HISTORY OF THE OLD FASHIONED:
The Old Fashioned is possibly one of the oldest drinks to be called a cocktail. The earliest known printed use of the word “cocktail” was in 'The Farmer’s Cabinet' published in April 28, 1803 with the first definition of the word coming in May 13, 1806 in the 'Balance and Columbian Repository' and it's description is a very close approximation to the recipe for an Old Fashioned made with brandy:
“Cocktail is a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters — it is vulgarly called a bittered sling and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, inasmuch as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head. It is said, also to be of great use to a Democratic candidate: because a person, having swallowed a glass of it, is ready to swallow anything else.”
The
Bourbon
OLD FASHIONED
INGREDIENTS
2 Oz. Well Aged Bourbon
2 Drops Angostura Bitters
1 Tsp. Sugar
1 Tsp. Sugar
(Or 1 Sugar Cube)
2 Orange Slices
2 Orange Slices
Garnish:
Orange Slice
DIRECTIONS
Classic (and Proper) Preparation
Add the sugar cube to an Old Fashioned glass (yup, that's why they're called Old Fashioned glasses).
Tap the bitters on the cube.
Add a dash of water to soften the sugar cube then muddle until sugar has dissolved.
Fill glass with ice.
Add your bourbon, stir to chill, garnish and serve.
My (Pansy Ass*) Version
Muddle a teaspoon of sugar, 1 orange slice, bitters and a cherry in the bottom of your Old Fashioned glass.
Remove the orange rind.
Add ice to the glass, pour in the bourbon and stir gently until chilled.
Garnish with the second orange slice and more Homemade Bourbon Cherries.
*I admit to adding a little extra orange, an extra teaspoon of sugar and a bunch of extra cherries for my own personal version. Yes, I'm a bit of a pansy, but mainly this was exactly how I was introduced to the Old Fashioned way back when.
National Old Fashioned Day is June 14th and Old Fashioned Week is celebrated the first week in November.
VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS
Updated 3-2021
