An Adaptable Old-Fashioned Cocktail

Published May 13, 2020

An Adaptable Old-Fashioned Cocktail
Julia Gartland for The New York Times (Photography and Styling)
Rating
4(250)
Comments
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The old-fashioned is infinitely forgiving. Originally named “whiskey cocktail,” it’s a stirred, spirit-forward drink classically based on bourbon or rye. But out of want or necessity, you can venture outside tradition. This version uses 2-to-1 “rich” simple syrup, which is sweeter and thicker than the standard 1-to-1 ratio of sugar and water, but allows you to use less without sacrificing texture. This cocktail offers many a substitution; the only nonnegotiable is to use a spirit you like, as it serves as leading lady in this cocktail hour.

Featured in: You Don’t Need Whiskey for an Old-Fashioned, or Vodka for a Cosmo

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink

    For the 2-to-1 Simple Syrup

    • ½cup granulated or turbinado sugar

    For the Cocktail

    • Ice, as needed
    • 2ounces whiskey (such as bourbon or rye), brandy, rum or gin (or even 1½ ounces tequila plus ½ ounce mezcal)
    • ½ounce 2-to-1 simple syrup (or to taste), or 1 sugar cube
    • 3 to 4dashes Angostura or orange bitters
    • Citrus twist (orange or lemon or whatever you have), or a maraschino cherry and a dash of its juice (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

594 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 115 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 114 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 4 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar with ¼ cup water. Heat over low, stirring frequently, just until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Refrigerate if not using immediately. (Remaining syrup will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.)

  2. Step 2

    Prepare the cocktail: In an ice-filled mixing glass, combine the whiskey, prepared syrup and bitters. Stir until well chilled, about 15 seconds. (If using a sugar cube, muddle it with a dash of water and the 3 to 4 dashes bitters before stirring it with the whiskey over ice.) Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into an ice-filled rocks glass and finish with the citrus twist.

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Comments

No. No. No. An Old Fashioned should only be made with whiskey or rye. Period. The same holds true with the sacred Martini or Gibson, which should only be made with gin. Anything else is an abomination.

Aw man, I recently realized the cognac Old Fashioned is my favorite drink, and I think this liquor suits it even better than whiskey. This recipe is classic, but I did find it too sweet. I say just barely cover the bottom of the Mixing glass with the simple syrup. Also, a tip from Brian Miller (one of NYC’s great bartenders and the captain of the roving Tiki Monday parties): two dashes Angostura, one dash Peychaud’s when using cognac. Orange, lemon or grapefruit twist all work for me.

Luxardo Cherries rather than crude maraschino cherries. Liquid from the Luxardo Cherries jar extends richer flavor to the cocktail, substituting for sugar syrups higher concentration of sugar in solution. One teaspoon often sufficient for most palates. The juice of one fresh orange section, or a wedge of 1/8 whole orange, adds freshness with a bit of acidity to balance sugars. Definitely two dashes of bitters. Twisted 1x2" orange rind releases orange oil essence and a garnish.

On a recent trip to Scotland I enjoyed a "Highland" old fashioned. The drink was made with Glenmorangie single malt scotch. The result is less sweet and more potent than a rye of whisky old fashioned. I enjoyed this variation.

I was in the restaurant industry for over 23 years. I agree with most of this recipe, though after straining into a mixing glass please place a half-slice of fresh orange plus one Luxardo cherry & 1/2 tsp of the juice. MUDDLE all ingredients before adding the ice and a twist of orange, skin-side over the glass and then rimming the glass. Stir and Enjoy your delicious Old Fashioned Cocktail. Do not get your underwear in a bind over the liquor of choice, it all works for your palate. Cheers!

Instead of simple sugar, try maple syrup. Definitely add Luxardo cherry and add two pineapple chunks. Then it's called (my) Uncle Bob's Old Fashioned. It gets raves!

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