February 13, 2025

Whip up a little Old Fashioned

old_fashioned

old_fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around for more than a century. It’s believed to have originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s, but its exact origin is not clear.

One theory is that the Old Fashioned evolved from a drink called the “Whiskey Cocktail,” which was made by mixing sugar, water, bitters, and whiskey. As the drink evolved, bartenders began adding fruit, such as orange slices or maraschino cherries, as well as soda water or ginger ale. Over time, the drink became more complex and less popular.

In the 1930s, the Old Fashioned as we know it today began to emerge. Bartenders started to strip the drink back to its roots, using only sugar, bitters, whiskey, and a twist of citrus peel. The drink was seen as a symbol of simplicity and elegance.

The Old Fashioned experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1950s and 60s, when it became a favorite drink of the Mad Men era. Today, it remains a classic cocktail and is enjoyed by whiskey lovers all over the world.

While the Old Fashioned is a classic American cocktail, it has also become popular in Ireland and other parts of the world. In Ireland, the drink is often made with Irish whiskey instead of bourbon or rye whiskey, which are the traditional choices for an Old Fashioned.

Irish whiskey has a lighter, smoother flavor than bourbon or rye, which can make for a slightly different Old Fashioned experience. Some bartenders in Ireland also add a splash of soda water to the drink, which gives it a bit of effervescence and makes it slightly less sweet.

Here’s a recipe for a classic Old Fashioned cocktail:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 tsp simple syrup or 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange peel
  • ice cubes

Instructions:

  1. In an Old Fashioned glass, add the simple syrup or sugar cube and Angostura bitters.
  2. Add a splash of water and stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add ice cubes to the glass, filling it about halfway.
  4. Pour the whiskey over the ice.
  5. Using a vegetable peeler or a knife, cut a long strip of orange peel. Express the oils by holding the peel over the glass, shiny side down, and gently squeezing it.
  6. Drop the orange peel into the glass.
  7. Stir the cocktail for about 20-30 seconds, or until it’s well chilled.
  8. Enjoy your delicious Old Fashioned cocktail!

Sometimes the old ways are the best way and this is one tipple that does not need changing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial