As a sommelier and brewer with a passion for mixology, I have had the pleasure of experimenting with various methods of making Old Fashioned cocktails. While both simple syrup and sugar cubes have their merits, I must admit that I lean towards using sugar cubes for this classic drink.
Using sugar cubes in an Old Fashioned adds a touch of nostalgia and tradition to the cocktail-making process. There's something charming about the ritual of muddling the sugar cube with aromatic bitters and a splash of water at the bottom of the glass. This method allows you to engage your senses, as you witness the sugar cube dissolve and release its sweetness and flavor into the drink.
Furthermore, using sugar cubes gives you more control over the sweetness of the Old Fashioned. By adjusting the number of cubes used or the amount of muddling, you can customize the level of sweetness to suit your taste preferences. This level of control is particularly appealing to those who enjoy experimenting with different flavor profiles and finding the perfect balance in their cocktails.
In terms of texture, using sugar cubes adds a subtle element of granularity to the drink. As you muddle the cube, it breaks down into smaller pieces, creating a slightly textured syrup. This texture can enhance the overall mouthfeel of the cocktail, adding a subtle complexity to each sip.
That being said, I understand the appeal of using simple syrup in an Old Fashioned. It offers convenience and consistency, as the syrup is already dissolved, and there's no need to muddle or wait for the sugar to dissolve. Additionally, simple syrup ensures that the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the drink, eliminating the risk of an overly sweet or unevenly sweetened cocktail.
In terms of taste, both methods can produce delicious Old Fashioneds. However, I find that using sugar cubes imparts a slightly different flavor profile compared to simple syrup. The process of muddling the sugar cube releases aromatic compounds from the bitters and allows them to meld with the sugar, creating a more pronounced and complex flavor profile. This can add depth and character to the cocktail, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
To summarize, while both simple syrup and sugar cubes can be used to make a delicious Old Fashioned, I personally prefer using sugar cubes for the added nostalgia, control over sweetness, and the textural and flavor elements they bring to the cocktail. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the desired experience you seek from your Old Fashioned.