The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in classic cocktails, and the Old Fashioned is a timeless choice. Its simple, yet elegant, flavor profile combines rich whiskey, sweet demerara syrup, and bitter orange, making it a beloved drink for many. We'll guide you through the essential ingredients and barware to craft the perfect Old Fashioned, including 20% off our Old Fashioned gift set for the whiskey lovers! We’ll also include a recipe with tested specifications to make the perfect Old Fashioned.
If you’re looking for all the ingredients and barware in one pretty package, you can get the bundle for 20% off until December 24th, 2024! Shop the Old Fashioned Gift Set here; it’s the perfect Christmas gift for a whiskey lover or an Old Fashioned connoisseur.
Essential Barware
- Mixing Glass: A sturdy glass vessel used to stir cocktails.
- Strainer: A tool to separate the cocktail from ice and other solids.
- Bar Spoon: A long spoon used for stirring drinks and measuring ingredients.
- Rocks Glass: A short, wide glass designed to hold whiskey or cocktails on the rocks.
Essential Ingredients
- Whiskey: A high-quality whiskey is the foundation of any good Old Fashioned. Consider using a rye whiskey for a spicier flavor or a bourbon for a sweeter, more vanilla-forward taste.
- Source of Sweetness: A simple sugar cube or spoonful of brown sugar adds sweetness but stirring til its dissolved can take some time. Using a cocktail syrup removes the risk of all your sugar sitting in the bottom of the glass, and lends itself to an even and well-balanced cocktail.
- Bitters: A few dashes of aromatic bitters like Angostura or our Old Fashioned Bitters add a complex, aromatic flavor.
- Orange Garnish: A twist of orange peel or a dehydrated orange slice releases essential oils that enhance the drink's aroma and flavor.
Optional Add-ons
- Bourbon Cherry: A bourbon-soaked cherry adds a touch of sweetness and a festive flair.
- Born to Shake Syrups: Experiment with our flavored cocktail syrups like our Carrot Cake Syrups to add complexity and sweetness.
- Born to Shake Bitters: A few dashes of our Covfefe Bitters will enhance the flavor profile.
Recipe
Below is our tried and true recipe including the ingredients and the method to making a delicious Old Fashioned.
Ingredients
- 2oz whiskey
- 0.5oz Old Fashioned syrup
- 2 dashes (20 drops) Old Fashioned bitters
- 1 dash (10 drops) Shmok'n Choclate bitters
- 1 orange twist
Method
Add all ingredients (except orange) into a mixing glass; add ice and stir ~30 times or until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass and add a large ice cub e. Cut an orange twist from a fresh and firm orange using a paring knife or a vegetable peeler. Take the cut rind and twist it ensuring all the oils go into the drink and then enjoy!
Remember, the key to a great Old Fashioned is balance. Experiment with different whiskeys, bitters, and syrups to find your perfect combination. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or looking to make cocktails for friends and family this holiday season, our Old Fashioned cocktail gift set has everything you need. Shop it here for 20% off until December 24th. Happy Holidays and Cheers!