The Oloroso Old Fashioned is a cocktail that combines several of my favorite ingredients to create a truly unique and delicious drink. It is a variation of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, which typically consists of whiskey, sugar, and bitters. However, in this version, I substitute the whiskey with Oloroso sherry, a type of fortified wine from Spain.
Oloroso sherry is known for its rich and nutty flavors, which add depth and complexity to the cocktail. It has a distinct caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. The Oloroso sherry also provides a smooth and velvety texture, making it a pleasure to sip on.
To further enhance the flavors of the Oloroso Old Fashioned, I incorporate Chartreuse, a herbal liqueur made by monks in France. Chartreuse has a complex blend of botanicals, which adds a delightful herbal and floral note to the cocktail. It balances out the sweetness of the sherry and gives the drink a subtle, yet distinctive, twist.
Angostura bitters, a classic cocktail ingredient, are also added to the mix. These bitters contribute a unique combination of flavors, including hints of spice, citrus, and aromatic herbs. They help to bring all the different elements of the cocktail together and add a lovely complexity to the overall taste.
One of the standout elements of the Oloroso Old Fashioned is the salt-cured orange. This is a technique I developed to elevate the cocktail even further. By curing the orange zest in salt, it intensifies the citrus flavors and adds a touch of salinity to the drink. It brings out the natural sweetness of the orange while providing a subtle savory note that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
When crafting the Oloroso Old Fashioned, I like to take my time and savor the process. I start by muddling a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters in an old fashioned glass. Once the sugar cube is dissolved, I add a generous pour of Oloroso sherry and a splash of Chartreuse. I then gently stir the mixture to incorporate all the flavors.
To serve, I add a large ice cube to the glass and garnish with a twist of the salt-cured orange zest. The aromas of the sherry and Chartreuse fill the air as I take my first sip, and I'm immediately greeted with a symphony of flavors. The nuttiness of the sherry, the herbal notes of the Chartreuse, the complexity of the bitters, and the brightness of the orange all come together harmoniously.
The Oloroso Old Fashioned is a cocktail that truly embodies my love for unique and interesting flavor combinations. It's a drink that I not only enjoy making for myself but also take great pleasure in sharing with others. Whether you're a fan of sherry or simply looking to try something new, I highly recommend giving the Oloroso Old Fashioned a try. Cheers!