This old fashioned bourbon cocktail is a classic. Made with muddled orange and cherry, sugar cubes, and a dash of bitters, the flavor profile is definitely “bourbon” but with the perfect touch of sweetness and balanced acidity.
It’s been nearly a month since we shared a #survivalcocktail and should our absence lead you to believe that we’ve been neglecting Friday happy hour, let me absolve you of that assumption right quick. In reality, it’s because we’ve been busy, well, surviving. But we’re back, and we’re back sooooo good with this recipe for a Classic Old Fashioned.
This week we’re spending some time with our good friend bourbon. Ahh, bourbon. It’s good winter drinkin’. Most recipes for an Old Fashioned call for whiskey, but as I said, we’re using bourbon as the base here. Besides, bourbon is whiskey, although not all whiskey is bourbon. Clear as mud, right? I can’t do any better differentiating between the two, so you might as well google it. #sorrynotsorry #thisbrainismadeforcooking
This is one of the first cocktails I was taught to make as a bartender. I’ll be honest – I didn’t really care for it at first. But over time I grew to appreciate the qualities of a good bourbon-based mixed drink and this classic cocktail is one that I frequently reach for in these chilly months. The flavor profile distinctly screams “bourbon”, but there’s enough sugar and balanced acidity to make it appetizing to my delicate sensibilities. Opinions vary on proper methodology – oh, I’m sorry – mixology. Ahem. For me, crafting an Old Fashioned is like teaching your husband how to do housework – it’s done subtlety and gradually, with a little bit of sugar. I’m gonna say it right now – I muddle the fruit. Horror of horrors for purists, but it works for me, and when it comes to imbibing spirits, ya gotta do you.
Speaking of spirits, let’s talk a little bit about the quality of such. Remember when we discussed the Bourbon Honey Cocktail, and I said that Jim Beam was just fine? Not gonna fly here my friends. Put on your big girl panties and splurge on the semi-good stuff. We like Elijah Craig. If you enjoy sipping it straight, you’ll love it just as much in an Old Fashioned.
Classic Old Fashioned #survivalcocktail
This cocktail is a classic. Made with muddled orange and cherry, sugar cubes, and a dash of bitters, the flavor profile is definitely "bourbon" but with the perfect touch of sweetness and balanced acidity.
Ingredients
- 1-2 sugar cubes depending on your preference for sweet (I use 2)
- 1 maraschino cherry
- 1/2 orange wedge
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- 2 1/2 oz. good quality bourbon or whiskey
- 1-2 oz. soda water
- orange peel
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the sugar cube, maraschino cherry, orange wedge, and bitters. Mash with a muddler until the sugar dissolves, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the bourbon and a few small ice cubes and stir for 30 seconds. Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and strain into an Old Fashioned or rocks glass with one large ice cube.
- Top with 1-2 oz of soda water and garnish with an orange peel.
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