The name “Old Fashioned” here refers to what was once known as the Whiskey Cocktail. It is a cocktail in the simplest terms: spirit, water, bitters, and sugar. Sometime in the late 1800s, the use of the word “cocktail” broadened far beyond its original definition, so it was necessary to come up with a new moniker to distinguish the older cousin. Many self-described purists will argue that there is only one way to make this drink properly. We disagree. So if you decide to order a whiskey cocktail as an Old Fashioned, be precise about what you want. Intentionally being ambiguous about your order is just a nice way of being obnoxious.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Muddle the sugar, bitters, and water in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add the whiskey and 1 large cold ice cube. Twist the lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.
tasting notes
Step 2
Dominant Flavors: whiskey with lemon on the nose
Step 3
Body: full, high alcohol content
Step 4
Dryness: dry
Step 5
Complexity: low
Step 6
Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: bitters working with burnt sugar
Step 7
Finish: short with oak and citrus oil overtones
Step 8
Glass: rocks
