There’s beauty in simplicity, and the Old Fashioned cocktail is both beautiful and simple, capturing the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts around the world with its rich history and versatility. It is one of the oldest known cocktails, having originated in the United States during the early 19th Century. And it can be made perfect for any palette – with only minor adjustments – because its focus is always, always the main ingredient. Most Old Fashioneds use rye whiskey. It’s spicy and dry, which adds both depth and complexity to the cocktail. But some Old Fashioneds use bourbon. It’s sweet and smooth. Ultimately the choice is personal preference. Here is our best Old Fashioned recipe:
Classic Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Coppercraft Rye Whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 tsp water
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist, garnish
- Luxardo cherry, garnish
Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass (or rocks glass). Pour water and angostura bitters over the sugar cube. Muddle the sugar cube, water, and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved. Drop an ice cube in the glass. Pour Coppercraft Rye Whiskey over the ice and stir gently with a barspoon for approximately 30 seconds to combine the flavors and chill the drink. Garnish with an orange twist and cherry.
What are some variations on the classic Old Fashioned?
Mixologists have put their own spin on the classic Old Fashioned in recent years, thanks to the cocktail renaissance. Below are a few unique ways to shake up this popular recipe, including our original Brown Sugar Grapefruit Old Fashioned recipe.
Smoked Old Fashioned: Introduce a smoky element to your Old Fashioned by placing the glass over a smoldering wood chip or using smoked ice cubes. This adds a captivating aroma and elevates the sensory experience.
Fruit-Infused Old Fashioned: Experiment with muddled fresh fruits like berries, peaches, or citrus to infuse the cocktail with vibrant flavors and natural sweetness.
Brown Sugar Grapefruit Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Coppercraft Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 brown sugar cube (or 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar)
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Grapefruit twist or grapefruit peel, garnish
- Large ice cube or sphere
Place the brown sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass (or a rocks glass). Pour fresh grapefruit juice over the sugar cube. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters into the glass. Muddle the sugar cube (or brown sugar), grapefruit juice, and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Pour the bourbon over the ice in the glass. Stir gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to combine the flavors and chill the drink. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or a small strip of grapefruit peel.
The Old Fashioned, with its storied past and timeless appeal, continues to captivate bourbon lovers because there are endless possibilities for both experimentation and personalization. What is your favorite way to enjoy an Old Fashioned? Is there something we should try? Tell us in the comments below or on social media using #coppercraftdistillery.
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