To make a delicious and classic Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve bourbon, you'll need a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect drink:
1. Gather your ingredients:
– Woodford Reserve bourbon (2 ounces)
– Sugar cube or simple syrup (1 teaspoon)
– Angostura bitters (2-3 dashes)
– Orange peel or cherry (for garnish)
– Ice cubes
2. Start by preparing your glass:
– Select a sturdy rocks glass or an Old Fashioned glass.
– Place a sugar cube in the glass or add 1 teaspoon of simple syrup. If using a sugar cube, you can muddle it with a muddler or the back of a spoon to help it dissolve faster.
– Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the sugar cube or syrup.
3. Dissolve the sugar and bitters:
– Add a splash of soda water or a few drops of water to the glass. This will help dissolve the sugar and bitters, creating a smoother mixture.
– Gently muddle the sugar, bitters, and water together until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Be careful not to over-muddle as it can make the drink too bitter.
4. Add the Woodford Reserve bourbon:
– Fill the glass with ice cubes. The larger, solid ice cubes are preferred as they melt slower and won't dilute the drink too quickly.
– Pour 2 ounces (or more, if you prefer a stronger drink) of Woodford Reserve bourbon over the ice.
5. Stir and garnish:
– Using a bar spoon or a long-handled spoon, gently stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
– Take a fresh orange peel and twist it over the drink, releasing the oils onto the surface. You can also garnish with a cherry if desired.
6. Enjoy your Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned:
– Sip and savor the flavors of the bourbon as it mingles with the sweetness of the sugar and the aromatic bitters. The orange twist adds a lovely citrus aroma to enhance the overall experience.
Tips for a perfect Old Fashioned:
– Use a high-quality bourbon like Woodford Reserve to ensure a rich and complex flavor profile.
– Experiment with the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of sugar or simple syrup. You can add more or less according to your preference.
– If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can try using smoked simple syrup or adding a few drops of smoky bitters.
– For an extra touch of elegance, consider using a large ice cube or an ice sphere to slow down dilution and maintain the integrity of the drink.
Remember, making a good Old Fashioned is all about finding the right balance of flavors and taking the time to enjoy the process. So sit back, relax, and savor every sip of your Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned. Cheers!