How to Make a Perfect Old Fashioned: A Beginner’s Guide

Last updated on November 13th, 2024

Ah, the Old Fashioned. It’s a cocktail that’s been around for ages, yet it never seems to go out of style. As a whisky enthusiast who’s mixed more than his fair share of these classic cocktails, I’m here to guide you through the art of crafting the perfect Old Fashioned. Whether you’re a whisky newbie or just looking to up your cocktail game, this guide will help you master this timeless drink.

The History of the Old Fashioned

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of making an Old Fashioned, let’s take a quick trip back in time. The Old Fashioned has its roots in the early 19th century, when cocktails were defined simply as a spirit of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.

The name “Old Fashioned” came about in the 1880s when bartenders started getting fancy with their cocktails, adding all sorts of ingredients. Some purists wanted their cocktails made the “old fashioned” way, and thus, the Old Fashioned was born.

The Ingredients

Let’s start with the basics. A classic Old Fashioned consists of just four ingredients:

1. Whiskey (traditionally bourbon or rye)
2. Sugar
3. Bitters
4. Water (in the form of ice)

Simple, right? But as with many things in life, the devil is in the details. Let’s break down each ingredient:

The Whiskey

The whiskey is the star of the show in an Old Fashioned. Traditionally, bourbon or rye whiskey is used. Bourbon will give you a sweeter, smoother cocktail, while rye will provide a spicier, more robust flavor.

For beginners, I’d recommend starting with a good quality bourbon. Look for something in the 80-100 proof range (40-50% alcohol). Some great options include:

• Buffalo Trace
• Maker’s Mark
• Four Roses Small Batch

Don’t feel like you need to break the bank – a mid-range bourbon works perfectly well in an Old Fashioned.

The Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness and helps to balance the bite of the alcohol. Traditionally, a sugar cube is used, but simple syrup (a 1:1 mixture of sugar and water) is a popular modern alternative.

If you’re using a sugar cube, you’ll need to muddle it with the bitters to dissolve it. Simple syrup mixes in more easily, which can be handy when you’re just starting out.

The Bitters

Bitters are aromatic flavorings that add depth and complexity to your cocktail. Angostura bitters are the classic choice for an Old Fashioned. They have a complex flavor profile with notes of herbs and spices.

Don’t skip the bitters – they’re essential to the drink’s character. Just a few dashes will do the trick.

The Water

Water plays two roles in an Old Fashioned. First, it dilutes the drink slightly, making it more palatable. Second, it chills the cocktail. This comes in the form of ice, either as cubes in the glass or from stirring with ice and straining.

The Tools

Before we start mixing, let’s make sure you have the right tools:

1. Old Fashioned Glass: Also known as a rocks glass or lowball glass.
2. Muddler: For crushing the sugar cube with bitters (if using).
3. Bar Spoon: For stirring the cocktail.
4. Jigger: For measuring your whiskey accurately.
5. Peeler or Paring Knife: For cutting your citrus peel garnish.

Don’t worry if you don’t have professional bar tools. A regular teaspoon can substitute for a bar spoon, and you can use a small glass or cup for measuring if you don’t have a jigger.

The Method

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and tools, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making the perfect Old Fashioned:

1. Prepare Your Glass: Place a large ice cube or a few smaller ones in your Old Fashioned glass.
2. Add Sugar and Bitters: If using a sugar cube, place it in the glass and add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters. Muddle these together until the sugar is mostly dissolved. If using simple syrup, you can skip the muddling – just add about 1/4 oz (7ml) of simple syrup and 2-3 dashes of bitters to the glass.
3. Add Whiskey: Pour 2 oz (60ml) of your chosen whiskey into the glass.
4. Stir: Use your bar spoon to stir the mixture gently for about 20-30 seconds. This will chill the drink, provide some dilution, and help all the flavors meld together.
5. Garnish: Cut a piece of orange peel about the size of your thumb. Twist it over the glass to express the oils, then drop it into the drink. Some people also like to add a cocktail cherry.

And there you have it – a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned!

