Old Fashioned - A Timeless, Classic American Cocktail

What is so special about an Old Fashioned?  

This classic drink has been around since the 1800s in the United States.  Whether you are meeting friends for a drink, attending a party with Cheese and Charcuterie or sitting down to an elegant meal of Bourbon-Glazed Salmon, an Old Fashioned is a great accompaniment for a pleasurable experience.  My favorite is to sit down near the fire, sipping on my Old Fashioned, paired with a guilty pleasure of dark chocolate.

Old Fashioned garnished with cherries and orange slice.

Where did the Old Fashioned come from?

This historical cocktail has been enjoyed by many, including crooner Frank Sinatra, the legendary singer and actor who was known for his love of whiskey, and the Old Fashioned was reportedly one of his favorite cocktails.  The drink has also been relevant in literature and movies with references in great works such as “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  If you love whiskey, you can’t go wrong with an Old Fashioned.

How is an Old Fashioned made?

The classic Old Fashioned recipe typically involves muddling sugar with bitters, adding a spirit (often bourbon or rye whiskey), and garnishing with a citrus peel. It’s often served over ice in a short tumbler. The shape of the glass is ideal for sipping the cocktail, and its wide opening allows for the appreciation of the drink's aromas. The Old Fashioned remains a symbol of the enduring charm of cocktails and is a staple in mixology culture.

Both bourbon and rye whiskey are commonly used, and each brings its own distinct characteristics to the cocktail.  Bourbon tends to have a sweeter and fuller flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and sometimes a hint of fruit. Many people enjoy the smooth and rounded taste bourbon imparts to the Old Fashioned.  Rye whiskey offers a spicier and more robust flavor profile. It often has notes of pepper, cinnamon, and other spices, adding complexity to the cocktail. Rye can create a drier and more assertive Old Fashioned.

For a more rounded, complex flavor profile try the Old Fashioned Kit from Winsome Dry Goods.

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