How to make a sophisticated Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the most classic and well-known cocktails in the world, with a history that dates back to the 19th century. It's a sophisticated drink that requires a solid understanding of ingredients and a steady hand in mixing. In this guide, we'll delve into what it takes to make a truly magnificent Old Fashioned.

Ingredients

Before we begin, let's gather the ingredients. For an Old Fashioned, you will need:

• 60ml of bourbon
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 1 orange peel
• 1 maraschino cherry to garnish

Equipment

You will also need some specific equipment to make an Old Fashioned:

• A mixing glass
• A bar spoon
• A glass of rocks
• A pestle

Preparation

Now, let's go step by step on how to make a sophisticated Old Fashioned:

1. First, place the sugar cube in the mixing cup. Add the dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the sugar.
2. Use the pestle to crush the sugar and mix it with the bitters. The goal here is to create a paste of sugar and bitters. If you don't have a pestle, you can use the handle of a wooden spoon.
3. Add the bourbon to the mixture. Use a bar spoon to stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Take the rocks glass and fill it with ice. Pour the bourbon, sugar, and bitters mixture over the ice.
5. To add the finishing touch to your Old Fashioned, take the orange peel and twist it over the glass. This will release the essential oils in the peel, which add a citrusy aroma to the drink.
6. Garnish the glass with the maraschino cherry and serve.

Tips for a perfect Old Fashioned

Here are some tips for making a truly magnificent Old Fashioned:

• Choose the right bourbon: Bourbon is the star of Old Fashioned, so choose a good quality one. Brands like Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, and Woodford Reserve are good choices.
• Use the right sugar: Demerara sugar is the best choice for an Old Fashioned as it has a deeper and more complex flavor than white sugar.
• Be generous with bitters: Bitters are essential in balancing the sweetness of the sugar and the sharpness of the bourbon. Don't be afraid to use 2-3 dashes.
• Use quality ice: Ice dilutes the drink as you sip it, so use good quality ice. If possible, use a large ice cube as it melts more slowly and dilutes the drink more evenly.

With these tips and instructions, you're ready to make a sophisticated Old Fashioned. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first Old Fashioned isn't perfect. Keep experimenting and tweaking until you find the perfect match for your taste buds. Cheers!