The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century, making it one of the oldest known cocktails. It's known for its simplicity and the emphasis on the flavors of the base spirit.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass.
- Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the sugar cube. You can adjust the number of dashes to your taste preferences, depending on how bitter or aromatic you like your Old Fashioned.
- Muddle the sugar cube and bitters together. You can use the back of a spoon or a muddler to crush the sugar cube and dissolve it into the bitters. Some people prefer to add a splash of water at this point to help dissolve the sugar more easily.
- Add the bourbon or rye whiskey to the glass.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Stir the ingredients together for about 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture. Use a stirring spoon for this; the goal is to mix and chill without overly diluting the drink.
- Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a twist. Drop the twist into the glass as a garnish.
This cocktail is a true classic, allowing the rich flavors of the whiskey to shine with the subtle sweetness from the sugar and the aromatic complexity of the bitters.
