The Old Fashioned is arguably the grandfather of all cocktails. Simple yet complex, subtle yet bold, it’s easy to see why the three-ingredient classic, believed to date back to the early years of the Republic, remains so revered.
Ordering an Old Fashioned at a bar will earn you an approving nod, but it’s also the perfect cocktail to master at home. Though it’s relatively easy to mix, it’s just as easy to screw up. These are a few generally accepted tenets to observe before taking a crack at an Old Fashioned.
In fact, next to sipping it straight, an Old Fashioned is one of the best ways to experience a whiskey – a small amount of sugar and water help take the edge of the raw spirit and bring out it’s more subtle and delicious flavors.
DO: Opt for a quality whiskey
An Old Fashioned is essentially a delicious vehicle for enjoying your favorite whiskey, so choose wisely (no need to break the bank, but choose at least a solid midrange whiskey). Tradition calls for rye, but many people prefer bourbon, and either works. The only other ingredients the drink requires—bitters and sugar—work together to enhance the spirit with a subtle sweetness. Over the years, the cocktail has evolved to sometimes include an orange slice, club soda and/or a cherry, but they’re not traditional to the drink.
DON’T: Muddle your cherries
If you prefer your Old Fashioned with a cherry, just make sure not to muddle it in the glass. This is not a drink that needs a bold punch of cherry flavor or fruit floating around. Instead, add it later as a garnish, and make sure to opt for a brand such as Luxardo over the neon maraschino cherry, which is full of chemicals and dye.
How to Dissolve a Sugar Cube for an Old Fashioned
FAQ
Do you need sugar cubes for Old Fashioned?
Why add sugar to an Old Fashioned?
What is the point of sugar cubes?
Why did they make sugar cubes?