The Old-Fashioned, a classic cocktail with a rich history, is a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts. If you've ever wondered how a bartender makes this timeless drink, allow me to take you through the process step by step.
1. Gather the ingredients: To make an Old-Fashioned, you will need the following:
– Whiskey: Traditionally, bourbon is used, but rye whiskey can also be used for a spicier flavor.
– Sugar: Most bartenders use a sugar cube or simple syrup.
– Bitters: Angostura bitters are the most common choice, but other types of bitters can be used to add depth of flavor.
– Water or club soda: Some bartenders prefer to use a splash of water or club soda to dilute the drink slightly.
2. Prepare the glass: The Old-Fashioned is typically served in a short, wide-mouthed glass called an Old-Fashioned glass or rocks glass. Begin by placing a sugar cube in the glass if you're using one.
3. Muddle the sugar and bitters: Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently crush the sugar cube along with a few dashes of bitters. Muddling helps to dissolve the sugar and infuse the drink with the flavors of the bitters.
4. Add whiskey: Pour the desired amount of whiskey into the glass. The standard measurement is usually around 2 ounces, but you can adjust it based on your preference for a stronger or milder drink.
5. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes. The size of the ice cubes can vary, but larger cubes or a single large ice sphere are often preferred as they melt more slowly, preventing excessive dilution.
6. Stir gently: Using a bar spoon, gently stir the drink for about 30 seconds to combine all the ingredients and chill the cocktail. Stirring, as opposed to shaking, is preferred for an Old-Fashioned to avoid excessive aeration and dilution.
7. Garnish and serve: The final touch is the garnish. Traditionally, an Old-Fashioned is garnished with a twist of citrus peel, often orange or lemon. Express the oils from the peel by gently squeezing it over the glass, then rub the peel along the rim before dropping it into the drink. Some bartenders also add a cherry or a few drops of cherry syrup as an additional garnish.
Now that you know the basic steps, it's worth mentioning that bartenders often put their own spin on the Old-Fashioned. Some may experiment with different types of bitters or sweeteners, while others may add a splash of soda water or a flavored liqueur to enhance the drink's complexity.
Remember, the Old-Fashioned is a versatile cocktail, and part of its charm lies in its simplicity. So feel free to customize it to your taste, and enjoy the timeless flavors of this classic drink.