Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail

What is an Old Fashioned cocktail?

An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity and elegance. Its traditional ingredients include whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus rind.

What is the history of the Old Fashioned?

The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 19th century. The term "cocktail" was defined in the May 13, 1806, edition of "The Balance and Columbian Repository," a Hudson, New York, newspaper. The paper explained that a cocktail is a stimulating liquor composed of any type of sugar, water, and bitters — essentially the recipe for an Old Fashioned.

The name "Old Fashioned" itself started appearing in the mid-19th century, as a way for patrons to request their drinks be made the "old-fashioned way," in the style of that early cocktail definition. This was during a time when many bars were starting to incorporate more complex ingredients and techniques, and some drinkers wanted to stick with the simplicity of the original style.

One of the first documented references to the Old Fashioned by its name is attributed to a bartender at the Pendennis Club, a gentlemen’s club in Louisville, Kentucky, who created the drink in honor of Colonel James E. Pepper, a prominent bourbon distiller, in the 1880s. Pepper is said to have introduced the drink to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City, which helped popularize it.

The cocktail fell out of favor during the mid-20th century, but it experienced a resurgence in popularity in the early 21st century, especially with the craft cocktail movement and its prominent role in the television series "Mad Men." It remains one of the most iconic and popular cocktails in the world today.

What type of whiskey is traditionally used in this cocktail?

Traditionally, it is made using either bourbon or rye whiskey.

Bourbon tends to impart a sweeter, fuller-bodied flavor to the cocktail due to its high corn content, which can help to balance out the bitters and sugar. This is often the choice for those who prefer a slightly sweeter version.

Rye whiskey, on the other hand, tends to be spicier and more complex, offering a sharper contrast to the sweet and bitter elements in the cocktail. Some cocktail enthusiasts believe rye makes for a more balanced, sophisticated drink.

What type of bitters are used in an Old Fashioned?

The traditional choice of bitters is Angostura bitters. Angostura is a brand of aromatic bitters. It's known for its complex blend of tropical flavors including cinnamon, clove, and bitter root extracts.

What kind of ice should I use?

In an Old Fashioned cocktail, a large ice cube or an ice sphere is often used. This type of ice melts more slowly than smaller ice cubes, chilling the drink without watering it down.

How can I make this without using simple syrup?

If you don't have simple syrup on hand (and don't feel like making it yourself), you can simply place a sugar cube (or equivalent in granulated sugar) in the bottom of a glass. Add the bitters and mash them together using a muddler or the back of a bar spoon. Just mash them enough to create a paste. You can then add the ice and proceed with the recipe.

What type of glassware is appropriate for an Old Fashioned?

It is typically served in a specific type of glassware known as an Old Fashioned glass, also called a rocks glass or a lowball glass.

This glass is short and tumbler-shaped, designed to hold the cocktail's relatively small volume and present it in an appealing way. It's perfect for cocktails served "on the rocks," that is, over ice.

An Old Fashioned glass usually has a wide brim, allowing the aroma of the cocktail to be enjoyed. Its sturdy base is useful for muddling ingredients directly in the glass.

While the namesake glass is the traditional choice, you can also use any short tumbler if an Old Fashioned glass is not available. The important thing is that the glass should be sturdy enough to handle muddling and large enough to hold the cocktail and its ice comfortably.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic or "mocktail" version of an Old Fashioned. While the taste won't be exactly the same without the whiskey, you can mimic some of the flavors and still create an enjoyable and complex beverage. You can substitute a non-alcoholic spirit substitute like Seedlip Spice 94 or Lyre's American Malt in equal amounts in place of the whiskey. While there are many non-alcoholic spirits on the market, not all will work well in an Old Fashioned. Choose one that has a robust and complex flavor that can stand up to the sugar and bitters. Experiment with different products to find one that you enjoy.

What are some variations of the Old Fashioned cocktail?

Smoky Old Fashioned: Replace regular whiskey with a peaty Scotch whisky to add a smoky flavor to the cocktail. You could also add a splash of mezcal for a similar effect.

New Fashioned: Add muddled fresh fruit to the cocktail, like cherries, oranges, or peaches. Some people also like to add a splash of club soda.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned: This is a specific variation created by mixologist Phil Ward that uses both tequila and mezcal, along with agave nectar and Angostura bitters.

Black Walnut Old Fashioned: Use black walnut bitters instead of Angostura and garnish with a black cherry for a deep, rich twist on the classic.

Can I prepare an Old Fashioned in advance for a party?

You can easily prepare a larger batch of Old Fashioned cocktails ahead of time. Scale the recipe above to make the number of servings you wish. Combine the whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters in a large container or pitcher. Stir well to make sure everything is well mixed. Cover the container and store in the fridge until ready to serve. You can make this mixture a day or two in advance. When ready to serve, pour the mixture over ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, making sure each serving is about 2 ounces (or more if preferred).

Mixing Glass: For stirring together the simple syrup, water, and bitters before adding the ice and bourbon.

Bar Spoon: Perfect for gently stirring the ingredients in the mixing glass.

Jigger: Makes sure precise measurements of bourbon are added to the cocktail.