The Old Fashioned cocktail dates back to 1806 and is believed to have been invented at the Pendennis Club in Kentucky. While traditionally made with bourbon, Scotch or rye whiskey can also be used. The basic recipe includes a sugar cube, bitters, soda or water, and ice. Garnishes can vary, and the quality of the alcohol is important.
An Old Fashioned is probably one of the most classic and oldest cocktails, and is somewhat reminiscent of the many alcoholic punches that were served in England and the Americas before the cocktail’s real inception. Reference to the Old Fashioned dates back to 1806, but the drink did not receive its current name until 1880. The invention of the Old Fashioned probably occurred at the Pendennis Club, a gentleman’s club in Kentucky, and the drink’s popularity led soon the Old Fashioned in the more urban setting of New York City. Historians believe the Astoria Hotel in New York City was the first to offer Old Fashioned once it became popular in Kentucky.
While the drink is normally made with bourbon, the International Bartenders Association (IBA) accepts Scotch or rye whiskey as acceptable alternatives. The basic recipe provided by the IBA is as follows:
Four ounces (118.3 mL) of bourbon
Sugar cube 1
2 launches Angostura bitters
Splash of soda or flat water
Ice
The sugar cube is placed in the glass, usually a simple glass. Bitters are added to melt the sugar cube, or alternatively, a small amount of water can melt the sugar cube. Some bartenders skip the sugar cube and use simple syrup instead to avoid the grit of a partially melted cube at the bottom of the glass.
Once the sugar cube has melted with the bitters, the glass is filled with ice cubes and the alcohol of choice is added. This is when people start to differ on whether Old Fashioned should contain water, whether of the still or carbonated variety. While the IBA suggests carbonated water, many purists argue that the water takes away the taste of the alcohol and shouldn’t be used. Others suggest that a little dilution with plain water is the best way to go.
There is also considerable debate about side dishes. Many people add cherry and orange wedge garnishes to accentuate the sweetness of the sugar. Others suggest instead the “twist”, a piece of lemon peel. You can order the drink with whatever garnish you choose if you have a particular favourite.
For old fashioned lovers, the quality of the alcohol is important. Bourbon or rye whiskeys tend to be preferred due to their complex notes and qualities. Some recipes for this cocktail favor brandy instead, and scotch is also a welcome alternative. Since the alcohol taste remains predominant, choose quality alcohol only for this drink. Many people place very high standards on the quality and complexity of the alcohol when judging the drink.
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