Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Whiskey: The base spirit of the cocktail, preferably rye or bourbon for a robust flavor.

Sugar cube: Adds sweetness to balance the bitterness and alcohol.

Angostura bitters: Provides aromatic complexity and depth to the drink.

Orange peel: Used for garnish, adds a citrusy aroma and flavor.

Cherry: Another garnish that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

When muddling the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water, ensure you use a gentle but firm pressure. This helps to fully dissolve the sugar without overworking the mixture, which can lead to a gritty texture. Additionally, when garnishing with the orange peel, hold it over the glass and give it a quick twist to release the essential oils, adding a burst of citrus aroma to your Old Fashioned.

• 2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a different but rich flavor profile that complements the other ingredients well.

• 1 cube sugar - Substitute with simple syrup: Simple syrup dissolves more easily and ensures a consistent sweetness throughout the drink.

• 2 dashes angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters add a citrusy twist that pairs nicely with the whiskey.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel provides a similar aromatic citrus note with a slightly different flavor.

• cherry - Substitute with maraschino cherry: Maraschino cherries are a classic cocktail garnish and add a touch of sweetness.

• To keep your Old Fashioned cocktail fresh, store it in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its flavor and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.

• If you plan to enjoy your cocktail over several days, consider pre-mixing the whiskey and bitters but leave out the sugar and water until you're ready to serve. This will ensure the sugar doesn't dissolve too early and alter the taste.

• For a quick and easy serving option, prepare individual servings in small bottles. This way, you can simply pour over ice and garnish when you're ready to enjoy.

• To freeze your Old Fashioned, pour the mixed drink into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to serve, place a few cubes in a glass and let them melt slightly before adding your garnish.

• If you prefer a more traditional approach, freeze large ice cubes separately and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to serve, mix the whiskey, bitters, and sugar fresh, then pour over the large ice cube and garnish.

• Always use fresh orange peel and cherry for garnish, even if the drink itself has been stored or frozen. This will enhance the presentation and flavor of your Old Fashioned.

• For an added twist, consider infusing your whiskey with spices or citrus before mixing. Store the infused whiskey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Pour the whiskey mixture into a small saucepan.
• Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until just warmed through. Be careful not to let it boil, as this will evaporate the alcohol.
• Alternatively, pour the Old Fashioned into a microwave-safe glass.
• Microwave on low power in 10-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until warmed to your liking.
• For a more refined touch, use a double boiler to gently warm the cocktail. This method ensures even heating without the risk of overheating.
• Once warmed, pour the cocktail back into a rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube.
• Garnish with a fresh orange peel and cherry to revive the original presentation and aroma.

• Mixing glass: A sturdy glass used to combine and chill the ingredients before serving.

• Muddler: A tool used to crush the sugar cube and mix it with the bitters and water.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the cocktail to ensure it is well-chilled.

• Strainer: A device used to separate the liquid from the ice as you pour the cocktail into the serving glass.

• Rocks glass: A short, wide glass used to serve the Old Fashioned over a large ice cube.

• Ice cube tray: A tray used to make large ice cubes, which melt slower and keep the drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.

• Peeler: A tool used to create a thin strip of orange peel for garnish.

• Cocktail pick: A small skewer used to hold the cherry garnish in place.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out whiskey, sugar cube, and bitters ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use simple syrup: Replace the sugar cube with simple syrup to save time on dissolving.

Pre-chill glassware: Keep your rocks glass in the freezer so it's ready to use.

Batch your cocktails: Mix multiple servings in a larger container and store in the fridge for easy pouring.

Garnish prep: Pre-cut orange peel and have cherries ready to go.