Classic Old-Fashioned
CLASSIC · BOURBON

Classic Old-Fashioned

The Old-Fashioned is one of the oldest and most revered cocktails in existence - a masterclass in restraint that lets quality bourbon shine with just a whisper of sweetness and bitters.

Ingredients
Bourbon60 ml
Sugar Cube1
Watersplash
Orange Peel
Maraschino Cherry
Glassware
Old-fashioned glass
Chilled.
Flavor
BODYSWEETFRUITACIDHEATSMOKEEARTHBITTER

Caramel · Cinnamon · Dark chocolate · Oak · Orange peel · Vanilla

Estimated profile

Method
  1. 1

    Place a sugar cube in the bottom of an old-fashioned glass and saturate it with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and a small splash of water (approximately 5ml).

  2. 2

    Using a muddler or the back of a bar spoon, muddle the sugar cube until fully dissolved into a paste.

  3. 3

    Add 60ml of bourbon and stir briefly to combine.

  4. 4

    Fill the glass with large ice cubes and stir for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

  5. 5

    Express an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, rub it around the rim, then drop it in or drape it on the edge.

  6. 6

    Garnish with a cocktail cherry and serve.

From the Bartender

The Old-Fashioned is widely considered the original cocktail, with roots tracing back to the early 19th century - the word 'cocktail' was once defined as exactly this: spirit, sugar, bitters, and water. Using a large single ice cube minimizes dilution and keeps the drink cold without watering it down.

Rating
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