Old Fashioned Recipe

Bourbon: A type of American whiskey known for its rich, sweet flavor. Rye whiskey: An alternative to bourbon, offering a spicier, more robust taste. Simple syrup: A mixture of sugar and water, used to sweeten the cocktail. Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made from herbs and spices, essential for adding depth and complexity. Ice cube: A large ice cube helps to chill the drink without diluting it too quickly. Orange twist: A strip of orange peel used to garnish and add a hint of citrus aroma.

When making an Old Fashioned, it's crucial to use a large ice cube instead of smaller ones. The larger cube melts more slowly, which helps to maintain the integrity of the bourbon or rye whiskey and prevents the drink from becoming too diluted. Additionally, when expressing the oil from the orange twist, hold it over the glass and give it a gentle squeeze to release the essential oils, adding a burst of citrus aroma to the cocktail.

• bourbon or rye whiskey - Substitute with non-alcoholic whiskey alternative: Non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives provide a similar flavor profile without the alcohol content, making it suitable for a vegan and non-alcoholic version.

• simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a plant-based sweetener that dissolves easily and provides a similar sweetness to simple syrup.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with non-alcoholic bitters: Non-alcoholic bitters offer the same aromatic and flavor complexity without the alcohol, maintaining the essence of the drink.

• large ice cube - Substitute with large ice cube: No substitution needed as ice is already vegan.

• orange twist - Substitute with orange twist: No substitution needed as an orange twist is already vegan.

• Store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. This ensures it remains fresh and ready for your next Old Fashioned.
• Keep your bourbon or rye whiskey in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain its flavor profile and prevents any degradation.
• If you prefer to pre-mix the Old Fashioned for a party, combine the bourbon, simple syrup, and bitters in a sealed bottle and store it in the refrigerator. This mixture can be kept for up to one week.
• For the orange twist, store the whole orange in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Only twist and express the oil when you're ready to serve the drink.
• To prepare large ice cubes in advance, use a silicone ice cube tray and store the cubes in a zip-top freezer bag. This prevents them from absorbing any unwanted freezer odors.
• If you want to freeze the entire Old Fashioned cocktail, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before serving over a fresh ice cube.

• Pour the Old Fashioned into a small saucepan.
• Warm over low heat, stirring gently to avoid burning the simple syrup.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe glass and heat in the microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds.
• Stir well and check the temperature; repeat if necessary.
• Once warmed, pour back into a rocks glass over a fresh large ice cube.
• Express the oil of a fresh orange twist over the glass and drop it in to garnish.

• Mixing glass: A vessel used to combine the bourbon or rye whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters with ice.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to stir the mixture until well-chilled.

• Strainer: A tool used to strain the mixed drink into the rocks glass, ensuring no ice or other solids make it into the final drink.

• Rocks glass: A short, wide glass used to serve the Old Fashioned over one large ice cube.

• Large ice cube mold: A mold used to create a single large ice cube, which melts more slowly and keeps the drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.

• Peeler: A tool used to create an orange twist for garnish.

• Knife: A sharp blade used to cut the orange twist if needed.

• Jigger: A measuring tool used to ensure the correct amount of bourbon or rye whiskey and simple syrup is used.

Pre-make simple syrup: Prepare a batch of simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when making multiple cocktails.

Use pre-chilled glasses: Keep your rocks glasses in the freezer. This ensures your drink stays cold longer and reduces preparation time.

Batch your bitters: Combine the bitters and simple syrup in a small bottle. This allows you to quickly add the mixture to your whiskey.

Pre-cut garnishes: Slice and store orange twists in an airtight container. This makes garnishing quick and easy.