Variations and Tweaks

Once you’ve mastered the basic Old Fashioned, you might want to experiment with some variations:

Different Whiskeys

Try making your Old Fashioned with different types of whiskey. Rye will give you a spicier cocktail, while a smoky Scotch (turning it into a “Scotch Old Fashioned”) can add a whole new dimension to the drink.

Sweeteners

While sugar is traditional, you can experiment with different sweeteners. Maple syrup can add a lovely depth of flavor, while honey can bring floral notes to your cocktail.

Bitters

Angostura bitters are classic, but there’s a whole world of bitters out there. Orange bitters are a popular choice, and chocolate bitters can add an interesting twist.

Smoke

For a more advanced technique, try smoking your Old Fashioned. This involves capturing wood smoke in the glass before adding the ingredients. It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the cocktail.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As simple as the Old Fashioned is, there are a few pitfalls that can trip up beginners:

1. Using Poor Quality Whiskey: The whiskey is the star here, so using a low-quality spirit will result in a subpar cocktail.
2. Over-Diluting: Stirring for too long or using too much ice can water down your drink. You want to chill and slightly dilute the cocktail, not drown it.
3. Muddling Fruit: Some recipes call for muddling orange slices and cherries in the glass. This is a modern variation that can overpower the whiskey. Stick to just the citrus twist for a classic Old Fashioned.
4. Skimping on Bitters: Bitters are crucial to the Old Fashioned’s flavor profile. Don’t be shy with them!
5. Not Expressing the Citrus Oils: Twisting the orange peel over the drink to express its oils adds a wonderful aroma. Don’t skip this step!

Pairing Your Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is a great pre-dinner (or “aperitif”) cocktail. Its balance of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors can stimulate the appetite. It pairs well with:

• Grilled or smoked meats
• Strong cheeses
• Dark chocolate desserts

The richness of the cocktail complements these bold flavors beautifully.

Understanding the Flavor Profile of an Old Fashioned

As you embark on your Old Fashioned journey, it’s helpful to understand what makes this cocktail so special. The Old Fashioned is all about balance and complexity, despite its simple ingredients. Let’s break down the flavor profile:

1. Sweetness: The sugar or simple syrup provides a gentle sweetness that helps to soften the bite of the alcohol. It shouldn’t be overpowering, but rather a subtle background note.
2. Bitterness: The bitters contribute a complex, herbal bitterness that adds depth to the cocktail. This bitterness helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
3. Warmth: The whiskey brings warmth and body to the drink. Depending on your choice of whiskey, you might get notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, or spice.
4. Citrus: The expressed oils from the orange peel add a bright, aromatic quality that lifts the whole drink.
5. Smoothness: The slight dilution from stirring with ice helps to smooth out the alcohol’s sharp edges, making the drink more sippable.

When perfectly balanced, these elements create a cocktail that’s simultaneously sweet, bitter, strong, and smooth. It’s a drink that reveals different nuances as you sip, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

The Old Fashioned in Popular Culture

The Old Fashioned has cemented its place not just in cocktail bars but in popular culture as well. Here are a few notable appearances:

• In the TV show “Mad Men”, it’s the preferred drink of the main character, Don Draper, symbolizing classic masculinity and sophistication.
• The Old Fashioned is mentioned in several classic films, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love”.
• In literature, it appears in works by authors like Ernest Hemingway and Raymond Chandler, often associated with strong, complex characters.

These cultural references have helped to maintain the Old Fashioned’s status as a classic, timeless cocktail. They’ve also contributed to its resurgence in popularity in recent years, introducing a new generation to this venerable drink.

FAQs

Summary 

• The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail with a rich history, dating back to the 19th century.
• The basic ingredients are whiskey (typically bourbon or rye), sugar, bitters, and water (ice).
• The quality of your whiskey matters – use a good mid-range bourbon or rye for best results.
• The proper technique involves gently muddling sugar with bitters, adding whiskey, and stirring with ice.
• Garnish with an expressed orange peel for the perfect finishing touch.
• Variations can include different whiskeys, sweeteners, or bitters.
• Common mistakes include over-diluting, muddling fruit, and skimping on bitters.
• An Old Fashioned pairs well with grilled meats, strong cheeses, and dark chocolate desserts.