Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

Bourbon or rye whiskey: The base spirit of the cocktail, providing rich and robust flavors.

Sugar cube: Adds sweetness and helps balance the bitterness of the bitters.

Angostura bitters: Essential for adding depth and complexity to the drink.

Orange peel: Used as a garnish, it adds a citrus aroma and enhances the overall flavor.

When muddling the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water, ensure you use a gentle but firm pressure to fully dissolve the sugar. This will create a smooth base for your cocktail and help to evenly distribute the flavors. Additionally, when expressing the oil from the orange peel, hold it over the glass and give it a quick twist to release the essential oils, which will add a fragrant citrus note to your Old Fashioned.

• bourbon - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a similar warmth and complexity, making it a good alternative for those who prefer a slightly sweeter and fruitier profile.

• rye whiskey - Substitute with scotch whisky: Scotch whisky can provide a smoky and robust flavor, adding a unique twist to the cocktail.

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

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters add a citrusy note that complements the other flavors in the cocktail.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel provides a bright, zesty aroma and flavor that can enhance the drink's overall profile.

• To store your Old Fashioned cocktail, prepare the drink as per the recipe but hold off on adding the ice and orange peel garnish. Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight container, such as a mason jar or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will keep the flavors intact and prevent any unwanted dilution.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The Old Fashioned can be stored this way for up to a week. When you're ready to enjoy, simply pour the chilled cocktail over a large ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish with a freshly expressed orange peel.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the Old Fashioned. Pour the prepared cocktail (without ice or garnish) into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal the container tightly to prevent any freezer odors from seeping in.

• When you're ready to serve, remove the container from the freezer and let it thaw slightly at room temperature. Once it has reached a pourable consistency, strain the cocktail over a large ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish with a freshly expressed orange peel.

• If you prefer a more convenient option, you can pre-freeze individual servings. Pour the prepared Old Fashioned into silicone ice cube trays, filling each compartment with a single serving size. Once frozen, transfer the cocktail cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy, simply place one or two cocktail cubes in a rocks glass and let them melt slightly before adding a large ice cube and garnishing with an orange peel.

• Always ensure that your storage containers are clean and free from any strong odors that could affect the taste of your Old Fashioned. Proper storage will help maintain the cocktail's rich flavors and ensure a delightful drinking experience every time.

• Pour the Old Fashioned cocktail into a small saucepan.
• Heat the cocktail over low heat, stirring gently to ensure even warming.
• Avoid bringing the cocktail to a boil to preserve the integrity of the whiskey and bitters.
• Once warmed, pour the cocktail back into a rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube.
• Express the oil of a fresh orange peel over the glass and drop it in as a garnish.

• Mixing glass: A vessel used to combine and mix the ingredients of the cocktail.

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

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the cocktail until it is well chilled.

• Strainer: A device used to strain the mixed cocktail into the serving glass, ensuring no ice or solid ingredients are transferred.

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

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

• Ice cube tray: A tray used to make large ice cubes, which are ideal for serving in the rocks glass.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out whiskey, bitters, and sugar in advance 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 cocktails: Mix larger quantities of whiskey, bitters, and simple syrup in advance for multiple servings.

Express orange peel ahead: Prepare and store orange peels in an airtight container to save time on garnish.