Old Fashioned

History

The Old Fashioned is considered one of the oldest cocktails, if not THE original cocktail. The name itself came from people ordering drinks made "the old-fashioned way" as bartenders began adding more elaborate ingredients to drinks in the late 1800s.

Timeline

• 1806 — First published definition of "cocktail" matches the Old Fashioned: spirits, sugar, water, and bitters
• 1880s — The Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky claims to have invented the drink (disputed but legendary)
• 1880s — The name "Old Fashioned" emerges as patrons resist the new, complicated cocktails and ask for drinks made "the old-fashioned way"
• 1895 — First printed recipe using the name "Old Fashioned"
• 2000s — Craft cocktail revival brings the Old Fashioned back to prominence
• 2007+ — Mad Men popularizes the drink with a new generation

Wisconsin has a special relationship with the Old Fashioned—it's practically the state cocktail. Wisconsin-style often uses brandy instead of whiskey and adds muddled fruit and a splash of soda.

The Classic Recipe

How to Make It

1. Muddle the sugar: Place sugar cube in a rocks glass. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a small splash of water. Muddle until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
2. Add ice: Add one large ice cube (or a few smaller ones). A single large cube melts slower and dilutes the drink less.
3. Pour the whiskey: Add 2 oz of rye or bourbon. I prefer rye for the spice, but bourbon works great too.
4. Stir: Stir gently for about 30 seconds to combine and chill.
5. Express the orange peel: Hold the orange peel over the glass and give it a twist to release the oils. Rub the peel around the rim, then drop it in.
6. Garnish: Add a Luxardo cherry if you like. Skip the neon maraschino cherries—they don't belong here.

Pro Tips

• Use good whiskey: This is a spirit-forward drink—quality matters
• Don't over-muddle: You want to dissolve the sugar, not pulverize fruit
• Large ice cube: Invest in a silicone mold for big cubes that melt slowly
• Simple syrup option: Makes consistency easier, especially at home
• Express, don't drop: The oils from the orange peel make the drink

Variations

Tequila Old Fashioned (with Casamigos)

A fantastic variation using Casamigos Añejo instead of whiskey.

The aged tequila brings caramel and oak notes similar to whiskey, while the agave replaces the sugar for a more cohesive flavor profile.

Other Variations

• Brandy Old Fashioned: Wisconsin classic, uses brandy, often with muddled fruit and soda
• Rum Old Fashioned: Dark aged rum brings molasses and tropical notes
• Mezcal Old Fashioned: Smoky, complex, with mole bitters
• Maple Old Fashioned: Maple syrup instead of sugar, especially good in fall/winter
• Smoked Old Fashioned: Smoke the glass with wood chips before pouring

The Glass

The Old Fashioned glass (also called a rocks glass or lowball) was literally named after this drink. It's short, wide, and sturdy—designed to accommodate muddling and large ice.

• Capacity: 6-10 oz
• Shape: Wide and short with a heavy bottom
• Why it works: Room for ice, stable for muddling, easy to sip

Why It's Perfect

The Old Fashioned endures because of its simplicity. It doesn't hide the whiskey—it enhances it. The sugar takes the edge off, the bitters add complexity, and the orange oil brightens everything. There's a reason it's been the drink of choice for over 200 years.

As Don Draper demonstrated, sometimes the classics just work.