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Old Fashioned #1

The name “Old Fashioned” here refers to what was once known as the Whiskey Cocktail. It is a cocktail in the simplest terms: spirit, water, bitters, and sugar. Sometime in the late 1800s, the use of the word “cocktail” broadened far beyond its original definition, so it was necessary to come up with a new moniker to distinguish the older cousin. Many self-described purists will argue that there is only one way to make this drink properly. We disagree. So if you decide to order a whiskey cocktail as an Old Fashioned, be precise about what you want. Intentionally being ambiguous about your order is just a nice way of being obnoxious.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 drink

Ingredients

1 raw brown sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1/4 ounce cold water
2 ounces American whiskey (at least 100-proof; rye, bourbon, corn, or blended)
1 lemon twist, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Muddle the sugar, bitters, and water in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add the whiskey and 1 large cold ice cube. Twist the lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.

  2. tasting notes

    Step 2

    Dominant Flavors: whiskey with lemon on the nose

    Step 3

    Body: full, high alcohol content

    Step 4

    Dryness: dry

    Step 5

    Complexity: low

    Step 6

    Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: bitters working with burnt sugar

    Step 7

    Finish: short with oak and citrus oil overtones

  3. Step 8

    Glass: rocks

Cover of Speakeasy by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric featuring a coupe glass with a brown cocktail and lemon wheel garnish.
Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
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