The Old Fashioned. The name itself evokes images of a bygone era, of dimly lit bars, and of a sophisticated clientele sipping meticulously crafted drinks. But beyond the romanticism, what exactly goes into an Old Fashioned? It’s a simple drink, deceptively so. The beauty of an Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity, its balance, and the quality of its ingredients. Mastering this cocktail is a rite of passage for any aspiring bartender, and understanding its components is the first step.
The Foundation: Whiskey – Choosing Your Spirit
The heart and soul of an Old Fashioned is undoubtedly the whiskey. The choice of whiskey will dramatically impact the flavor profile of the drink. While tradition often dictates bourbon or rye, adventurous drinkers are experimenting with other whiskies to create unique variations.
Bourbon: The Classic Choice
Bourbon, with its inherent sweetness and notes of vanilla and caramel, is a quintessential choice for an Old Fashioned. Its rich flavor profile complements the sugar and bitters beautifully, creating a smooth and approachable cocktail. When selecting a bourbon, consider the proof. A higher proof bourbon can stand up better to the dilution from ice and water, resulting in a bolder flavor. Look for bourbons that are at least 90 proof for optimal results. Some popular choices include Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve. Each offers a slightly different nuance, allowing you to tailor your Old Fashioned to your personal preference.
Rye: A Spicier Alternative
For those who prefer a bolder, spicier cocktail, rye whiskey is an excellent alternative to bourbon. Rye typically has a higher rye content in its mash bill, resulting in a drier, more peppery flavor. This spice cuts through the sweetness of the sugar, creating a more complex and balanced drink. If you’re new to rye Old Fashioneds, start with a lower-proof rye to acclimate to the flavor. As you become more accustomed to the taste, you can gradually increase the proof for a more intense experience. Rittenhouse Rye, Old Overholt, and Bulleit Rye are all solid choices for an Old Fashioned. Rye offers a contrasting profile that appeals to those seeking a less sweet cocktail.
Beyond Bourbon and Rye: Exploring Other Whiskies
While bourbon and rye are the most traditional choices, there’s no rule against experimenting with other whiskies. Some adventurous bartenders have even created Old Fashioneds using Scotch, Irish whiskey, or even Japanese whisky. The key is to understand the flavor profile of the whisky you choose and adjust the other ingredients accordingly. For example, a peaty Scotch might require less sugar to balance its smokiness. Single malt whiskies offer a complex and nuanced flavor profile.
The Sweetener: Sugar – More Than Just Sweetness
The sugar in an Old Fashioned isn’t just about adding sweetness. It also plays a crucial role in creating the drink’s texture and balance. While some bartenders use simple syrup, the traditional method involves muddling a sugar cube with bitters.
Sugar Cubes: The Traditional Method
The use of a sugar cube is arguably the most traditional approach to sweetening an Old Fashioned. The process of muddling the sugar cube with bitters helps to release the essential oils of the bitters and create a more cohesive mixture. It’s important to use a good quality sugar cube that dissolves easily. Too much muddling can result in a gritty texture. The gradual dissolving of the sugar cube creates a subtly evolving sweetness as you sip.
Simple Syrup: A Convenient Alternative
Simple syrup, a mixture of equal parts sugar and water, is a convenient alternative to sugar cubes. It dissolves easily and allows for precise control over the sweetness of the drink. If using simple syrup, start with a small amount and add more to taste. Using demerara syrup, which is made with raw cane sugar, will add a richer, more complex sweetness to the Old Fashioned.
Alternative Sweeteners: Honey, Agave, and Maple Syrup
For those looking to experiment or seeking a more natural sweetener, honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup can all be used in an Old Fashioned. Each will impart its own unique flavor to the drink. Honey adds a floral sweetness, agave offers a cleaner sweetness, and maple syrup provides a rich, earthy flavor. Be mindful of the viscosity of these sweeteners; you may need to adjust the amount used compared to sugar or simple syrup.
The Bitters: The Soul of the Old Fashioned
Bitters are essential to an Old Fashioned. They add complexity, depth, and balance to the drink. Bitters aren’t just flavoring agents; they bind the sugar and whiskey together.
Angostura Bitters: The Classic Choice
Angostura bitters are the most traditional choice for an Old Fashioned. Their complex flavor profile, with notes of clove, cinnamon, and allspice, complements the whiskey and sugar perfectly. A few dashes of Angostura bitters are all that’s needed to transform a simple drink into a complex and flavorful cocktail. Angostura bitters are the backbone of the classic Old Fashioned.
