The Old Fashioned cocktail is a true classic and probably one of our favourites (you might have been able to guess that).
With a history that spans over two centuries, the cocktail's origins can be traced back to the early 1800s, when bartenders would mix a simple combination of spirit, sugar, bitters, and water or ice to create a refreshing cocktail for their customers.
At the time, there was no standardized recipe for the cocktail, and bartenders would use their own creativity to modify the recipe to suit their customer's tastes.
As the cocktail became more popular, drinkers began to request their preferred spirits, and bartenders started experimenting with different combinations of ingredients to create new variations of the cocktail. By the late 1800s, the cocktail had become a staple in bars across the United States, and it was commonly served as a pre-dinner cocktail or as a nightcap.
In the early 1900s, the Old Fashioned was still a popular cocktail, but it had evolved from its original recipe. Bartenders had started to use fruit, such as oranges and cherries, in their cocktails, and they had also begun to add soda water or other mixers to create a more complex flavor profile. These additions led to the creation of new variations of the cocktail, such as the "Fruit Old Fashioned" and the "Soda Old Fashioned."
By the 1920s and 1930s, the Old Fashioned had become a staple in speakeasies across America, and it was a favorite of Prohibition-era drinkers. During this time, bartenders often used inferior spirits to make the cocktail, which led to the creation of a new variation of the Old Fashioned called the "Whiskey Sour."
Despite the many changes and variations the cocktail has undergone over the years, the Old Fashioned has remained a favorite of bartenders and drinkers alike. The classic recipe, which calls for bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel, is still the most popular version of the cocktail. However, many bartenders today put their own spin on the classic recipe, using unique ingredients and techniques to create new and exciting variations of the cocktail.
In recent years, the Old Fashioned has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the craft cocktail movement. Bartenders are once again embracing the classic recipe, and drinkers are rediscovering the simple pleasure of a well-made Old Fashioned. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of the many variations, the Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that has stood the test of time.
Here is a classic recipe for an Old Fashioned:
60ml bourbon or rye whiskey
1 Sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Ice
To make an Old Fashioned, muddle the sugar, bitters, and a few drops of water in a glass until the sugar dissolves. Add the whiskey and ice, and stir until chilled. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
While the classic recipe for an Old Fashioned remains popular, there are several variations that have been developed over the years. Some popular variations include:
1. The Maple Old Fashioned
60ml bourbon or rye whiskey
10ml maple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel
Ice
2. The Smoky Old Fashioned
60ml mezcal or smoky scotch
10ml agave nectar
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Grapefruit peel
Ice
3. Rum Old Fashioned
60 ml aged rum
10 ml demerara syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Orange peel, for garnish