Old Fashioned Recipe: Step-by-Step Cocktail Instructions
An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that, to this day, is one of the most popular cocktails in Los Angeles.
What’s in an Old Fashioned?
1 Sugar Cube
6 Dashes of Bitters
3 oz Bourbon
1 Luxardo Cherry
1 Orange Peel
How to Make an Old Fashioned
1. Find the Right Glass
The best glass to use for an Old Fashioned is always going to be a rocks glass.
2. Add Ingredients Directly into the Glass
Put the sugar in the bottom, add the bitters, muddle.
3. Add Ice
One ice cube is sufficient for Old Fashioned’s. It’s always a nice touch to add a molded ice cube for drinks like this.
4. Pour the bourbon
Some popular bourbons to use are:
Macallen 12
Bullet
Makers Mark
5. Stir
Stir the drink with a bar spoon.
6. Add Garnishes
Add a cherry and orange peel into the glass.
7. Smoke the Drink (optional)
If you want to add a fun flare for your guests, you can serve the drink smoked.
Equipment
What is an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is the most popular bourbon drink in Los Angeles. Its simplistic aspect is a hit for those who like their drinks strong and smokey.
Made with only Bourbon, Bitters, Sugar, and Garnish - an Old Fashioned is an easy, classic cocktail that any bartender should be able to offer.
Who Invented the Old Fashioned?
The Old Fashioned was invented in Louisville, Kentucky by a bartender named James E. Pepper in what we believe to be the early 19th century.
He then brought his drink to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel bar in New York City, which is where it gained tons of popularity.
Top 3 Modern Twists to an Old Fashioned
The New Old Fashioned
This drink is sure to be a hit during the summer time.
When making a New Old Fashioned, muddle a couple of peach slices with your sugar cube and bitters before adding bourbon.
When garnishing, add a peach slice, three blackberries and fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water.
The Whiskey Smash
This variation of the Old Fashioned became popular in the early 1800’s after the Old Fashioned gained its popularity.
It’s quite easy to make - a standard old fashioned with lemon and spearmint muddled in as well as the sugar cube and bitters.
Garnish with Lemon Wheels and a Spearmint Leaf.
Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned
This is sure to be a hit during the holiday season! The pumpkin spice old fashioned takes a bit of preparation in making a homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup.
You can do this by mixing pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
When you make your Old Fashioned, swap out the sugar cube for your Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup and garnish with a cinnamon stick then you’re all set!
Looking for more recipes? Here’s the 5 Most Popular Cocktails in LA.
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