Orange Bitters: A Citrusy Twist
Orange bitters add a bright, citrusy note to the Old Fashioned, complementing the whiskey and sugar. They’re a great way to add a touch of freshness to the drink, especially during warmer months. There are many different brands of orange bitters available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite.
Peychaud’s Bitters: A Floral Alternative
Peychaud’s bitters, with their gentian-forward flavor and notes of anise and cherry, offer a more floral and slightly sweeter alternative to Angostura bitters. They add a distinctive character to the Old Fashioned, making it a great choice for those looking for something different. A combination of Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters can also create a more nuanced and complex flavor.
Experimenting with Bitters: Expanding Your Palate
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bitters in your Old Fashioned. There are countless varieties available, each with its own unique flavor profile. From chocolate bitters to coffee bitters to lavender bitters, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to use bitters sparingly; a little goes a long way.
The Garnish: Orange Peel – Essential Oils and Aroma
The garnish for an Old Fashioned is typically an orange peel. The oils expressed from the peel add a fragrant citrus aroma to the drink. This simple garnish enhances the overall sensory experience.
Expressing the Oils: The Key Technique
The key to a good orange peel garnish is to properly express the oils. Hold the orange peel over the glass, with the colored side facing down, and gently bend the peel to release the oils. Then, rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it into the drink. This technique ensures that the oils coat the glass and provide a maximum aroma with each sip. The aromatic oils from the orange peel are a crucial element of the Old Fashioned.
Lemon Peel: A Less Traditional Option
While orange peel is the traditional garnish, some bartenders use lemon peel instead. Lemon peel adds a brighter, more acidic aroma to the drink. It’s a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a brighter, more refreshing Old Fashioned, lemon peel may be a good choice.
Other Garnishes: Cherries and More
While less common, some bartenders add a cherry to their Old Fashioned. If you choose to use a cherry, opt for a high-quality cocktail cherry, such as Luxardo or Amarena. Avoid maraschino cherries, as they are often overly sweet and artificial-tasting. Some also add a small splash of club soda or sparkling water.
The Ice: Dilution and Temperature
Ice plays a crucial role in an Old Fashioned. It not only chills the drink but also provides essential dilution, which helps to soften the alcohol and integrate the flavors.
Large Format Ice: Slow and Steady
Large format ice, such as a large cube or sphere, is ideal for an Old Fashioned. It melts slowly, which minimizes dilution and keeps the drink cold for longer. A single large cube is the preferred choice for many bartenders.
Smaller Cubes: Faster Dilution
Smaller ice cubes will melt faster, resulting in more dilution. This can be desirable if you prefer a slightly less boozy Old Fashioned. However, it’s important to drink the cocktail quickly to prevent it from becoming too diluted.
Crushed Ice: Not Recommended
Crushed ice is generally not recommended for an Old Fashioned, as it melts very quickly and can result in a watery drink. The rapid dilution can also mute the flavors of the whiskey and bitters.
The Method: Building the Perfect Old Fashioned
Now that we’ve covered all the ingredients, let’s discuss the method for building the perfect Old Fashioned. The key is to be patient and precise, paying attention to each step.
Muddling: Releasing the Flavors
If using a sugar cube, place it in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass. Add the bitters and a splash of water. Muddle gently until the sugar is dissolved. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can result in a bitter taste. The goal is to dissolve the sugar, not pulverize it.
Adding the Whiskey: The Foundation of the Drink
Add the whiskey to the glass. Stir gently to combine with the sugar and bitters. Add a large ice cube.
Garnishing: The Final Touch
Express the oils from an orange peel over the glass. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass. Drop the peel into the drink.
Variations: Experimenting with the Classic
While the classic Old Fashioned is a masterpiece, there’s always room for experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try different whiskies, bitters, and garnishes to create your own signature version.
Spiced Old Fashioned: Warming Flavors
Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom bitters to your Old Fashioned for a warming, spiced flavor. This is a great option for colder months. You can also muddle a small piece of cinnamon stick or star anise with the sugar cube.
Smoked Old Fashioned: A Smoky Twist
Use a smoked whiskey or add a few drops of liquid smoke to your Old Fashioned for a smoky twist. You can also use a smoking gun to infuse the drink with smoke.
