Classics Series: Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is like a childhood friend, always dependable and has your back no matter what happens. When trying out new bars, David and I like to order an Old Fashioned to get a sense of the quality of the bar. The challenge with ordering an Old Fashioned at the bar is that every bartender has his/her own version of the drink, with variations including muddling sugar cubes, oranges, cherries, and adding soda water. Even though using sugar cubes makes for a nicer show at bars, the flavor of the drink changes significantly as you drink it. By using simple syrup instead, you’ll get a more consistent flavor as you enjoy the drink. My Old Fashioned philosophy is focused on simplicity, so the only additions to the drink are simple syrup, bitters, and orange oils.

Classic Old Fashioned (1 serving)

• 2 oz. of rye whiskey (can be replaced with any dark liquor)
• 1 tsp. of 2:1 simple syrup (2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of boiling water, mix directly in a mason jar)
• 2 shakes of Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• Optional: 1 shake of orange bitters

Equipment

• Old Fashioned glass, room temperature
• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Teaspoon measure
• Vegetable peeler (Y shape)
• Large ice, either square or round

Directions

1. Place the large ice cube into the Old Fashioned glass
2. Add 2 shakes of Angostura bitters directly over the ice
3. Optional: Add 1 shake of orange bitters
4. Add 1 teaspoon of simple syrup directly over the ice
5. Add the rye whiskey
6. Use the bar spoon to mix everything together
7. Take the orange peel and twist it twice, with the orange part facing out
8. Squeeze the peel until the orange oil goes into the drink and rub the peel around the edge of the glass
9. To garnish, drop the twisted orange peel into the glass

Cheers!