Bourbon Dose

There’s no cocktail more timeless than the Old Fashioned. At nearly a century old, it will never cease to be a fan favorite worldwide.

What is an Old Fashioned?

Let’s talk about what an Old Fashioned is before we dive into the recipe. An Old Fashioned is a cocktail made with bourbon or whiskey, sugar, and bitters. That’s it. The drink is typically garnished with a citrus peel and a maraschino cherry (I highly recommend you break out the Luxardo cherries if you want to go fancy).

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that has been around since the 1800s, but it has evolved over time. Originally, the drink was made with a sugar cube, bourbon, and bitters, which were muddled together. As the cocktail took off in popularity, ice and cirtus peels joined the conversation. Today, many variations of the Old Fashioned exist, but the classic recipe is still the most popular. You can read an exhaustive account about the Fascinating History of the Old Fashioned here.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bourbon Old Fashioned

Use a high-quality bourbon. Bourbon, (or whatever you pick to be your base spirit) is the star of the show in this cocktail, so it’s important to use a whiskey that you enjoy drinking on its own. Look for a bourbon with a smooth finish and notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Personally, I am a fan of Buffalo Trace Bourbon or Eagle Rare (if you can find it). If you like a more mellow flavor in your whiskies, pick a Weller Special Reserve (the wheatiness of Weller if delicious in this cocktail).

Use fresh ingredients. The orange slice and maraschino cherry are not just for show – they add flavor and aroma to the cocktail. Be sure to use fresh oranges and q uality cherries (which is why I recommend either Luxardo or Woodford Reserve Cherries).

Be creative in the amount of sugar you add. The amount of simple syrup you use will depend entirely on personal preference. Start with 1/2 oz. of simple syrup and adjust as needed.

Stir, don’t shake. Unlike a martini or a daiquiri, an Old Fashioned should be stirred, not shaken. Stirring the ingredients together will chill the drink without diluting it too much.

Use the right glassware. The Old Fashioned is traditionally served in a rocks glass, which is a short, wide glass that can hold ice and the cocktail without overflowing.

Everyone loves a Bourbon Old Fashioned. This is a classic cocktail that is simple to make, yet packed with flavor. Remember to ALWAYS use high-quality ingredients (don’t go cheap the bourbon!), don’t overload the cocktail with sugar, and rigorously stir the ingredients together for the perfect Bourbon Old Fashioned.