Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey: The base spirit is key. Choose a quality bourbon (sweeter) or rye (spicier) based on your preference.
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon granulated sugar): A touch of sweetness is essential.
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters: Adds depth and complexity.
- Orange peel: For garnish and aromatic expression.
- Maraschino cherry (optional): A classic, but optional, garnish.
- Large ice cube or sphere: Crucial for slow dilution.
Equipment
- Rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned glass)
- Muddler (or the back of a spoon)
- Bar spoon (or any long spoon)
Instructions
1. Muddle: Place the sugar cube at the bottom of your rocks glass. Add bitters and a splash of water. Muddle gently to dissolve the sugar and mix the bitters, but don’t pulverize the sugar completely.
2. Add Whiskey and Ice: Add your chosen whiskey and the large ice cube or sphere.
3. Stir: Using your bar spoon, stir for 20-30 seconds. This properly chills and dilutes the cocktail without watering it down excessively.
4. Express the Orange Peel: Cut a wide strip of orange peel. Pinch the peel between your fingers, orange side facing the drink, to release the citrus oils onto the surface of the cocktail.
5. Garnish: Gently rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink. Add a maraschino cherry on a pick if desired.
Tips
Experiment with your Spirits: Try different bourbons and rye whiskeys to find your perfect Old Fashioned.
Make Your Own Simple Syrup: For a richer flavor, substitute the sugar cube with a ¼ oz rich simple syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water).
Quality Counts: Using fresh ingredients, a good quality whiskey, and a large piece of ice make a world of difference.
