Old Fashioned

Definition

Old Fashioned is a classic whiskey-based cocktail that primarily focuses on highlighting the whiskey's character through a light sweetness and bitterness. It is traditionally prepared by dissolving sugar in bitters and a small amount of water in a lowball glass, after which ice and whiskey are added and stirred until the mixture is cold and slightly diluted.

Historie

The term and the dish date back to the 19th century in the United States. The early version was often referred to as an 'old-fashioned cocktail' and was considered a simple, timeless approach to mixology, where the ingredients were highlighted without excessive spice.

Ingredienser

• Whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• Sugar (1 sugar cube or sugar syrup)
• Angostura bitters (or other bitters to taste)
• Ice in large cubes
• Garnish: twist of orange peel and optionally a cocktail cherry

Tilberedning

1) Place a sugar cube in a lowball glass and add a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters and a small amount of water. 2) Muddle the sugar until dissolved. 3) Fill the glass with ice and add whiskey. 4) Stir gently for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is cooled and lightly diluted. 5) Garnish with a twist of orange peel and optionally a cherry.

Variationer

• Uses sugar syrup instead of a sugar cube for a more uniform sweetness.
• Orange bitters give a more citrusy note than Angostura.
• The choice of whiskey affects the profile: bourbon gives sweeter, vanilla notes; rye gives spice and a bite.
• A modern approach includes a small amount of water or a change in the amount of ice to balance.

Servering og glas

• Served in a lowball glass (Old Fashioned glass) with large ice cubes or a single large ice block. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.