Old Fashioned: A Classic Recipe Never to Become Obsolete

BY: Tom Malony

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updated 4 Apr 2024

IBA Cocktail

This cocktail is indeed a well-named drink. The classic concoction, tantalizing palates for more than two hundred years, is a staple both in bars and among cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Old Fashioned: A Classic Recipe Never to Become Obsolete

This minimalistic yet sophisticated cocktail allows you to enjoy the robust flavor of Whiskey. First comes a fine, amber color with an ice cube as clear as crystal. Sweet and bitter flavors work in perfect harmony, while all attention is stolen by warm Whiskey. With sweet flavors leading the way, they are shortly overcome by Bitters that boast complex tastes and are brought up a notch by the mellow, velvety feel of the spirit.

It is usually served in a short, wide-mouthed glass called an Old Fashioned glass. This is a cocktail to sip slowly, while the flavors combine and the ice melts. The drink is versatile, appropriate for many situations. It's very good as a quiet nightcap at home, as an aperitif before dinner, or just as a nightcap. The strength and complexity of the cocktail make it a sipper rather than a quaff.

This drink truly stands as one of the cornerstones of cocktail culture. The fact that it is timeless relates directly to its simplicity and quality of ingredients. The cocktail is a stalwart favorite of both seasoned drinkers and newcomers to the world of craft mixology.

Officially recognized as part of the IBA list of approved cocktails under The Unforgettables category.

Old Fashioned Cocktail Video | @ConsorzioCDA | 0:48

“

A sophisticated blend of whiskey, sugar, and bitters that stands the test of time

”

Did you know that Old Fashioned...

was the favorite drink of Don Draper from the popular TV show Mad Men and thus re-discovered by every bartender again in the 2010s?

Who invented this cocktail

This cocktail was created in the 1880s at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky. It was invented by James E. Pepper, a bartender and Bourbon distiller, who later brought the recipe to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City.

The origin and history of "Old Fashioned"

The origins of this drink date as far back as the early 1800s, when cocktails were described as a mixture of spirits, Sugar, water, and Bitters. This simple formula was first put into print in 1806 in The Balance and Columbian Repository, a newspaper from New York.

In time, as cocktails started to get a little fancier, those who liked the old style would order an 'old-fashioned' Whiskey cocktail. It finally resulted in the creation of the drink as we know it today.

The cocktail really reached its zenith of popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It survived Prohibition and remained a favorite among Whiskey lovers. During the 1960s, the drink fell out of favor as sweeter, fruitier cocktails came into fashion.

But this classic experienced a dramatic resurgence in popularity in the 21st century, partly because of its frequent appearance in pop culture, particularly in the AMC television show Mad Men. That revival was supported by the overall interest in classic cocktails and craft mixology. The drink thus found a permanent place as an evergreen classic in the modern cocktail revival.

Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Old Fashioned"

To make the perfect version of this cocktail, try these tips:

Choose a high-proof Bourbon or Rye Whiskey to stand up to the dilution from ice
Use a large ice cube or sphere to slow melting and minimize dilution
Stir the drink gently to maintain clarity and avoid over-dilution
Express the oils from an Orange peel over the drink for added aroma and flavor
Experiment with different types of Bitters to create unique flavor profiles

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"Old Fashioned" Variations

Try a Rum Old Fashioned by substituting aged Rum for Whiskey
Create a Maple Old Fashioned by using Maple Syrup instead of Sugar
Make a Smoked Old Fashioned by using a smoked glass or adding a drop of smoky Scotch
Experiment with a Tequila Old Fashioned using aged Tequila as the base spirit

This classic has remained a beacon for the power of simplicity in cocktails. Its rich history and adaptability ensure the drink will see generations to come.

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Current Comments: 4

Benje T.

28 Aug 2024

The perfect mix of sweet and bitter. Highly recommend trying this one!

Eton82

21 Aug 2024

Too strong for my liking, but the orange zest brightens it up.

Lily K.

14 Aug 2024

A timeless classic. The bitters and bourbon create a wonderful depth of flavor.

oliver202

7 Aug 2024

Strong and smooth. The bourbon flavors are rich, and the orange zest adds a nice aroma.