Classic Old-Fashioned Recipe

Sugar: Provides the sweetness that balances the bitterness and alcohol.

Angostura bitters: Adds aromatic complexity and depth to the cocktail.

Bourbon: A type of whiskey known for its rich, caramel-like flavor.

Rye whiskey: An alternative to bourbon, offering a spicier profile.

Orange peel: Used as a garnish to add a citrusy aroma.

Lemon peel: Another garnish that adds a fresh, zesty note.

When muddling the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water, make sure to use a gentle but firm pressure to fully dissolve the sugar. This ensures a smooth and well-balanced cocktail. Additionally, when garnishing with the orange and lemon peels, twist them over the glass to release the essential oils, adding a fragrant citrus note to your old-fashioned.

• sugar cube - Substitute with simple syrup: Simple syrup dissolves more easily and evenly, ensuring a consistent sweetness throughout the drink.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a unique floral note and a richer sweetness compared to regular sugar.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters provide a citrusy twist that complements the whiskey and adds complexity.

• bourbon - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a fruitier and slightly sweeter profile, which can create a different but enjoyable flavor.

• rye whiskey - Substitute with scotch whisky: Scotch whisky introduces a smoky and peaty element, adding depth and a distinct character to the drink.

• orange peel - Substitute with grapefruit peel: Grapefruit peel provides a slightly more bitter and aromatic citrus note, enhancing the drink's complexity.

• lemon peel - Substitute with lime peel: Lime peel offers a sharper and more tangy citrus flavor, adding a refreshing twist to the garnish.

• To maintain the integrity of your classic old-fashioned, always store the whiskey in a cool, dark place. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the quality of the bourbon or rye whiskey over time.

• If you have leftover sugar cubes or sugar that you use specifically for cocktails, keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture and clumping together.

• For the angostura bitters, ensure the bottle is tightly sealed and stored at room temperature. Bitters have a long shelf life, but proper storage will keep them potent and flavorful.

• Fresh orange peels and lemon peels are essential for garnishing. To keep them fresh, store the whole fruits in the refrigerator. If you have extra peels, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days.

• If you prefer to prepare your old-fashioned in advance, mix the sugar, bitters, and whiskey and store the mixture in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator. This can be done up to 24 hours ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply pour over ice and garnish with fresh orange and lemon peels.

• Avoid freezing the old-fashioned mixture as it can alter the taste and texture of the whiskey. Instead, chill the mixture in the refrigerator if you need to prepare it ahead of time.

• If you have leftover cocktail, which is rare, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and add fresh ice and garnishes.

• Pour the leftover Old-Fashioned into a small saucepan.
• Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until just warm. Avoid boiling to preserve the whiskey's flavor.
• Alternatively, pour the leftover Old-Fashioned into a microwave-safe glass.
• Microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't overheat.
• For a more refined touch, place the leftover Old-Fashioned in a heatproof glass and set it in a bowl of warm water. Let it sit until it reaches the desired temperature.
• Once warmed, pour the Old-Fashioned back into an old-fashioned glass.
• Add a fresh orange peel and lemon peel for garnish to revive the citrus notes.
• Stir gently to combine and enjoy your rejuvenated classic cocktail.

• Old-fashioned glass: A short, sturdy glass traditionally used for serving the classic old-fashioned cocktail.

• Muddler: A tool used to crush the sugar cube and mix it with the bitters and water.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the cocktail gently to combine the ingredients.

• Ice cubes: Essential for chilling the drink and diluting it slightly to balance the flavors.

• Peeler: Used to create thin strips of orange and lemon peel for garnishing the cocktail.

Pre-mix the sugar and bitters: Combine sugar and bitters ahead of time to save a step.

Use simple syrup: Replace the sugar cube with simple syrup for quicker dissolving.

Pre-cut garnishes: Prepare the orange peel and lemon peel in advance.

Batch your drinks: Make multiple Old-Fashioneds at once to save time during a gathering.

Use large ice cubes: They melt slower and keep your drink cold longer without diluting it quickly.