November 2023 – Classic Old Fashioned

The Classic Old Fashioned is a cocktail that has been around for a long time (1800’s) and for good reason.  It is truly one of the classics and is a simple yet wonderful drink.  This cocktail can be enjoyed year-round and using a simple syrup made of turbinado sugar and adding in some orange bitters and a smidge of cherry syrup makes this delightful cocktail even better.  A simple trick of using the simple syrup with the bitters and cherry syrup provides a smooth liquid base to build this drink upon and can be done quickly so you can make numerous drinks for dinner guest and or family.  Making the simple syrup at a 1 to 1 ratio (sugar to water) helps keep the sweetness level down while allowing the bourbon to shine.  This is one of my first-choice drinks and I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Ingredients:

• Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• Angostura Orange Bitters
• Woodford Reserve Bourbon (or your favorite)
• Orange Peel
• Copper and Kings Cocktail Cherries (or Luxardo Cherries)
• Homemade Simple Syrup made with Turbinado Sugar (e.g., Sugar in the Raw)

Tools:

• Oxo two-sided shot glass/jigger
• Ice Cube Form (round preferred)
• Double Rocks Glass
• Stir Sticks
• Stainless steel cocktail picks

Directions:

Simple Syrup

1. Depending on how much you need you just combine equal parts sugar (Turbinado) and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil while stirring then let cool.  For example, for small dinner parties I usually mix 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and in a small saucepan bring it to a boil while stirring. 
2. I then remove from heat to cool.
3. Once cool use a funnel to transfer the simple syrup to a squeeze bottle and place in fridge until its needed.

Classic Old Fashioned

1. First make sure the night before you make large round ice cubes for the drink.
2. In the bottom of your double rocks glass add three dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters and three dashes Angostura Orange bitters.
3. Then add 2 tsp of Turbinado simple Syrup and 1 tsp Luxardo cherry syrup and then place ice cube in glass.
4. Add three one ounce shots of Woodford Reserve Bourbon (or your favorite)
5. Once all ingredients stir cocktail for 20-50 seconds using the cocktail straws. 
6. Take a slice of Orange peel and squeeze over drink to release essential oils into the drink and also rub over rim of glass
7. Garnish with cherry and orange peel (see-picture – if so inclined) and enjoy!!!

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The items shown above are just suggestions/examples and each consumer should do their own research and choose the proper product that suits their needs the best.