How to Make an Old Fashioned at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The old fashioned is one of the oldest and most popular cocktails in the world. It is a simple yet complex drink that combines the bold flavors of whiskey, bitters, and sugar with a hint of orange. Making an old fashioned at home can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to experiment with different recipes and ingredients.

A classic old fashioned typically consists of whiskey (usually bourbon or rye), Angostura bitters, sugar (in the form of simple syrup or muddled sugar cube), and an orange peel. The ingredients are combined in a rocks glass over ice and stirred until well blended. The drink is then garnished with an orange peel or a cherry and served.

Gather the Ingredients

Before you start making your old fashioned, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need whiskey (bourbon or rye are the most common types used for this cocktail), Angostura bitters, simple syrup, and an orange peel. For the best results, try to use high-quality brands of each ingredient.

When choosing a whiskey, look for one that has a good balance of sweet and spicy notes. Popular brands include Bulleit Bourbon, Maker’s Mark, and Four Roses. As for bitters, Angostura is the go-to choice for old fashioneds, but other varieties such as orange or lemon bitters can also be used.

For the simple syrup, you can either buy it pre-made or make your own by combining equal parts water and sugar over low heat. Lastly, you will need an orange peel for garnishing the drink. If you don’t have an orange, you can use a lemon peel instead.

Prepare the Glass

Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start making the drink. Start by preparing the glass. If you’re using simple syrup, add about 1 teaspoon of it to the glass. Alternatively, you can muddle the sugar cube (or cubes) in the glass until it is fully dissolved. Be careful not to over-muddle the sugar, as this can make the drink too sweet.

If you’re using muddled sugar, add a few drops of Angostura bitters to the glass and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then, squeeze the juice from half an orange into the glass and drop in the orange peel.

Mix the Drink

Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients. Start by pouring 2 ounces of whiskey into the glass. Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters, then gently stir the mixture with a bar spoon until the ingredients are well blended. At this point, you can decide whether to add ice to the drink or stir it without ice.

Adding ice will help dilute the drink and bring out the flavor of the whiskey, while stirring without ice will create a stronger, more concentrated flavor. Experiment with both methods to find out which one you prefer.

Garnish the Drink

Once the drink is mixed, it’s time to garnish it. The traditional garnish for an old fashioned is an orange peel, but you can also use a cherry if you prefer. To garnish the drink, take the orange peel and twist it over the glass. This will release the oils from the peel, giving the drink an added citrusy aroma.

Make sure to add the garnish after the drink is mixed, as adding it too early can cause the flavors to dull over time. If you’re using a cherry, add it to the glass before stirring.

Add Finishing Touches

To finish off the drink, consider adding a splash of club soda or brandy. These ingredients will help to balance the flavors and give the drink a unique twist. Additionally, you can try experimenting with different types of bitters, such as orange or lemon, to give the drink a different flavor.

When adding finishing touches, remember to taste the drink after each addition to ensure that the flavors are balanced. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients to your preference.

Serve

Once the drink is finished, it’s time to serve it. To get the best flavor, pour the drink into a chilled glass or over ice. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also garnish the glass with a slice of orange or a maraschino cherry. When presenting the drink, consider adding a few dashes of bitters on top for a colorful touch.

Conclusion

Making an old fashioned at home is a great way to explore the flavors of whiskey, bitters, and sugar. By following these simple steps, you can easily make a classic old fashioned that will be sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes and ingredients, as this is the best way to find out what kind of old fashioned you like best.