When it comes to classic drinks that have withstood the test of time, the Old Fashioned cocktail stands proudly at the forefront.

This timeless concoction, often dubbed the "original cocktail," exudes elegance, sophistication, and a rich history that harkens back to the 19th century.

We'll delve into the art of crafting the best Old Fashioned cocktail as well as explore its origins, key ingredients, and step-by-step instructions for creating a classic and even a few variations.

Origins of the Old Fashioned Recipe

The Old Fashioned has a storied history that dates back to the early days of cocktail culture.

Its inception can be traced to the early 1800s when bartenders began experimenting with the combination of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. The term "cocktail" itself was coined during this era, referring to a mixture of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters.

As cocktail culture evolved, the Old Fashioned emerged as a simplified version of these early concoctions.

It gained prominence in the late 19th century when bartenders started to garnish the drink with a twist of lemon or orange peel.

Did you know that while White's Elixirs Old Fashioned Mix was not available in the 1800's, you CAN TOTALLY BUY IT RIGHT NOW?

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Old Fashioned

Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

The choice of bourbon or rye is pivotal.

Bourbon offers a sweeter, smoother profile, while rye brings a spicier and more robust character. Opt for a premium, well-aged spirit to ensure depth and complexity.

Sugar Cube

Traditionalists often prefer a sugar cube, which can be muddled with bitters. Alternatively, simple syrup can be used for easy incorporation and consistent sweetness.

Bitters

Angostura bitters are the classic choice for an Old Fashioned, imparting a harmonious balance of flavors. A few dashes of bitters enhance the aromatic and taste dimensions of the drink. But Peychaud's and orange work well too.

Orange Peel or Lemon

The citrus twist adds an aromatic burst and a hint of citrus oil to the cocktail. The oils from the peel contribute to the drink's sensory experience.

Ice

Large, high-quality ice cubes are essential to prevent dilution and maintain the potency of the Old Fashioned.

How to Make an Old Fashioned: Classic From Scratch Step-by-Step Recipe

(Or make an old fashioned with our own White's Elixirs Old Fashioned Mix!)

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey

• 1 sugar cube or ½ oz simple syrup

• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange or lemon peel, for garnish

• Large ice cube

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. If using simple syrup, add it directly to the glass.

2. Add 2-3 dashes of the bitters to the glass. Muddle the sugar and bitters together until well combined.

3. Add the whiskey to the glass and stir gently to incorporate the ingredients.

4. Add a your ice cube to the glass. Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld while chilling the drink.

5. Express the citrus peel over the glass by holding it over the drink and gently twisting to release the oils. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass for added aroma.

6. Drop the citrus peel into the glass as a garnish.

7. Sip, savor, and enjoy your meticulously crafted Old Fashioned cocktail.

Commonly Asked Questions About the Old Fashioned

What's the difference between bourbon and rye whiskey, and which one should I use to make an old fashioned?

Bourbon and rye whiskey are both excellent choices for an Old Fashioned, each offering a distinct flavor profile. Bourbon is characterized by its smoothness, sweetness, and notes of vanilla and caramel.

Rye whiskey, on the other hand, brings a spicier and more robust flavor with hints of pepper and fruit. Ultimately, the choice between bourbon and rye comes down to personal preference.

If you prefer a sweeter and smoother cocktail, opt for bourbon. If you're seeking a more complex and peppery taste, go for rye whiskey.

Can I use different types of bitters?

While Angostura bitters are the traditional choice for an Old Fashioned, you can certainly experiment with different types of bitters to create unique flavor profiles.

Some cocktail enthusiasts enjoy using orange bitters, which, in addition to the orange peel, add a subtle citrusy twist, or aromatic bitters for a more intense and complex flavor.

Feel free to explore and find the bitters that best complement your preferred whiskey and enhance your Old Fashioned experience. White's Elixirs includes bitters in the mix!

What's the purpose of muddling the sugar cubes and bitters?

Muddling the sugar and bitters helps to dissolve the sugar and release the flavors of the bitters. This step is essential for achieving a well-balanced cocktail with evenly distributed sweetness and aromatic depth.

By muddling, you create a base that seamlessly integrates the flavors of the sugar, bitters, and whiskey, resulting in a harmonious Old Fashioned.

Why is a large ice cube recommended for the Old Fashioned?

Using a large ice cube is important for maintaining the integrity of the Old Fashioned's flavors.

Larger ice cubes melt more slowly, which prevents excessive dilution of the cocktail and ensures that the drink remains potent and flavorful throughout the sipping experience.

The minimal dilution also allows the whiskey's nuances to shine, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the cocktail.

Can I substitute the citrus orange peel with a different garnish?

While the traditional Old Fashioned recipe calls for an orange peel or lemon peel garnish, you can get creative with your garnish choices.

Some cocktail enthusiasts enjoy using a Luxardo cherry for a sweet and tangy twist, or even experimenting with a cinnamon stick for added aroma.

However, the citrus peel - again we prefer the orange peel - garnish is iconic for a reason; it adds an enticing aroma and a touch of citrus oil that elevates the sensory experience of the drink.

What are some sugar ideas beyond the sugar cube?

While traditional white granulated sugar remains a reliable option, these alternative sugars can elevate your Old Fashioned, creating a nuanced and memorable drinking experience

Demerara Sugar

With its rich, molasses-like flavor and coarse texture, demerara sugar adds depth and complexity to the Old Fashioned.

It dissolves slowly, imparting a subtle sweetness and enhancing the cocktail's character.

Turbinado Sugar

Turbinado sugar, also known as raw sugar, retains some of its natural molasses content, lending a slight caramelized flavor to the drink.

Its coarse crystals dissolve well, providing a nuanced sweetness that complements the whiskey and bitters.

