The History of the Old Fashioned: The King of Classic Cocktails
The Old Fashioned is considered the undisputed king of classic cocktails, a symbol of elegance and tradition in the world of mixology. Simple yet sophisticated, this drink is synonymous with refinement and character, offering a perfect balance between the strong flavour of whisky and the sweetness of sugar, with an aromatic touch from Angostura bitters and a spritz of orange peel.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of the Old Fashioned, its classic recipe, the most famous variations, and some tips for preparing it to perfection.
The Origins of the Old Fashioned
The 19th Century Roots
The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails ever created, with its roots tracing back to the first half of the 19th century. Its creation coincided with the time when the word "cocktail" was first defined as a drink consisting of a distilled spirit, sugar, water, and bitters.
The Old Fashioned embodies this original formula, a genuine and simple cocktail where the basic ingredients are not overwhelmed by too many flavours or elaborate mixes.
The Pendennis Club of Louisville
The invention of the cocktail is often credited to the Pendennis Club, an exclusive private club in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 1880s. It is said that the drink was created by a bartender at the club for Colonel James E. Pepper, a famous whisky producer of the time.
Pepper, impressed with the creation, brought the recipe to the famous bar at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York, helping to spread the cocktail across the urban scene.
Why "Old Fashioned"?
In the 1880s, the cocktail industry was undergoing a revolution, with the introduction of new liquors, syrups, and techniques. Some customers, nostalgic for simpler and more traditional cocktails, began requesting drinks made "the old-fashioned way"—hence the name Old Fashioned.
The Classic Old Fashioned Recipe
Ingredients:
- 60 ml of bourbon or rye whisky
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon of water
- Ice
- Orange peel and a maraschino cherry for garnish
Method:
1. Muddle the sugar cube with bitters and water in an Old Fashioned glass (lowball glass) until you have a smooth base.
2. Add a few ice cubes and pour in the whisky.
3. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
4. Garnish with a piece of orange peel (rubbed on the rim to release the essential oils) and a maraschino cherry.
5. Serve immediately and savour slowly.
The Secrets to a Perfect Old Fashioned
- Quality Whisky: Preferably a sweet and smooth bourbon, or a drier and spicier rye whisky.
- Classic Sugar or Syrup: Tradition calls for a sugar cube, but some prefer using simple syrup for better integration.
- Aromatic Bitters: Angostura bitters are a must, but you can experiment with orange or chocolate bitters for more complex variations.
- Big Ice: A large ice cube slows down dilution, keeping the drink well-balanced.
Famous Old Fashioned Variations
1. Rum Old Fashioned
- Uses dark rum instead of whisky.
- Perfect for a tropical twist while maintaining the elegance of the original.
2. Tequila Old Fashioned
- Replaces whisky with reposado or añejo tequila.
- Smoky and sweet notes, ideal for those who love the character of tequila.
3. Maple Old Fashioned
- Replaces sugar with maple syrup for a soft and rich touch.
- Great for autumn, with warm and enveloping flavours.
4. Smoky Old Fashioned
- Uses peated whisky (like Islay Scotch) for a smoky and bold character.
- Add a dash of orange bitters to balance the intensity.
The Old Fashioned in Pop Culture
The Old Fashioned has become one of the most iconic cocktails, thanks in part to pop culture, especially the TV series "Mad Men," where the protagonist Don Draper drinks it with style and ease. This cocktail represents timeless elegance and class, making it perfect for moments of reflection or sophisticated evenings.
Fun Facts About the Old Fashioned
- The glass is named after the cocktail itself and is known as an Old Fashioned Glass or Rocks Glass.
- During Prohibition, the cocktail was often made with bootleg whisky, whose strong flavour was softened with plenty of sugar and bitters.
- The city of Louisville, Kentucky, declared the Old Fashioned the official cocktail of the city in 2015.
- Every year, National Old Fashioned Week is celebrated as a tribute to its timeless popularity.
Conclusion
The Old Fashioned is more than just a cocktail: it is an icon of mixology that has withstood the test of time while maintaining its class and distinctive character. Its simplicity hides a complexity of flavours that is fully expressed only with high-quality ingredients and careful preparation.
Making an Old Fashioned is a ritual that every bartender and enthusiast should master, a celebration of authenticity and bold taste. Experiment with variations or stick to the classic recipe, but always remember to choose quality whisky and enjoy it slowly, as is fitting for a true classic.