Old Fashioned
Ingredients
- 2 Measure Rye Whiskey
- 1 Sugar Cube
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 garnish Cherry
- 1 garnish Orange Peel
Directions
Traditionally, a sugar cube is muddled at the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass with a teaspoon of warm water and the bitters, although an easier preparation is to substitute 1 tsp. simple syrup for the sugar cube. Add ice and stir, then garnish with a cherry and orange slice or peel.
Many substitute Bourbon for the Rye whiskey, as Rye fell out of favor after Prohibition, although it seems to be making a comeback as of late.
Being the predecessor to most modern cocktails, the Old Fashioned is subject to about as much mystery and debate as a family’s great Grandfather. Some will muddle the cherry and orange in the bottom of the glass, in the interest of integrating the flavors into the drink, while others will add a splash of soda water (or regular water) to the drink. I find the melting ice provides enough dilution for my taste, and am undecided on the fruit muddle. The fruit tastes are definitely more pronounced with this method (for better or worse) but you are also left with a fruit “slurry” at the bottom of your drink, a less than appealing proposition.