges as it can dilute the syrup.
- Strain and Refine: Strain the mixture to remove the fruit and cinnamon sticks, leaving a clear, infused syrup.
- Add the Bitters: Stir in the Angostura bitters to complete the mixer.
Storing Your Old Fashioned Mixer
Proper storage ensures the longevity and freshness of your old fashioned mixer. Store it in a sealed glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Customizing Your Old Fashioned Mixer
While the recipe above provides a solid foundation, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations:
- Spice Variations: Enhance the spice profile with additional cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, or even star anise.
- Vanilla Infusion: Introduce a split vanilla bean for a subtle vanilla aroma that complements the bourbon beautifully.
- Bitters Exploration: Explore different bitters varieties like chocolate or cherry bitters to create unique flavor profiles.
Gifting the Old Fashioned Experience
An old fashioned mixer makes a thoughtful and personalized gift for cocktail enthusiasts. Package it in a stylish jar, accompanied by a small bottle of quality bourbon, fresh oranges, a jar of Luxardo cherries, and elegant cocktail glasses.
From Mixer to Masterpiece: Preparing the Old Fashioned
Using your pre-made mixer, crafting the perfect Old Fashioned is a breeze:
- Chill and Combine: Fill a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
- Measure and Pour: Add one ounce of old fashioned mixer and two ounces of your preferred bourbon.
- Stir and Garnish: Stir well to chill and dilute the cocktail. Garnish with an orange slice and a Luxardo cherry.
Elevating Your Cocktail Game with the Old Fashioned Mixer
The old fashioned mixer simplifies the art of cocktail creation, allowing you to enjoy a classic drink effortlessly. Experiment with flavors, impress your guests, and savor the timeless elegance of the Old Fashioned.
