The history of the old fashioned was provided by George Kappeler in his 1895 book. The recipes are given for Whiskey, Brandy, Holland gin, and Old Tom gin. The drink recipe for the Old Fashioned specifies the following:
Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail
Dissolve a small lump of sugar with a little water in a whiskey-glass. add two dashes Angostura Bitters, a small piece of ice, a piece of lemon-peel, one jigger of whiskey, mix with small bar spoon and serve, leaving spoon in glass.
The Chicago Daily Tribune created the “Old Fashioned” cocktails of the early 1880’s. The name of the Old Fashioned comes from cocktail recipes that are literally done the old-fashioned way.
How to Make an Old Fashioned
- 1 scant tsp simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters, plus more to taste
- 1 half dollar-size slice orange peel, including pith.
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- Maraschino Cherry
In an Old Fashioned glass, combine simple syrup and bitters. Fill glass halfway with ice, then stir. Add enough ice to fill glass. Squeeze orange peel over glass to extract oils; add peel and bourbon to glass. Stir about a dozen times. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry. You can also try smoking your old fashioned with this recipe from Aged & Charred.
There are so many great mixology bars in New York City that you can find a proper Old Fashioned!
Our Best Stories Delivered Daily
