The Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a very simple cocktail that has been around since mixed drinks first became fashionable in the mid-19th century—hence its name—and the fact that the glass it is served in is also named after it.
From the Whiskey Cocktail to the Old Fashioned
Originally, the Old Fashioned was simply called the Whiskey Cocktail, and it was included in the very first cocktail book ever written: Jerry Thomas’ The Bar-Tenders Guide (1862). Over time, the cocktail’s name evolved to Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail, and eventually just Old Fashioned.
Regional Variations and Official Recognition
The Old Fashioned wasn’t always made with American whiskey. Just as Louisville, Kentucky, has named the Old Fashioned the official drink of the city, the state of Wisconsin so loved the Brandy Old Fashioned that it’s now the official cocktail of the state.
Bourbon vs. Rye: The Ongoing Debate
Because the Old Fashioned was popularised before bourbon became widespread, it’s fair to assume the original version used rye whiskey—which is fine by me, as I prefer rye anyway. But feel free to use bourbon if you prefer.
Blending the Two: A Matter of Taste
Some serious mixologists add a splash of bourbon alongside the rye to create a slightly sweeter, more rounded flavour. While I’m all for experimenting, I think rye gives the drink a sharper, more direct flavour, and adding bourbon just complicates that. Of course, if you find the perfect rye and bourbon combination, you may have a winner—but it could take a lot of time (and a lot of testing). Where I live, I don’t have access to a wide range of American whiskeys, so I stick to my favourite. That doesn’t mean you have to.
The Old Fashioned Ingredients:
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70 ml Wild Turkey 101 (Rye Whiskey)
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10 ml sugar syrup
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3 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions:
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Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice.
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Stir well until chilled.
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Strain into an Old-Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.
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Garnish with an orange peel twist and a maraschino cherry.
