Classic Old-Fashioned Recipe

Bourbon: A type of American whiskey known for its rich, sweet flavor profile.

Rye whiskey: An alternative to bourbon, offering a spicier, more robust taste.

Simple syrup: A mixture of sugar and water, used to add sweetness to the cocktail.

Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made from herbs and spices, essential for adding complexity to the drink.

Orange peel: Used as a garnish to add a citrus aroma and flavor.

Maraschino cherry: A sweet cherry used as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal and taste of the cocktail.

When preparing a classic old-fashioned, it's essential to use a high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey. The choice between the two can significantly affect the flavor profile of your cocktail. For a smoother, sweeter drink, opt for bourbon. If you prefer a spicier, more robust flavor, go with rye whiskey. Additionally, when garnishing with an orange peel, gently twist it over the glass to release the essential oils, enhancing the aroma and adding a subtle citrus note to your drink.

• bourbon - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a similar warmth and complexity, making it a good alternative for bourbon in an Old-Fashioned.

• rye whiskey - Substitute with scotch: Scotch provides a smoky and rich flavor profile, which can add an interesting twist to the classic Old-Fashioned.

• simple syrup - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and depth, complementing the whiskey flavors well.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters can provide a citrusy note that enhances the overall flavor of the Old-Fashioned.

• orange peel - Substitute with lemon peel: Lemon peel offers a bright and zesty aroma, which can refresh the drink's profile.

• maraschino cherry - Substitute with brandied cherry: Brandied cherries have a richer and more complex flavor, adding a gourmet touch to the Old-Fashioned.

• To keep your classic old-fashioned fresh, store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to a month, ensuring you have a ready supply for your next cocktail.
• If you have leftover whiskey from your old-fashioned, make sure to seal the bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. This will maintain its flavor and quality for future use.
• For the orange peel garnish, you can pre-cut and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week, making it easy to add a citrusy twist to your drink anytime.
• To preserve the maraschino cherries, keep them in their original jar, tightly sealed, and store in the refrigerator. They can last for several months, ensuring you always have a sweet garnish on hand.
• If you want to prepare the old-fashioned in advance, mix the whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters in a bottle and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pour over ice and add the garnishes.
• Avoid freezing the old-fashioned as it can alter the texture and flavor of the whiskey. Instead, keep all ingredients chilled and ready for a quick mix when you crave a classic cocktail.

• Pour the bourbon or rye whiskey into a heat-resistant glass.
• Add the simple syrup and angostura bitters to the glass.
• Fill the glass with ice and stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry.

For reheating:

• If you prefer a warm Old-Fashioned, gently warm the whiskey in a saucepan over low heat. Do not let it boil.
• Pour the warmed whiskey into a glass, then add the simple syrup and bitters.
• Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the whiskey for 10-15 seconds, then proceed with the remaining steps.

• Glass: A sturdy glass is essential for mixing and serving the Old-Fashioned. Typically, a rocks glass or Old-Fashioned glass is used.

• Bar spoon: A bar spoon is used to stir the drink gently, ensuring that the ingredients are well mixed without diluting the drink too much.

• Jigger: A jigger is a measuring tool used to ensure the correct amount of whiskey is poured, maintaining the balance of the cocktail.

• Peeler: A peeler is used to obtain a thin strip of orange peel for garnish, adding a citrus aroma and flavor to the drink.

• Ice: Ice is crucial for chilling the drink and slightly diluting it to enhance the flavors. Use large ice cubes to slow down the dilution process.

• Cocktail napkin: A cocktail napkin is useful for serving, adding a touch of elegance and practicality by preventing condensation from the glass.

• Strainer: If you prefer a cleaner presentation, a strainer can be used to remove any small bits of ice or fruit pulp before serving.

• Knife: A knife is used to cut the orange peel and to make a small slit in the maraschino cherry if needed for garnish.

Pre-mix the syrup and bitters: Combine simple syrup and angostura bitters in advance to save time when making multiple drinks.

Use large ice cubes: Large ice cubes melt slower, keeping your drink cold without diluting it quickly.

Prep garnishes ahead: Peel the orange and prepare the maraschino cherries before your guests arrive.

Batch your cocktails: If serving a crowd, mix a larger batch of bourbon or rye whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters in a pitcher and pour over ice as needed.