THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF THE OLD-FASHIONED COCKTAIL

The story of the Old-Fashioned cocktail is one that resonates with today’s drinkers. Just as contemporary martini menus inspire debates about “classic versus modern,” this iconic drink once fueled spirited discussions in late 19th-century bars. Surprisingly, the Old-Fashioned was already considered “old-fashioned” over a hundred years ago.

In the 1880s, America’s cocktail culture was thriving with innovation. Bartenders experimented with exotic ingredients like curaçao, absinthe, syrups, and fresh fruit juices, quickly winning over the adventurous palates of the day. Yet, some drinkers longed for a simpler, more robust concoction reminiscent of the “good 
old days.” For these traditionalists, all the elaborate new mixtures seemed like an unnecessary distraction. Following numerous saloon debates and newspaper editorials, the term “Old-Fashioned” emerged to describe this straightforward, no-frills drink. It was officially named in Theodore Proulx’s 1888 “The Bartender’s Manual,” a guidebook from Chicago’s famed Chapin & Gore saloon.

Like many classic cocktails, the Old-Fashioned has evolved over the years. Originally, it was made with rye whiskey, which offered a bold, spicy character. As the supply of quality rye dwindled in the mid-20th century, bourbon became the whiskey of choice for many Old-Fashioned enthusiasts. Today, while bourbon still remains a popular option, the resurgence of a diverse rye whiskey market provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this cocktail in its original form. The beauty of the Old-Fashioned lies in its versatility—almost any whiskey works well, making it a great way to showcase new discoveries or personal favorites.

The charm of the Old-Fashioned is its simplicity. The cocktail is designed to let the whiskey shine, with minimal additions. The best versions of this drink are crafted with care and high-quality ingredients. Beyond that, it’s all about personal preference.

An Old-Fashioned is one of the best ways to enhance the flavors of your favorite whiskey without overwhelming them. If you’re a purist, rye whiskey might be your go-to for its spicier notes. Alternatively, bourbon offers a sweeter, richer profile. Whatever your choice, the blend of sugar, bitters, and fruit complements the whiskey beautifully. 

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon sugar • 3 dashes bitters • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey

• Orange peel, for garnish • Maraschino cherry, for garnish

TIPS FOR MIXING THE PERFECT OLD-FASHIONED:

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: The success of an Old-Fashioned largely depends on the quality of the whiskey. Opt for a bourbon
2. or rye that you enjoy sipping neat. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the final flavor.
3. Muddle Gently: If using a sugar cube, muddle it with bitters and a few drops of water until the sugar is fully dissolved. Be gentle; you want to release the flavors without pulverizing the ingredients.
4. Stir, Don’t Shake: Stirring is essential to achieve the right balance of flavors and a smooth texture. Shaking can dilute and muddle the flavors. Aim for 30 seconds of stirring to chill and dilute the drink just enough.
5. Use Large Ice Cubes: Large ice cubes or a single large sphere will chill your drink without watering it down too quickly. This helps maintain the integrity of the whiskey’s flavor.
6. Garnish Thoughtfully: Express the orange peel over the drink to release its essential oils, then drop it in as a garnish. The Maraschino cherry adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
7. Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sugar, bitters, or whiskey amounts to suit your personal preference. The beauty of the Old-Fashioned lies in its flexibility.



There are endless ways to personalize this cocktail. You can stick to the classic recipe, explore contemporary variations, or tweak it to suit your taste and the whiskey you have on hand. Whether you prefer to muddle or stir, add a splash of soda, experiment with different syrups, or incorporate unique fruit garnishes, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. Have fun exploring the options and make the Old-Fashioned your own!

Cheers to the timeless elegance of the Old-Fashioned!