Brown Sugar

Light or dark brown sugar introduces a gentle caramel note to the Old Fashioned.

What ingredients should NOT be used to make an old fashioned?

While there's room for experimentation and variations, there are certain ingredients that should generally be left out of the mixing glass when crafting a traditional Old Fashioned.

Here are some ingredients you may wish to skip (but no judgement, it's your mixing glass after all!):

Soda or Carbonated Mixers

Traditionally, you can omit soda water, tonic water, or any other carbonated mixers. The focus of an Old Fashioned is on the spirit, sugar, bitters, and garnish.

Fruit Juices

Fresh fruit juices such as orange juice, lemon juice, cherry juice, or lime juice are not part of the classic Old Fashioned recipe.

The cocktail's flavor profile relies on the interaction between the chosen spirit, bitters, and the citrus oils released from the peel garnish.

And a word of warning, the orange peel and a splash of orange juice do not remotely have the same effect. So, like, don't do it.

Muddled Fruit

While some modern variations of the Old Fashioned may incorporate muddled fruit like a maraschino cherry or two, the traditional recipe does not involve muddled fruits in the glass.

Excessive Garnishes

A classic Old Fashioned typically features a single garnish, which is a twist of citrus peel (usually orange or lemon).

While there's room for creativity in cocktail making, liqueurs and flavored spirits like amaretto, coffee liqueur, or fruit liqueurs are generally not part of the Old Fashioned's traditional ingredients. But, honestly, go for it if you're feeling frisky. What's the worst that could happen?

Artificial Flavorings

The Old Fashioned celebrates the purity of flavors derived from high-quality spirits, bitters, and natural ingredients.

Artificial flavorings, extracts, or additives should be avoided to maintain the integrity of the cocktail.

Mint

While mint is a popular ingredient in many cocktails, it is not a part of the traditional Old Fashioned recipe. The focus of the Old Fashioned is on the interaction between the spirit, sugar, bitters, and citrus oils.

Remember that while these are guidelines for crafting a traditional Old Fashioned, the world of bartending is open to innovation and experimentation.

Expanding the Horizons: Crafting Unique Old Fashioned Variations

By incorporating unexpected spirits like dark rum, mezcal, and gin, you can create unique Old Fashioned interpretations that pay homage to tradition while embracing the spirit of innovation.

Dark Rum Old Fashioned: A Caribbean Delight

Dark rum brings its own distinct richness and depth to the Old Fashioned, offering a tropical twist on this classic cocktail. (Watch a rum riff from White's Elixirs!)

The molasses notes and caramel undertones of dark rum blend harmoniously with the traditional Old Fashioned ingredients, resulting in a drink that's both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum

• 1 sugar cube or ½ oz simple syrup

• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Orange peel, for garnish

• Large ice cube

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. If using simple syrup, add it directly to the glass.

2. Add 2-3 dashes of the bitters to the glass. Muddle the sugar and bitters together until well combined.

3. Add the dark rum to the glass and stir gently to incorporate the ingredients.

4. Add the ice cube to the glass. Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld while chilling the drink.

5. Express the orange peel over the glass, releasing its oils. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass for added aroma.

6. Drop the orange peel into the glass as a garnish.

Mezcal Old Fashioned: Smoky and Enigmatic

For those seeking a smoky and enigmatic twist on the Old Fashioned, mezcal offers a captivating alternative. (Watch one mezcal riff from White's Elixirs!)

The earthy and smoky flavors of mezcal are balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the aromatic bitters, creating a unique sensory experience that transports you to the heart of Mexico.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal

• 1 sugar cube or ½ oz simple syrup

• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

• Grapefruit twist, for garnish

• Big ice cube

Instructions:

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. If using simple syrup, add it directly to the glass.

2. Add 2-3 dashes of the bitters to the glass. Muddle the sugar and bitters together until well combined.

3. Add the mezcal to the glass and stir gently to incorporate the ingredients.

4. Add the ice cube to the glass. Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld while chilling the drink.

5. Express the grapefruit twist over the glass, releasing its oils. Rub the twist around the rim of the glass for added aroma.

6. Drop the grapefruit twist into the glass as a garnish.

Gin Old Fashioned: A Botanical Elegance

While gin is often associated with cocktails like the Martini and the Negroni, it can also be an intriguing base for an Old Fashioned variation.

The herbal and botanical notes of gin add complexity to the cocktail, creating a refined and aromatic drink that appeals to gin enthusiasts.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin

• 1 sugar cube or ½ oz simple syrup

• 2-3 dashes orange bitters

• Lemon twist, for garnish

• Big ice cube

Instructions

1. Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. If using simple syrup, add it directly to the glass.

2. Add 2-3 dashes of orange bitters to the glass. Muddle the sugar and bitters together until well combined.

3. Add the gin to the glass and stir gently to incorporate the ingredients.

4. Add the ice cube to the glass. Stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld while chilling the drink.

5. Express the lemon twist over the glass, releasing its oils. Rub the twist around the rim of the glass for added aroma.

6. Drop the lemon twist into the glass as a garnish.

Now You're an Old Fashioned Innovator!

Whether you choose to embrace the smoky allure of mezcal, the tropical charm of dark rum, or the botanical elegance of gin, each Old Fashioned variation offers a distinct and delightful experience for the adventurous palate.

Crafting great drinks is as much about tradition as it is about exploration!

So, don your mixologist hat, experiment with different spirits, and reimagine the Old Fashioned cocktail recipe to create drinks that pay tribute to the past while embracing the present.

Conclusion

With a history spanning centuries, this elegant libation continues to captivate the senses of modern enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

So, gather your finest ingredients, including the flaming orange peel - if you dare! - don your bartender's cap, and raise a toast to old fashioned cocktail makers everywhere!