Classic 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. Sugar cube: Provides the necessary sweetness to balance the drink. Angostura bitters: A concentrated bitters made from herbs and spices, essential for adding depth and complexity. Orange peel: Used for garnish, it adds a fresh citrus aroma. Lemon peel: Another garnish that contributes a bright, zesty note.

When muddling the sugar cube with bitters and a splash of water, ensure you use a gentle but firm pressure to fully dissolve the sugar. This will create a smooth base for your whiskey and help to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the cocktail.

• bourbon - Substitute with brandy: Brandy offers a similar depth of flavor and complexity, making it a suitable alternative for bourbon in an Old-Fashioned.

• rye whiskey - Substitute with scotch: Scotch provides a smoky and robust flavor profile, which can add an interesting twist to the classic cocktail.

• sugar cube - Substitute with simple syrup: Simple syrup dissolves more easily and evenly in the drink, ensuring a consistent sweetness throughout.

• angostura bitters - Substitute with orange bitters: Orange bitters add a citrusy note that complements the other flavors in the cocktail, offering a refreshing variation.

• orange peel - Substitute with grapefruit peel: Grapefruit peel provides a slightly more bitter and aromatic zest, enhancing the drink's complexity.

• lemon peel - Substitute with lime peel: Lime peel adds a tangy and vibrant citrus note, providing a different but equally refreshing garnish.

• To keep your Classic Old-Fashioned fresh, store it in an airtight container or a mason jar. This helps preserve the flavors and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• If you plan to store the cocktail for more than a day, consider adding a slice of orange peel and lemon peel to the container. This will infuse the drink with a subtle, refreshing citrus note over time.
• For longer storage, place the container in the refrigerator. This will keep the whiskey chilled and ready to serve whenever you desire.
• If you want to prepare the Old-Fashioned in advance for a party, you can pre-mix the whiskey and bitters with the dissolved sugar. Store this mixture in the fridge and add the ice and citrus peels just before serving.
• To freeze the Old-Fashioned, pour the mixed drink into ice cube trays. This way, you can pop out a cube or two whenever you want a quick, chilled cocktail. Just remember to add fresh citrus peels when serving.
• When freezing, ensure the trays are covered with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent the cocktail from absorbing any unwanted freezer smells.
• For a creative twist, you can freeze the orange and lemon peels separately and add them to the drink as it melts, releasing their flavors gradually.
• Always label your stored or frozen Old-Fashioned with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its freshness and ensures you enjoy it at its best.

• Place the leftover Old-Fashioned in a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
• When ready to reheat, pour the Old-Fashioned into a heat-resistant glass.
• Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
• Place the glass with the Old-Fashioned into the simmering water, ensuring the water level is below the rim of the glass.
• Heat the Old-Fashioned gently, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature.
• Remove the glass from the saucepan and garnish with fresh orange peel and lemon peel.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your reheated Old-Fashioned.

• Old-fashioned glass: A short, sturdy glass perfect for serving the classic cocktail.

• Muddler: A tool used to crush the sugar cube and mix it with the bitters and water.

• Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring the cocktail gently.

• Large ice cube: A single, large ice cube that chills the drink without diluting it too quickly.

• Peeler: A tool to create thin strips of orange and lemon peel for garnish.

• Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure you pour the correct amount of whiskey.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the whiskey, bitters, and sugar ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use pre-made simple syrup: Substitute the sugar cube with a splash of pre-made simple syrup to save time on muddling.

Pre-cut garnishes: Have your orange peel and lemon peel ready to go before you start mixing.

Use a bar spoon: A bar spoon can help you stir the whiskey more efficiently, ensuring a well-mixed drink quickly.

Large ice cubes: Use large ice cubes or spheres to chill the drink faster and keep it cold longer.