To make a classic Old Fashioned cocktail, you will need the following ingredients and follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1 teaspoon simple syrup (demerara sugar is preferred for its molasses flavor)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- A splash of water or a teaspoon to help dissolve the sugar
- Ice (preferably one large cube)
- Garnish: orange peel and a maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions
- Muddle the sugar and bitters: In an Old Fashioned glass, combine the sugar cube (or simple syrup), bitters, and a splash of water. Muddle or stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add whiskey and ice: Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon or rye whiskey. Add one large ice cube or several smaller ones.
- Stir: Stir gently to chill and dilute slightly.
- Garnish: Twist a piece of orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in. Add a maraschino cherry if desired.
This cocktail is traditionally served in a lowball (Old Fashioned) glass and is known for its balance of sweetness, bitterness, and whiskey flavor, highlighting the bourbon's caramel and vanilla notes
Tips
- Use a good quality bourbon you enjoy drinking neat.
- Using a large ice cube slows dilution.
- You can flame the orange peel over the glass to enhance the aroma.
- Variations include using rye whiskey, aged rum, or adding different bitters for a twist
This simple yet elegant cocktail is a classic for good reason and easy to make at home with minimal ingredients