Fruit-Infused Old Fashioned: Adding Freshness
Muddle a small piece of fruit, such as a cherry, orange slice, or pineapple chunk, with the sugar cube for a fruit-infused Old Fashioned. This adds a touch of freshness and sweetness to the drink. Remember to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
Mastering the Old Fashioned is a journey. Experiment, taste, and refine your technique until you find the perfect combination that suits your palate. The classic is timeless for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. Enjoy!
What are the essential ingredients for a classic Old Fashioned?
The core ingredients for a truly classic Old Fashioned are bourbon or rye whiskey, a sugar cube (or simple syrup), Angostura bitters, and a few dashes of water. The orange peel garnish is also essential, adding both aromatic and flavor complexity. These elements combine to create a balanced drink where the quality of the whiskey shines through, and the bitters and sugar complement its inherent flavors.
The type of whiskey you choose significantly impacts the final taste. Bourbon typically offers a sweeter, vanilla-forward profile, while rye provides a spicier, drier character. The bitters provide depth and balance, cutting through the sweetness, and the orange peel adds a citrusy aroma that elevates the entire experience. The slight dilution from the water helps open up the flavors and make the drink more palatable.
Can I use simple syrup instead of a sugar cube in an Old Fashioned?
Yes, using simple syrup is a perfectly acceptable and often preferred alternative to a sugar cube. It ensures easier and more consistent integration of sweetness into the cocktail. Many bartenders opt for simple syrup for its ease of use and ability to create a more uniform flavor profile across multiple drinks.
The key when using simple syrup is to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired level of sweetness. A good starting point is about 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, then adjust to taste. This allows for greater control over the sweetness and ensures the whiskey remains the star of the drink.
What is the best type of whiskey for an Old Fashioned?
The “best” type of whiskey is subjective and depends on individual preference, but both bourbon and rye whiskey are traditionally used and offer distinctly different experiences. Bourbon typically lends a sweeter, richer flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a slightly sweeter cocktail.
Rye whiskey, on the other hand, provides a bolder, spicier character with notes of pepper, fruit, and spice. Its drier finish balances the sweetness of the sugar, resulting in a more complex and sophisticated Old Fashioned. Ultimately, experimenting with both bourbon and rye is the best way to discover your personal preference.
Why is an orange peel used as a garnish in an Old Fashioned?
The orange peel serves as more than just a decorative element; it is an integral part of the Old Fashioned’s flavor profile. Expressing the oils from the orange peel over the drink releases aromatic compounds that enhance the overall aroma and flavor of the cocktail, adding a bright citrus note that complements the whiskey and bitters.
Furthermore, gently rubbing the orange peel along the rim of the glass before dropping it into the drink imparts additional flavor and aroma. The oils contribute a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the drink’s complexity. The orange peel is a carefully considered element, not merely an afterthought.
How do I properly express an orange peel for an Old Fashioned?
To properly express an orange peel, hold the peel, colored side down, a few inches above the glass. Pinch the sides of the peel firmly, creating a snap that releases the oils from the skin. You should see a fine mist of oil spraying onto the surface of the drink.
After expressing the oils, rub the peel around the rim of the glass to impart even more flavor. Then, you can either drop the peel into the glass as a garnish or discard it, depending on your preference. Dropping it in will continue to infuse the drink with subtle citrus notes.
Is it necessary to muddle the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned?
Muddling the sugar cube with the bitters and water is a traditional step, but its necessity is debated. The purpose of muddling is to dissolve the sugar and integrate it with the bitters and water, creating a base for the cocktail. However, with modern sugar cubes dissolving more easily, thorough muddling isn’t always essential.
If using simple syrup, muddling is entirely unnecessary as the sugar is already dissolved. When using a sugar cube, gentle muddling is sufficient to help it dissolve, but avoid over-muddling, which can release unwanted bitterness from the orange peel if it’s added too early. The primary goal is to dissolve the sugar, not to create a paste.
What are some variations of the Old Fashioned cocktail?
Numerous variations of the Old Fashioned exist, often involving substitutions or additions to the classic recipe. Some common variations include using different types of bitters, such as orange bitters or Peychaud’s bitters, to alter the flavor profile. Other variations incorporate different types of sugar, such as demerara sugar or maple syrup, for added depth and complexity.
Beyond ingredient swaps, some variations experiment with different spirits, such as rum or tequila, instead of whiskey. Adding a small amount of another liqueur, like Benedictine or Maraschino liqueur, can also create a unique twist. The Old Fashioned provides a versatile base for experimentation, allowing for endless customization based on personal preferences.