Old Fashioned: The Classic Cocktail that Never Goes Out of Style
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It's a simple, yet delicious drink that is perfect for sipping on a lazy evening or during a social gathering. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the history of the Old Fashioned and provide you with a recipe that will help you make the perfect cocktail every time.
History of the Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is believed to have originated in the late 1800s, during a time when cocktails were becoming increasingly popular. It was originally made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water, and was often garnished with a slice of orange or lemon. Over time, the recipe evolved, and many variations of the Old Fashioned emerged.
During the Prohibition era in the United States, the Old Fashioned became a popular drink among bootleggers and speakeasy patrons. It was a simple cocktail that could be made with readily available ingredients, and it quickly became a symbol of defiance against the government's ban on alcohol.
In the decades that followed, the Old Fashioned remained a popular drink, and it was often ordered by men who wanted a strong, straightforward cocktail. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, the Old Fashioned fell out of favor as more complex and exotic cocktails became popular. It wasn't until the early 2000s that the Old Fashioned experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the television show "Mad Men," which featured the cocktail prominently.
Today, the Old Fashioned is enjoyed by people all over the world, and it remains a symbol of classic American cocktail culture.
Recipe for an Old Fashioned Cocktail
Now that you know a little bit about the history of the Old Fashioned, let's take a look at how to make one. Here's a simple recipe that you can use to create a delicious Old Fashioned cocktail at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel
- Ice
Instructions:
- Place the sugar and bitters in an Old Fashioned glass and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add a large ice cube to the glass.
- Pour the whiskey over the ice and stir gently.
- Using a vegetable peeler, cut a piece of orange peel and twist it over the drink to release the oils.
- Garnish the drink with the orange peel and serve.
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Old Fashioned every time:
Use a good quality whiskey. The quality of the whiskey you use will greatly affect the taste of the cocktail.
Use a large ice cube. A large ice cube will melt more slowly than smaller ice cubes, which will help to prevent the drink from becoming too watered down.
Use a vegetable peeler to cut the orange peel. This will help you to get a nice, thin piece of peel that will release the oils more easily.
Stir the drink gently. Stirring the drink gently will help to prevent it from becoming too diluted.
Conclusion
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's a simple yet delicious drink that can be enjoyed by anyone, whether you're a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a casual drinker. By following the recipe and tips provided in this blog post, you'll be able to make the perfect Old Fashioned every time. Cheers!
