The Old Fashioned is the granddaddy of all cocktails—a timeless blend of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus that predates Prohibition but became a symbol of resilience and quality during America's driest years.
The History
The Old Fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and is considered one of the first drinks to be called a "cocktail." The original definition of a cocktail was simple: spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. The Old Fashioned is that definition perfected.
By the late 1800s, bartenders had started getting creative with cocktails, adding liqueurs, fruits, and elaborate garnishes. Purists who wanted their drinks made the "old-fashioned way" would request their whiskey cocktail without the fuss—and the name stuck.
During Prohibition (1920-1933), the Old Fashioned became a speakeasy staple. Its simple recipe made it easy to prepare in underground bars, and the sugar and bitters helped mask the harsh taste of bootleg whiskey. Quality spirits were hard to come by, but a well-made Old Fashioned could make even rough whiskey palatable.
After Prohibition ended, the Old Fashioned remained a symbol of classic American drinking culture. It's been the drink of choice for everyone from literary icons to presidents, and it experienced a major resurgence during the craft cocktail movement of the 2000s.
The Classic Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp simple syrup)
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel
- Luxardo cherry (optional)
- Large ice cube or sphere
Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass (also called a rocks glass).
- Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the sugar cube.
- Add a small splash of water or club soda.
- Muddle the sugar, bitters, and water together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add a large ice cube or sphere to the glass.
- Pour in 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey.
- Stir gently for 20-30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a good twist, then drop it in.
- Optionally, add a Luxardo cherry for garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned
Bourbon vs. Rye: Bourbon gives you a sweeter, smoother drink. Rye adds spice and complexity. Both are traditional—choose based on your preference.
Use a large ice cube: A single large cube melts slower than small cubes, keeping your drink cold without over-diluting it.
Don't skip the orange peel: Expressing the oils over the drink adds aromatic complexity that's essential to the Old Fashioned experience.
Avoid the fruit salad: Modern bars sometimes muddle orange slices and multiple cherries into the drink. Purists skip this—the original Old Fashioned is about the whiskey, not the fruit.
Quality matters: Since this drink has so few ingredients, each one counts. Use good whiskey, real Angostura bitters, and fresh orange peel.
Bring the Classic Home
Want to experience the Old Fashioned beyond the glass? Our Old Fashioned soap captures the essence of this timeless cocktail with rich, warm notes that evoke the same quality and craftsmanship. It's the perfect way to start your day with a touch of classic sophistication.
A Drink That Stands the Test of Time
The Old Fashioned survived Prohibition, outlasted countless cocktail trends, and remains one of the most ordered drinks in America today. It's proof that sometimes the simplest things—done right—are the best.
Just like our handcrafted soaps, the Old Fashioned is about quality, tradition, and doing things the right way. No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just timeless craftsmanship in a glass.
Cheers to the classics.
Leave a comment