How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail

Introduction

The old fashioned is one of the oldest and most beloved cocktails in the world. It’s simple, yet complex flavor makes it a great choice for any occasion. But what goes into making the perfect old fashioned? This article will guide you through the necessary steps to crafting the ideal old fashioned cocktail.

Definition of an Old Fashioned Cocktail

An old fashioned is a type of cocktail composed of whiskey (usually bourbon), sugar, bitters, and a slice of orange or cherry. The drink has been around since the late 1800s and is considered one of the “original” cocktails. It’s also one of the most popular drinks served in bars and restaurants today.

Overview of the Necessary Ingredients

Before you begin mixing your old fashioned, you’ll need to gather the essential ingredients. These include:

• Bourbon
• Sugar (Simple Syrup, Demerara Sugar, or a Sugar Cube)
• Bitters
• Orange Slice or Cherry

Gather the Essential Ingredients

Now that you know the ingredients, let’s go over each item in more detail before we get started.

Bourbon

Bourbon is the main ingredient in an old fashioned, so it’s important to choose a good quality whiskey. Look for bourbons that are aged at least four years in charred oak barrels. This will give the drink its distinctive flavor and aroma.

Selecting a Good Quality Bourbon

When selecting a bourbon for your old fashioned, look for one with a high proof. High proof bourbons have a higher alcohol content and will give your drink a bolder flavor and a smoother finish. Also, look for bourbons that are labeled as “straight” or “single barrel”, as these are usually of better quality.

Enjoying the Bourbon Straight

If you’re feeling adventurous, try sipping your bourbon straight before you mix it into an old fashioned. This will allow you to appreciate the complexity of the spirit and will give you a better understanding of how it will affect the flavor of your cocktail.

Pick Your Sweetener

Once you’ve chosen your bourbon, it’s time to pick your sweetener. There are three common options for sweetening an old fashioned: simple syrup, demerara sugar, or a sugar cube.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a combination of equal parts sugar and water that is boiled until the sugar is completely dissolved. It’s easy to make and can be used to quickly sweeten cocktails.

Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar is a type of raw cane sugar with a light brown color and a slightly molasses-like flavor. It’s a popular choice for old fashioneds because of its distinct flavor.

Sugar Cube

A sugar cube is another option for sweetening an old fashioned. It’s usually muddled with a few drops of bitters before being added to the drink.

Add Bitters

Bitters are a key ingredient in an old fashioned. They add depth and complexity to the drink and help to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients. A few drops of aromatic bitters will do the trick.

Stir and Strain

Once all the ingredients are combined in a rocks glass, it’s time to stir and strain. Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Conclusion

Making the perfect old fashioned is easy once you know the basics. Start by gathering the essential ingredients: bourbon, sugar, bitters, and an orange slice or cherry. Choose a good quality bourbon and select a sweetener such as simple syrup, demerara sugar, or a sugar cube. Add a few drops of aromatic bitters and stir and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Enjoy your perfectly crafted old fashioned!