When you order a classic cocktail, you might be wondering, “What’s in an old fashioned?” The answer depends on what you’re looking for, but here are some basic facts: The history of the drink, the ingredients, variations, and garnishes. You can also check out the recipe below. If you want a unique twist on the classic, try adding a little bit of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Ingredients
The ingredients of an old fashioned cocktail are fairly simple, but getting the exact mixture right is a challenge. An old fashioned is generally served with a single large ice cube. The size of the ice cube is a personal preference. The Chicago Tribune first described the drink as an “old fashioned” in 1880. It is similar to a whiskey sour, but does not contain egg white or fresh lemon juice.
One of the most traditional cocktails, the Old Fashioned is usually made with bourbon. However, some drinkers use rye whiskey. While the name Old Fashioned reportedly came from a drink ordered at a bar, there is no official origin for the drink. The ingredients of an old fashioned include bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, water, and bitters. Bourbon and rye whiskey are usually the base spirits.
For the best drink, an old fashioned is made with two to three ounces of liquor, including bourbon or brandy. To make the drink more sweet, use lemon-lime or grapefruit soda, or a cherry garnish. The drink is then stirred with ice for about 20 seconds and strained over fresh ice. A lemon twist or orange slice is sometimes added as garnish. A simple syrup may be poured over the drink before straining and adding it to the glass.
The history of the Old Fashioned cocktail is closely interwoven with that of other classic cocktails. The first formal documentation of a cocktail included its components. This was the Old Fashioned cocktail, or a general cocktail. It was also known as a Bitter Sling, and it became popular after the development of more complex cocktails. If you want to make your own Old Fashioned, follow the ingredients mentioned below.
History
An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, bitters, and water. It’s served in a unique glass, which predates the cocktail itself. Proulx, who worked at the famous Chapin and Gore bars, coined the term “Old Fashioned” to distinguish it from “improved” versions. This drink is traditionally served on the rocks and is best enjoyed sipped.
The character of the historian has changed over time. In the 1700s, aristocratic intellectuals often used a compass to make the cocktail. Nevertheless, the emergence of the modernity era ushered in a new era of social class stratification. As such, modern historians have developed some personality traits that are not common today. The history of the Bourgeois society demonstrates the evolution of this social stratum.
Variations
The classic old fashioned is a light, syrupy whiskey-based lowball with a hint of rye or bourbon. The classic drink is often served with fruit, but you can also find bartenders who simply drop the fruit in before serving. Sometimes, bartenders will muddle the fruit into the drink, but this is not required. Many Old Fashioneds also come with olive garnishes.
The base of an Old Fashioned is usually whiskey, but it can also be a mixture of any brown spirit. In addition to whiskey, you can also substitute simple syrup or Demerara syrup, or you can use liqueur or amari. Using any of these two ingredients will give you a cocktail with a new twist. Regardless of the variation, the result will be a delicious drink. But beware: Old Fashioneds can be dangerous! Unless you’re a professional bartender, it’s not always safe to mix booze, sugar, and syrup together.
If you don’t like whiskey, rum will work just fine. Try a rum with more character than a generic bottom shelf bottle. For instance, Bacardi Reserva Ocho works very well as a substitute for whiskey in most cocktail recipes. For a classic Old Fashioned, use 2 ounces of rum and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Pour the mixture over ice and stir for about ten to fifteen seconds. Garnish with a slice of orange peel.
Modern bartenders have been experimenting with Old-Fashioned drinks for the past few decades. These variations have expanded the traditional recipe by adding novel spirits, like absinthe and cinnamon. Aside from experimenting with traditional recipes, bartenders have also created drinks that incorporate exotic fruit. Some bartenders even add a few extra ingredients to the Old-Fashioned, such as grenadillo, bitter orange, and chocolate bitters.
Other popular versions of the Old Fashioned contain a twist of grapefruit and orange peel. The simple syrup is typically used to sweeten the drink, and the orange peel oil adds spice flavors to the mixture. To make this classic cocktail, use a Hawthorne strainer and ice. Alternatively, you can use a fine mesh strainer and maple syrup. Once you have the perfect drink, serve it to your guests.
Garnishes
The traditional spirit used in an Old Fashioned is bourbon, but you can substitute almost any other type of liquor. You can also use rye whiskey or tequila instead of bourbon. Traditional garnishes include a sugar cube dipped in bitters, but today’s versions may use simple syrup, which is easier to mix. Modern versions of this drink may also include garnishes like dark cherries or citrus zest.
The basic ingredients of an Old Fashioned cocktail are rye, simple syrup, bitters, ice, and whiskey. You can garnish the drink with a cherry or an orange twist for a festive touch. For more details, read about the history of an Old Fashioned cocktail at Cold Glass, Thrillist, or Difford’s Guide. Once you know the basic ingredients, you can mix an Old Fashioned cocktail.
For the classic Old Fashioned, you will need bourbon, bitters, simple syrup, and orange peel. Other optional ingredients include a garnish, orange peel, or cherry. These garnishes are not required, but they help to bring out the nuances of the whiskey. Adding them to your drink will add an extra level of sophistication to your cocktail. So, the next time you’re planning to have a cocktail party, make sure you add a garnish that will make your guests feel special and stylish.